Home Remedies for Itchy Hives

Hives are an allergic reaction to plants, foods, drugs, insect bites, metals, stress and, in some cases, sunshine. Whatever the trigger, hives are caused by the body's reaction to histamine. Histamine produces allergic symptoms including hives. Many people use over-the-counter antihistamines when they have a bout of hives, but they often cause drowsiness. There are also several herbal home remedies that work well to relieve the allergic reaction of hives.

Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)

• According to Dr. James A. Duke, herbal botanist, jewelweed works wonders for hives. Jewelweed contains a compound called lawsone that is effective for treating the itching of hives. One easy way to apply jewelweed to hives it to cut plants into 1- to 2-inch pieces, place in a plastic bag and flatten with a rolling pin. Put the plant pieces into a pot and just cover with water. Bring to a boil and reduce liquid to about half of the original amount. Strain the plant material and allow the water to cool. Pour the water into ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen, apply ice cubes directly to the affected area.

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica)

• Although nettles can cause a rash when they come into contact with skin, taken orally, nettles help heal hives. Dr. Duke recommends drinking nettle tea to relieve hives. Steep 2 tsp. of leaves or dried nettle root in one cup boiling hot water (2 to 4 minutes for leaves; 10 minutes for roots). Strain plant material and drink tea three to four times per day. Nettle is also available in capsule form.

Camomile (Matricaria recutita)

• Camomile contains seven antihistamine compounds. In addition to drinking plain camomile tea, try adding other antihistamine herbs such as fennel, basil, oregano and tarragon. Add a few cups into your bath and soak, or dip a clean cloth into the tea and apply directly to hives. If you are allergic to ragweed, use camomile with care as it is part of the ragweed family.

Stay Cool

• Try cold compresses, cool baths and ice cubes to relieve the itching of hives. Cold shrinks the blood vessels and keeps them from swelling. It also controls the allergic reaction by slowing the body's release of histamine. Try adding mint to the ice cubes to increase the cooling effect.

Other Suggestions

• Try increasing the amount of quercetin in your diet. Quercetin is a natural antihistamine found in onions, apples and leafy green vegetables. It is also available in supplement form. Sandalwood essential oil is used in India to control hives. Add 20 drops of oil to one ounce of any white lotion and apply to hives. Calamine lotion can also offer some relief for the itching of hives.

Warning

• Hives are an indication of an allergic reaction. If you have never had hives before, contact your primary care physician immediately. Also, if you have hives in your mouth or on your tongue, or if hives are accompanied by difficulty swallowing or breathing, call 911 immediately.