4 Home Treatments for Hives Can Be Helpful

Hives, or urticaria, plague many people.  Hives are the symptom of an allergic reaction to a food, chemical or other allergen. They are characterized by red patches, swelling in the affected area and extreme itching. In some people, hives symptoms can also include nausea, vomiting, weakness and muscle pain. Most doctors will prescribe an antihistamine, histamine blocker such as Pepcid or steroids to control and prevent hives. There are also some home treatments for hives that can ease symptoms and relieve pain. Some home treatments are taken by mouth and some are applied directly to the skin. Different people will have varying success.

Topical home treatments for hives are good for immediate lessening of symptoms, especially itching and redness. One good treatment is reported to be chilled witch hazel. Witch hazel can slow the release of histamine. Chilling it will provide extra soothing relief to red, itchy patches on the skin.

Aloe vera has also been shown to provide relief for the intense itching caused by hives.

An ice cube or ice pack can provide immediate, though somewhat temporary relief, as well.

Oral Treatments for Hives

It is thought that pineapple, specifically a chemical in pineapple called bromelain, can relieve and even prevent hives outbreaks. The pineapple can be eaten, or applied directly to the skin. To save money and provide extra protection, eat the fruit and apply the skin, flesh side down, to the affected areas of the body.

Another one of the popular oral treatments for hives is a cup of green tea, drunk twice per day.

Eating a small portion of raw parsley each day is thought to slow the production of histamine, lessening the frequency and severity of hives outbreaks.

The spice turmeric has been shown to stimulate the production of the body’s anti-inflammatory corticosteroids. These corticosteroids act much like prescription steroids, lessening the swelling that is commonly a good portion of the discomfort caused by hives.

Lavender is a calming herb and many people who suffer from stress-related hives report that this is another excellent treatment for hives.