Basil and Nettle for Hives

Urticaria or hives is characterized by the sudden outbreak of pale-red and swollen plaques or bumps on your skin. This condition is actually an allergic reaction that occurs because of a substance that you do not tolerate. The histamine released because of the allergic reaction results in redness, swelling, itching and various other symptoms. Hives can be triggered by insect stings or bites, foods (milk, nuts, fresh berries, chocolate, eggs, tomatoes, fish etc.), medications, latex, animal dander, chemicals, food additives or pollen. Stress can also be a cause for hives. The main problem with hives is that it’s extremely itchy, thus being extremely uncomfortable. Even though it usually disappears in a few days, it would be a great idea to try and ease its symptoms with natural remedies like the ones presented below.

Baking Soda

Hives can be easily cured with baking soda. This product has anti-inflammatory qualities and can reduce both the itching and the inflammation. Fill your bathtub with warm water and then add almost one cup of this product. Stir it well and afterwards soak in that water for almost half an hour. At the same time, you can mix some water with baking soda (2 tablespoons) and prepare a paste that you can apply on the affected areas. After 10 minutes, you can wash it off.

Oatmeal

Another excellent remedy for hives is oatmeal. It has soothing, anti-inflammatory and anti-irritating qualities and speeds up the healing process. Mix ground oatmeal (2 cups) with baking soda (1 cup) and pour the mixture in your bathtub. Mix it well and then soak in the bathtub for a minimum of 15 minutes. Take this soothing bath two times per day until you see the condition improved. You can also make a paste with water, cornstarch (2 tablespoons) and oatmeal (2 cups) and apply it on the affected areas for about 20 minutes. Use lukewarm water to rinse it off.

Nettle

Hives can be effectively treated with nettle. This plant is a natural antihistamine and comes with astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. As a result, it can relieve the itching, the inflammation and the swelling. Prepare a tea with hot water and dried nettle leaves (1 tablespoon). Let it steep for almost 15 minutes and add some honey. Drink the tea up to 3 times daily. The nettle capsules are also effective, but you must consult a doctor before taking them

Basil

Another plant that is extremely efficient in treating the hives is the basil. This herb can also combat inflammation and itching. Mix hot water with dried basil leaves (1 tablespoon). Put the mixture in a jar, cover it and let it cool. Use a cotton cloth to apply the solution on the affected areas. You can also use fresh basil leaves. Crush them and apply them on the problematic zones. After they have dried, you can wash them off with warm water.

In order to get rid of hives, you can also make use of mint, turmeric, aloe vera, ginger, apple cider vinegar and cold compresses to get relief from itching.