Hives, also known as urticaria or welts, are part of a red and itchy rash that may migrate over your skin. The raised marks that appear in your rash are known as weals. In most cases, your hives will self-resolve within several days, although they can last longer. Natural herbal antihistamines may help treat your hives, although you should always clear the use of herbs with your doctor first.
Hives
Hives is a condition that affects about 20 percent of the American population at some point in their lives, reports the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. If you develop a bout of hives, you may experience itching that is followed by the appearance of raised red welts. The severity of your itching can range from mild to severe. Factors that may make your itching worse include exercise, alcohol, emotional stress and scratching your affected area.
Natural Herbal Antihistamines
Numerous natural herbs may have antihistamine action or may be helpful in treating your hives. Examples of natural herbs that may be appropriate for hives sufferers, notes certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," include red alder leaves and bark, black nightshade leaves, aloe vera gel, alfalfa, cat's claw, nettle and sarsaparilla. Further clinical studies may be required to determine the true effectiveness of these herbs for this health purpose.
Herb in Focus
Nettle may be one of the most powerful natural herbal antihistamines. Nettle may help treat hives, psoriasis, eczema and chickenpox. In her book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," naturopathic physician and master herbalist Sharol Tilgner states that nettle has also been used in treating chronic illnesses, hay fever and asthma. Nettle possesses antihistamine and anti-inflammatory action, helps moderate your allergic response and helps tighten your mucous membranes.
Warning
Natural herbal antihistamines and other herbs used in treating hives may contain powerful active ingredients that cause profound changes within your body. Not all herbal remedies may be appropriate for you, especially if you have certain allergies or medical conditions or if you are pregnant. Before taking natural herbal antihistamines to help treat your hives, review important herb-related information with a botanical medicine specialist, including proper dosage, likely side effects and possible drug interactions.
References
- National Health Service: Urticaria (Hives)
- American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology: Hives Information
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
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