The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Sunshine (Montreal) on 07/19/2019
★★★★★
Have had problems with chronic Urticaria for 4 years mainly because at first I was fermenting and eating A LOT of veggies, yogurt and whatever I felt like fermenting (had a period!) Alcohol was also part of it for often, summer equals COLD BEER!
After all this time my face was pretty messed up, had the hives all over, to a point where it looked scary!. So of course I started reading about it and wanted a permanent solution, one that was SIMPLE, SHORT and EFFICIENT. I tried many things, all I could find really but without satisfaction. Then I started reading about the enzyme "diamine oxidase" which digests histamines and looked it up on amazon, but living in Canada I found it absolutely unaffordable! So I turned to the one thing that always got me out of trouble, I focused on the body's wisdom to fabricate the enzyme itself. So to shorten a long story here is what I did: I eat 3 bites of food at a time and wait till the stomach gargles again before I eat another 3 bites (about two to three hours). I try to avoid the high histamine foods without being too strict about it for it takes a little histamines for the metabolism to kick in and produce the enzyme. I eat a bit of Olive Oil (two to three tsp/day) to stimulate the production of Diamine Oxidase. Taking “BIO K” yogourt, just a small tea spoon two to three times/day (keep a minute underneath the tong.) as well as: Histaminum 30 ch to desensitize histamines. Apis Mellifica 9 ch for itches and Allium Cepa for nose leaks from histamines outside. STOP all supplements for three days. Much better after 3 days though always a bit worst at night. Started taking D, K 2, Iodine, Calcium and Magnesium again, eating small meals for a while and adding lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (two TBSP) with 1/8 tsp of Bicarbonate in a glass of water.
UPDATE
A month now after this small effort, I have no more hives... GONE! I can have a drink here and there but for as long as I keep my electrolytes balanced and I don't exaggerate on the fun, skin remains clear. I also eat all I want, no more diet. If you want to try it and need help, just ask it will be my pleasure ! :)
Take care Sunshine
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Charity (Faithville, Us) on 08/13/2019
Dr. Batmanghelidj wrote in his books that histamine is a dehydration signal . Dehydration is a mineral /water imbalance. Histamine can cause hives . So if one mineral or water is out of balance you can have many things happen, Hives, runny nose ,itchy skin or eyes, headaches, nausea, digestion issues, brain fog, fatigue , vomiting. Stress makes the body produce cortisol and that further dehydrates the body. Swimming or bathing takes water out of the body. Mineral salts hold water in place. Bile is slowed or stopped by cortisol and also by low fat diets. Take ox bile supplements to restart bile flow. Bile is needed to absorb nutrients when you eat or drink. I am still trying to learn how to be well. Blessings, Charity
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Pat (Nashville, TN) on 01/05/2022
What exactly do you do with Apple cider vinegar? Drink or bathe with it?
EC: Poster from 2016 probably drank it.
Pectin
Posted by Barbara (San Marcos, Texas) on 12/27/2015
★★★★★
In 2013 we did a second and probably not final downsizing of our lives and household good...part of that was leaving our good mattress in South Carolina before moving to Texas....
We up-sized household goods and purchased a very comfortable Therapedic Memory Foam Mattress....three months later I woke up with what I knew was hives (never had allergic breakouts in life-69 yrs of age) on entire torso...I called my husband, and he began to ask what I had eaten different from him and if we had change detergents....I told him nothing had changed.
After immediately researching hives and changing our diet to low histamine...I visited my doctor and dermatologist to be told I had hives...My husband and I constantly went over our lifestyle...
We were renting an apartment with my computer station in our bedroom...my mind was going over my problem...I kept asking myself what was new and different....We had purchased all new furniture and household goods....Suddenly I looked around at the bed and googled "Can your mattress make you sick?" WOW!!!!
i tried many of the suggestions on this site and others....an associate that was into "New Age, Organic..etc" told me to do a Pectin Cleanse...I did not comprehend at first...I asked, "Do you mean the Pectin that is used in canning?" Answer was yes.....
MY CURE.... RECOMMENDED DAILY DOSAGE OF PECTIN (POWDER) FOR YOUR BODY.... THIS CAN BE FOUND BY GOOGLING... I USED APPROXIMATELY A TBSP... I IMMEDIATELY SAW CHANGE AND HAVE NOT HAD A PROBLEM SINCE... OVER TWO YEARS LATER.
If you take medications and or supplements you should take your Pectin dose at what you consider a safe time of day so that your meds/supplements are not removed from body.
Colloidal Silver
Posted by Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 05/19/2015
I've heard of this a number of times in the past few months...
In most recent case a male, aged 30 reports a rash breaks out intermittently on torso, legs, arms. Very itchy and with small welts. It goes away in a few weeks but a month later reappears in a different location.
This has been going on for about a year and a half. He has been to three doctors and given antibiotics. The rashes continue.
I asked him, if prior to onset, he had had any significant viral infections. Yes, he reported; a very bad and long lasting sinus infection plus some serious dental work that produced a long lasting infection on one side of his face.
With that I wondered if he had a blood born virus infection and discounted a fungal infection. However, I asked a long shot question....have you had any problem with mold in some damp area, at house or work, and ... one more...any problem with infection where dirt might have been involved. No mold...but yes to the dirt! He'd been playing softball and slid into a base and severely tore off skin while sliding into the dirt. Leg became infected and swollen for weeks.
So my thought is a possible double issue...virus plus fungi.
He is now on doses of colloidal silver three times daily. If his energy levels begin returning within 2 weeks, the infection theory might have some validity and he'd continue taking the CS for a considerable length of time.
If anyone else on EC has any other ideas please post.
Oh, also in the past 3 weeks he had begun having intestinal problems...digestion difficulty. My fear...perhaps the infection is not just in the blood but is invading other systems. So now he is also taking Apple Cider Vinegar in the evening...a tablespoon in glass of water.
Chickweed Tea
Posted by Aneta (Chicago, IL) on 02/22/2015
★★★★★
I am pregnant and got hives. I was reluctant to use any steroids and looked into alternatives. I tried calamine lotion, zinc oxide, comfrey lotion but one thing helped me and I was able to sleep the first night without itching that would wake me up every hour- chickweed. I bought tea bags, had a tea and applied tea bag to my hives. It is only day 2 but my hives are almost gone. Also, I drink tremendous amounts of water too. I plan on planting it in my backyard this spring.
Hives Triggers
Posted by Kate77 (Hudson Valley, Ny) on 02/19/2015
It's been below zero in the Hudson Valley for over a month with no January thaw. We have forced hot-air heat and DO RUN a humidifier because of the dryness. I take lysine, Vit. D, C, B-complex, acidophilous, Kelp, and drink a green drink each day with psyllium hulls, chlorella and spirulina. Yesterday when I came home it was so cold. I put on my fleece thermal underwear and low and behold, felt very itchy on my back. After several minutes of scratching and no relief, I realized I had hives! I removed the fleece (polyester), had my husband put aloe vera on my back and put on a cotton T-shirt. Immediate relief! But this morning my back is irritated from all of the scratching I did. I usually wear only cotton, so that my body can breathe. Lesson learned.
Hives Triggers
Posted by Mr. Ree (Usa) on 02/19/2015
★★★★★
Kate77, If your clothing was new it contains bromide which can cause horrific hives...I know several people who got bad cases from new mattresses. Sealy being the worst. "Bromide is a flame retardant that they put in carpeting, furniture, mattresses, clothing, computers, iPhones and automobiles-just to name a few." (to quote Stephanie Buist). The punch line is the flame retardant does no better job from stopping a fire than without it...You can "Google" the test results. Another govt. regulation that is causing the public it's health, but making someone a lot of $$$.
Hives Triggers
Posted by Timh (KY) on 02/20/2015 2042 posts
K: In addition to other good replies, in an effort to reduce the inflammatory response, increase Cold Water Fish in the diet or supplement Fish Oil and/or Flax Seed Oil. Brazil Nuts or supplemental Selenium is a very important antioxidant that insures protection of the sensitive Omega 3 Fatty Acids. Also be sure to take a Vit-C that has additional Citrus Bioflavonoids. Turmeric and Pineapple are good anti-inflammatory foods.
Water and Baking Soda
Posted by Joyce (Easley, Sc) on 07/21/2014
★★★★★
I have battled with uticaria (hives) for 25 years.
They come on sudden and once they start I have in my youth battled with them daily for years at a time...miserable teen years...UNTIL
in my 20's I started a rotation diet to find out what I was most sensitive to. Plus began eating perservative/additive free. Good home cooking with NO MSG! And all its little counter parts. That process helped tremendously.
Then when I was 30, I was using a lot of bleach and started using a laundry soap that was not natural and hives hit me hard again. After 9 months of torture, I read a book called the water cure and increased my water intake by an extra quart a day. In a few days they had stopped. I have always been a low water drinker.
I am 47 now, and a few weeks I was into bleach and staining and other paint chemicals and they came on with vengence again. This time I stopped them in their tracks by drinking a huge glass of water with a tsp of baking soda mixed in it, (on an empty stomach) when I would wake up at night.
I am thrilled...so thrilled to have control of them so quickly.
Joyce
P.S. 27 years of studying health and helping my family naturally. If your really sick...start juicing veges and get off ALL premade food. It will blow your mind how many things your body can heal/correct that the doc says "It's inherited". Yea right. My Father was healed from heart disease/diabetes/ gout/ arthritis and tons of other issues. I was healed from ganglia cysts, trigger thumb, stomach ulcers, and other female issues. Your body was created to HEAL itself when given the right tools.
Castor Oil
Posted by Bev (Fort Lauderdale) on 09/14/2013
Have you tried Sudafed or Benedryl? I went into anaphylactic shock in the doctor's office from hives and could have died. To avoid this, all I had to do was take Sudafed or Benedryl which I then did for about a week. You may need to take it for more or less time. Hives can be very dangerous so don't mess with them.
I'm into natural remedies, too, or I wouldn't be on this site but sometimes you have to do what you have to do. Also, since you have had hives for so long, I'm wondering about something in your diet. You can become suddenly allergic to foods you've been eating all your life or to a new food or a new brand from the supermarket. Eliminating grains might be a good place to start.
Since stress can also be a factor, you might want to try L-Theanine, tryptophan, 5-HTP or any one of several other stress reducers. Unfortunately, what works well for most people may not work at all for you. It's kind of hit or miss.
The site below has some info about hives.
http://www.symptomfind.com/diseases-conditions/hives/
Good luck to you.
Dry Brushing
Posted by Sarah (Leicester, Uk) on 01/03/2013
★★★★★
Hi, I've suffered with cronic urticaria for 6 months... I've been allergy tested for everything to no avail and am taking constant high doses of certirizine. When very severe I have taken steroids which clear it up for about 2 weeks. After another week of swelling from top to toe (literally! ) I found this website the night before another trip to the Dr for more steroids... Wow... I dry brushed my entire body, had a tepid shower and smothered myself with bio oil (the only thing I had made from mineral oil) before going to bed. My rash is always worse in the morning so I didn't know what to expect but I woke up so the tiniest rash and jumped for joy! As recommended I have also invested in some oil of oregano (capsules for ingesting) and charcoal to try and alkalise my body, reducing toxins and acidity. I thing the suggestion is to apply the oil at night, dry brush in the morning then shower. I hope this helps someone. This is a horrible condition with no medical answers so finger crossed and good luck to you all.
Beer
Posted by Viji (Princeton, Nj) on 07/26/2016
Please beer could cause severe hives. Please any fermented drink or food can aggravate hives. Please don't say it is a solution.
Beer
Posted by Amie (Florida) on 10/26/2024
Perhaps it is the Vitamin b's found in Malt and hops? I will start taking a vitamin B complex and see if that helps.
Cool Baths With Starch
Posted by Rsw (Uniontown, Oh) on 07/31/2012
★★★★★
When I used to get hives for many years, I took 50 mg of Benedryl several times a day, as directed. They seemed to come out more at night, probably from the heat of the bed covers, especially on my hands on feet which would swell and felt like I was walking on big rocks. To get some sleep, I would fill the bathtub with cool water and pour some blue liquid starch into the water until it felt "starchy. ". A nurse told me to do this and it helps, at least temporarily. Sometimes you need almost a whole bottle of starch but it is inexpensive. If you wake up and don't want to do the bath, just fill the sink with cold water and some starch and put your hands or feet in for a while until your skin isn't hot and you can feel the hives stop itching. Let them air dry. Good luck! By the way, the stress and excitement of the trip may be a contributing factor. I would get them if I was worried and under stress and also when I was very happy and excited.
OTC
Posted by Michael (Tucson, Az) on 07/05/2012
★★★★★
I was suffering from total body hives for a year, and taking heavy prescription antihistamines which put me to sleep and tired all day. I went to an allergist and he put me on over the counter Zyrtec and Pepcid. (which by the way are both antihistamines.) I buy the generic form of each to save money, and I haven't had a single outbreak in over 60 days.
Hydrochloric Acid
Posted by Blueplanet (Yuen Long, Nt, Hong Kong) on 06/24/2012
★★★★★
I contracted severe hives on my palms after applying a deet based mosquito repellent on mosquito bites. I have already stopped using the repellents, but the hives persist. I have tried many things but to no avail. I have finally found some relief by soaking my hands in a solution of diluted hydrochloric acid. The itching sensation has gone, but I am not sure if the hives will come back later. I will post back.
Hydrochloric Acid
Posted by Blueplanet (Hong Kong) on 06/25/2012
★★★★★
I confirm that soaking the affected areas in diluted hydrochloric acid works. All the blisters either dry up, burst or become scabs. I have no more itching sensation.
Alkalize
Posted by Mclovin (Saint Petersburg, Fl) on 05/20/2012
★★★★★
I have suffered from chronic hives (daily) since 1994. I have been on every allergy med known to man!
On a fluke, my husband mentioned my pH balance. I went to the vitamin store, bought some pH testing tape and pH-basic herbal supplements. It turns out that I was DANGEROUSLY ACIDIC (5.0)! This morning, my pH levels are 5.8... Less than 24 hours after taking the pH-basic!
Doctors don't want to tell you that a majority of people's problems are pH balance related! They just want to get the pharmaceutical companies money! I really hopes this helps. As someone who has suffered from severe daily hives for 18 years, and popped 250mg of allergy meds every 6 hours, I know what I'm talking about!
Raw Rice
Posted by Christian (Salt Lake City, Utah) on 12/20/2011
★★★★★
I have a family remedy that my parents have saying, wash grains of rice (it has to be raw rice) then with your mouth, chew until it it becomes a white paste- this only works on acute hives though.
Alkalize
Posted by Ruben (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) on 10/31/2011
★★★★★
hi There
I'm having hives every morning for the last 3 weeks
I did some research and after 2 days 90% hives are gone.
1) Checked Body PH balance by testing urine, if acidic PH
If PH
Then you need to do the followoing to bring your balance to 7. 0 and hoping the hives will improve.
a) Take ACV 2tbsp and 1/4 tsp in 8oz/ 1 cup of warn water in the morning and night for 5-7 days.
b) Take Antacid Alkaline Salts 3 tablets in the morning and night. (pH Balance Pascoe)
You should see an improvement after 2 days.
In addition, I'm taking grape seeds 2 capsules in the morning and night instead reactine or benadryl.
Hope this helps..
Ruben
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by V. (Orlando, Fl) on 10/02/2011
★★★★★
I have had hives for over a year and a half now. I got it a month after the passing of my grandmother who raised me. Many doctors discard the fact that emotional changes can trigger hives, yet there are some that do not discard that. In my case, I have been diagnosed with chronic urticaria. I have experienced it all, swelling of tongue and throat, and huge welts on my skin and even my face! I was so desperate because I have been to 2 specialists, and all they do is keep prescribing different anthihistamines and steroids like prediscone, which I hate because the relief is temporary, yet the side effects are horrible and more permanent. In my desperation, I said to myself there has to be a natural way to cure this.
So, here is what I have done, and have been doing for a week now, and let me tell you, even though I cannot say yet that the hives are permanently gone, the difference is pretty much close to it. So I really hope this will help some of you: First, ACV does work. You have to however, get the organic ACV! That is very important! I started drinking ACV and it has tremendously improved my breakouts! I no longer get big welts, and I do get a few small breakouts on my legs, but they dissppear quick. Haven't had swelling since I started drinking ACV. The other thing I found really helps with the itching besides the good o'l aloe vera plant, is oatmeal body lotion! It's miraculous! Oatmeal is an anti itching agent. I rub it on my skin everyday and night, and the itching is gone almost instantly! I also use castor oil to rub on my skin! Yes, the combo of castor oil and oatmeal lotion really helps. There is something about the castor oil, that helps diminish the welts and stop them from coming out and spreading. They sell the castor oil you can rub on your body at the beauty section of any health food grocery store. It's amazing! So you may want to try this to see if this brings as much instant relief as it has done for me. Good luck and God bless!
Baby Oil
Posted by PRISCILLA (Belize ) on 11/15/2023
Hives have taken over my life. I have done every single test and spent thousands of dollars, and there is no end. Right now I am at home and my lips are swollen. Will try baby oil but I just need a real break from the hives. PS: I watch what I also eat.
Baby Oil
Posted by Misty (New Mexico) on 12/23/2023
Have you done 24hr urine Histamine clearance test? If so sorry, I dealt, still started again from hives, everyday 2010 till 2019. Nobody wud listen to me, nor acknowledge that I have them.Finally went out network found an allergist who was most sympathetic toward me with the issue. That was 2018, but they had go in network, had return to the place that basically threw me out in 2010 & 2017. Looking at Histamine clearance in 24hr urine results from out network dr came up with game plan. I was, am desperate. Started giving me Cromolyn Sodium, it is medication put into water, ingested 4x day. If I put any kind of lotion, oil, baby oil onto my skin while hives acting up makes it a million times worse. There is more to this tale, but if you are just find out if it is NOS hives or from Histamine Intolerance, it could be helpful for you.
Sorry if you have already done this test and I am rambling. Good luck.
L-Lysine
Posted by Jfm (London, England) on 07/29/2011
To Janet from Kendal, Uk. Thanks for your reply. When you say your hives have now gone was that due to bathing in the AVC or Hydrogen Peroxide? If so, what quantity of AVC or HP did you use in the bath? And how long did it take before you completely got rid of the hives? Thank you.
L-Lysine
Posted by Janet (Kendal, U.k) on 07/30/2011
RE-bathing in Vinegar I used the plain old malt , much cheaper only used a couple of times a couple of cup fulls to a bath. Was a bit scared to be honest with the HP, but same with that. (and I am still here.!!! Lol. )but the relief I got was instantely felt.
The burn, itch, pain cycle was broken. Let me sleep far more restfully. And help me feel much better all round. I continue to do the above once a week to maintain but but never felt this good in months.
Maybe you can persuade your daughter to drink a little too I do but ACV with BS. it alkalise your systom which I believe was the root of the problem.
Hope she feels better soon , for anyone that hasn, t had this to contend with it, s a blessing because it, s damned right awful.
P.S be great to know if it helps her. :)
Iodine
Posted by Laurie Anne (Ridge Manor, Fl, Usa) on 07/26/2011
★★★★★
After finding temporary success with many therapies such as ACV, digestive enzymes and an antihistamine diet, I am very pleased to share that I have permanently resolved my hives by taking lugols iodine 2% 2-6 drops, twice a day in water ( with 1/2 tsp. ACV when I remember ). As advised on other websites, I also am mindful to continue taking selenium, magnesium and vit. C, but not at the same time as the iodine (vit. C ). I have been suffering from this condition for 3 years and found it to exacerbate with heat, many different foods and stress.
Apparently iodine is beneficial for every dermatological condition, as it is used by every cell in the body, with increased use by the endocrine system ( yes it balances the thyroid, regulates estrogen production and diminishes cysts in the breasts and ovaries ) and the skin. You could easily substitute iosol iodine and take appx. 6-10 drops twice a day to get a similar effect. I recommend these two products because they have iodine and potassium iodide and the body needs both for optimal health. Iodine has numerous other uses and benefits and I am now recommending it to every one I know... It's well worth the cost and I have had no side effects except some fatigue for the first few days of use. Iodine will displace other heavy metals and I also advise researching "bromism" or bromine toxicity as well.