How to Stop Itching From Hives
I have been plagued with chronic hives for many years, and during this time I have tried lots of remedies to help stop the constant itching, swelling, and soreness. I am posting the things that I have found to actually be useful in hopes of helping anyone else that is suffering.
Of course, I have to say that what works for me may not work for you but if you are anything like me you will try just about anything. Go through the list and experiment to find what works for you.
For me, my go to relief was ice compresses and Vitamin C. But we are all different so if that doesn't work for you scan the list and try something else.
Since you are here you probably have hives right this very second, so we have talked long enough let's get down to business.
Here are my 13 natural remedies for hives:
Use A Cold Compress
This is not for those that have hives caused by cold but for all other causes this really helps.
A cold compress is considered one of the best natural remedies for hives. Using ice will help shrink the blood vessels and block the release of histamine. This helps stop the swelling and itching.
If you have a couple of zip lock bags handy fill one with ice, let the air out of the bag then seal and then place it inside of the second bag.
No storage bags handy? Just place ice cubes in a dish towel twist all the ends together and rubber band to make a seal so that the ice doesn't fall out. It will leak after a while, so you may have to change towels every hour or so.
Hold the ice on the affected area for ten minutes at a time. You can also take a lukewarm bath or shower as often as needed.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C has the ability to block the histamine that is being released into your body causing the hives in the first place. A thousand milligrams three time a day, (morning-noon-bedtime) will make a significant difference.
Colloidal Oatmeal
What is Colloidal Oatmeal? It is nothing more than Certified gluten-free oats ground extremely fine, but it works very well for hives. It helps to stop irritation, swelling itching, and it contains soothing properties that help bring relief quickly.
Start filling up your tub with lukewarm water, while the water is still running (so that it mixes) add two cups of baking soda, and two cups of colloidal oatmeal. If you do not have colloidal oatmeal use whatever you have on hand for now. Just grind it up in a bullet, or food processor, or even a coffee grinder will work. Try soaking in it for 20-30 minutes.
Try Making a Anti Itch Paste
Start with 3 tablespoons of baking soda, cornstarch, cream of tartar or diatomaceous earth and mix with just enough water to form a thick paste.
Apply paste to the affected area and let dry for about 15 minutes. Rinse by letting cool water run over the area.
Do not scrub with a rag, rub softly with your hand to remove any residue the running water didn't take off. Pat dry gently with a towel.
Fresh Aloe Vera Gel
Fresh Aloe is one of the best old school, natural remedies for hives. Simply slice off a piece and put the gel that comes out directly on the hives leave on for about 20-25 minutes. Rinse gently in cool water.
Ginger
Ginger is well known for it's healing abilities. Buy a piece of Ginger root and place it in the freezer for a bit. Cut off the peel and apply directly to the hives. The enzymes will immediately go to work on the swelling and itching.
Apple Cider Vinegar With Mother
This isn't the kind you pick up at the grocery store, but it can be found in health food stores. Make sure you buy the kind with mother because it has beneficial healing powers.
Take a half cup of Apple Cider and mix it with a 1/4 cup of water. Dip a cotton ball in the solution and apply to the affected area. This can be done often throughout the day.
Alternatively you may mix it in your lukewarm bathwater and soak in it for 20 minutes or so. Keep in mind that it does have a strong vinegar smell.
If you do not have Apple Cider Vinegar use regular white vinegar it works but many say that the Apple Cider Vinegar is stronger.
Witch Hazel, milk of magnesia, Calamine and Pepto-Bismol
You may use any of the three, whatever you have handy. All of these items will help to shrink blood vessels, and stop the itching. Just put some on a cotton ball and apply to the affected area. Leave on for 20 minutes and rinse with cool water. Witch Hazel does not need to be rinsed.
Pineapple Compress
Sounds strange huh? Pineapples contain an enzyme called Bromelain which will help with the swelling. Place fresh or canned pineapples in a towel and apply directly to the hives.
Fish Oil
Fish Oil contains fatty acids that help with swelling, and is very good against hives. You will need to take 1,000 milligrams twice daily, alternatively you can eat fish like salmon, albacore tuna and bluefish for the same effect.
Turmeric
Turmeric is well known for it's anti inflammatory properties, and has been praised for treating many skin disorders including hives. Add a tsp of turmeric to a small cup of warm milk and drink twice daily until hives are gone. Use it to cook with as well for added benefits.
Tea
Green Tea and Catnip Tea (yes I said catnip) green tea is considered a soothing tea and catnip tea is considered to a calmative tea both help you to relax. Brew tea and add a little honey to help with the bitter flavor. Do it Yourself has a great post showing you complete directions for making catnip tea.
Cayenne Pepper Capsules
Histamines affect circulation in the body, this is what causes the skin to swell and cause hives. Cayenne Pepper is known for boosting the circulatory system which will help make the hives disappear.
I really feel for anyone who is suffering from hives, as I know exactly what you are going through. During my course of research I was lucky enough to stumble upon a book that changed my life forever.
If you want to know how to stop hives for good, instead of just helping the symptoms you should read this book too. It focuses directly on repairing the immune system, which really is the root of your hives problem.
