Hives, also called urticaria, is an allergic reaction that causes itchy red and white welts to appear on your skin. Certain foods, medications and environmental triggers can release histamine into your bloodstream, causing the reaction. Hives are not usually serious, but in some cases the reaction can be life threatening, so see a doctor immediately if you have difficulty breathing. Herbal teas may help reduce swelling and itching naturally. Consult your health care provider before starting herbal tea treatment for hives.
Herbal Actions
Herbal teas for hives work in different ways. Anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy herbs act like antihistamines and affect your body's immune and inflammatory response. Alterative herbs, also known as blood cleansers, work internally to restore chemical balance. Check with a practitioner for advice about dosage and preparation of herbal teas for hives.
Licorice
Licorice, or Glrcyrrhiza glabra, is a Mediterranean perennial. Herbalists have used the rhizomes since ancient times to treat coughs, ulcers, gastrointestinal disorders and skin inflammation. Licorice is rich in flavonoids and saponins, and has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy properties. In their 2000 book, "The Herbal Drugstore," Dr. Linda B. White and medicinal plant expert Steven Foster explain that licorice tea acts similar to cortisol, one of your body's own anti-inflammatory hormones. Do not take licorice tea for more than six weeks. Avoid this herb if you are pregnant, have hypertension, diabetes, or thyroid, liver, kidney or heart problems.
Burdock
Burdock, or Arctium lappa, is a large-leafed plant native to Europe. Traditional healers use it for skin disorders, such as eczema, psoriasis and acne. Burdock has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Dr. Linda B. White and Steven Foster recommend using the roots, leaves and seeds for burdock tea to treat hives. Burdock is also an important alterative herb. In his 2003 book, "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine," clinical herbalist David Hoffmann, FNIMH, AHG, states that skin disorders are a sign of systemic imbalance, and burdock will move your body towards a state of integration. Do not use this herb if you have allergies to plants in the Aster family.
German Chamomile
German chamomile, or Matricaria recutita, is a daisy-like herb native to Europe. The flowers are rich in essential oil and flavonoids. Herbalists use chamomile for a range of disorders, including insomnia, anxiety, hives and nerve pain. Dr. Linda B. White and Steven Foster note that chamomile may reduce the skin inflammation and, if the itching and burning keep you awake, help you sleep at night. Chamomile is a member of the Aster family, so avoid it if you are allergic to these plants.
References
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, M.D., Steven Foster; 2000
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
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