Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Hives

Nutrition and Supplementation

Your hives may be caused by any number of things, including food additives and preservatives. Try to pinpoint what causes your outbreak and avoid that substance.

Alcohol and processed foods deplete nutrients, so avoid them when possible. Also stay away from foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sugar, and from dairy products, eggs, chicken, and nuts.

The following daily supplements should help your hives:

Most Important

a prodophilus formula (as directed on label)-reduces allergic reactions and replaces friendly bacteria

garlic (10 drops in water 3 times daily)-destroys bacteria

quercetin (as directed on label)-reduces inflammation and reactions

vitamin C (1000 mg 3 times)-acts as an anti-inflammatory

vitamin D (400 IU)-reduces outbreaks

vitamin E (600 IU)-improves circulation to the skin tissues

zinc (50 mg, not to exceed a total of 100 mg from all supplements)-heals skin tissue

Also Recommended

calcium lactate (1000 mg)

pantothenic acid (500 mg)

vitamin B complex (50 mg)-maintains healthy skin, supplemented with vitamin B12 (2000 mcg)-prevents nerve damage, and B6 (100 mg)

(For an acute condition, take supplements until your symptoms subside. If symptoms persist, seek the advice of your healthcare provider. For a chronic condition, consult your healthcare provider regarding the duration of treatment.)

Herbal Therapy

Parsley and amaranth have antihistamine compounds that can control itching. To benefit from parsley's anti-itch properties, steep 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 3 teaspoons fresh) in 1 cup boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes; strain. Drink up to 3 cups a day. Or brew 2 teaspoons crushed amaranth seeds in 3 cups of boiling water for 15 minutes; strain. Dab over the itchy area with a cotton cloth.

You also can calm intense itching by applying aloe vera gel to the affected area. Look for a commercial product in health food stores or in drug stores, and follow the directions on the label.

Homeopathy

A homeopathic practitioner may suggest one of the following treatments for hives, depending on your symptoms: Apis if the hives are red, produce a burning sensation, and improve after a cold compress has been applied; Urtica urens if the hives are caused by an allergic reaction-especially from eating shellfish.

Note: if the allergic reaction is severe, and you experience swelling and difficulty breathing, immediately seek medical help.

Hydrotherapy

Soothe the itch of hives with a relaxing 20-to 3D-minute bath. Experiment to see which of the following soaks works best for you:

Add 5 tablespoons of oatmeal to warm bath water; swish to distribute well. (Use regular or quick oats, or grind regular oats in a food processor until powdered. You also can purchase a powdered oat solution in almost any drugstore.) When done bathing, gently pat yourself dry; do not rub.

Add 3 to 8 tablespoons of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to a tepid bath; stir to distribute. When done bathing, gently pat yourself dry; do not rub.

Stir 1 cup of cider vinegar into warm bath water; mix well. When done bathing, gently pat yourself dry; do not rub.

To restore the skin's natural pH balance and blunt the itching, apply cool, diluted vinegar compresses to irritated skin. Use cider vinegar or white distilled vinegar. Flush toxins from the system by drinking large amounts of water.