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.
Hives Triggers
Posted by Itchyscratchy (Sydney, Nsw Australia) on 01/28/2011
★★★★★
Dr Ted
Firstly I'd like to say yours is one of the best natural healing websites on the net. Well done. I broke out in a severe rash of hives over the last weekend and I have never been allergic to anything in my life. The only change I have made recently is that I started taking Acetyl L Carnitine with Alpha Lipoic Acid as a cognitive supplement, which I might add is FANTASTIC in that regard. I started the ACL and ALA three weeks before the onset of the rash, which lasted four days and led to a short course of Prednisone and Phenergan. Could the supplements have been the cause of my new friend - Hives!
Thanking you. ItchyScratchy
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Laurel (Milford DE ) on 02/20/2022
Have you tried a Rheumatologist for blood work? Maybe it's an inflammatory problem or immune system disorder that triggers the hives. Also, Dr. Nicole Apelian and Claude Davis have several books on natural remedies to help manage conditions. https://thebookofremedies.com.
You might be able to message her to ask what book would be best to read first for your son.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dodge (Lincoln, Ne/usa) on 12/11/2009
★★★★☆
I have been dealing with chronic urticaria of around 20 years. Each year they get a little worse. For the past 5 years of so I have been dealing with them with Cimetidine and Cetirizine. During warmer weather I can get by with very little but when it gets colder I need more. When winter hit this year it got really bad and I was taking a lot of Cimetidine trying to slow it down. Was not working and I was getting concerned. I found the information about using ACV and gave it a try taking it three times a day. Within 2 days the wheals where gone just a little iching or tingle left. I have even been able to cut back the meds to more normal summer levels. I have not played with different amounts of ACV yet but pleased so far.
Toothpaste
Posted by Helen (Long Island, USA) on 05/28/2009
★★★★★
I suffered with hives for over a year; they kept coming back. I went to doctors and they gave me prescriptions which didn't work. Believe it or not, I was so desperate that I had heard about toothpaste and I tried it and it worked. I used Aquafresh. I haven't had hives in a few months now.
Toothpaste
Posted by Helen (Long Island, NY) on 05/30/2009
I was not allergic to toothpaste. I rubbed toothpaste on the hives and they went away and didnt come back.
EC: Thanks for clarifying!
Toothpaste
Posted by Katydid (Texas, Usa) on 05/24/2016
★★★★★
THANK YOU for suggesting toothpaste! I didn't have ACV on hand but that would have been my next thing to try. I only have Crest, not the type you tried, but it seemed to calm the itching almost immediately. I'd already tried lavender oil, tea tree oil, eucaliptus oil, peppermint oil, and camomile lotion. (all separately on different days.) Along with benadryl. Nothing was working and the itchiness was so bad I couldn't sleep.
I don't know if this will be cured by toothpaste, but at least I can rest now. I'll try to remember to report back to let you know if it's a cure. If it matters, my hives were caused by an insect bite I was mildly allergic to, and the toothpaste doesn't sting like I assumed it would.
Triphala
Posted by Paritp (Los Angeles, CA) on 04/19/2009
Triphala is a coolant aand has a mild laxative effect. It is also very benficial for Acne. take one tsp triphala and mix it with 1 glass of water and keep it overnight . Drink it early morning on an empty stomach.
Triphala
Posted by Vancouver Flowers (Siliguri, India) on 01/08/2010
★★★★☆
It's really good and also it's improving but I don't like its taste.This information was really helpful for me rest if added it to descriptive manner it would be more appreciated.
Garlic
Posted by Helen (Long Island, NY) on 02/06/2009 7 posts
★★★★★
I wrote yesterday about having hives which I attribute to taking molasses. Well, after trying many remedies for the hives, I finally have relief from rubbing the hives with garlic! I was so desperate that I remembered garlic was so good for so many things, what did I have to lose. I tried it on a little spot and since it didn't burn, I tried it on another spot and it seemed to take the itch out. I am hoping it is the magic remedy. I have used many of the remedies on Earth Clinic and most of them have worked, so I hope this one does too. I love Earth Clinic; it is the first place I go for first aid.
Hives Triggers
Posted by DAVE (WAUKESHA, WISCONSIN) on 11/27/2008
★★★★★
I HAVE HAD INTERMITANT HIVES ATTACKS OVER THE PAST 62 YEARS. I FINALLY STUMBLED UPON THE CAUSE (DEFEATED BLOOD MONITER) -- UNCONTROLLED DIABETES.
High blood sugar caused my hives!
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda, Exercise
Posted by Jeff (Atlanta, GA) on 08/05/2008
★★★★★
For the past two years I suffered from a severe case of chronic urticaria and angiodaema that manifested itself on my palms and soles as well as my legs and face. My particular condition would not respond to the traditional prescription medications of H1 and H2 inhibitors (anitihistamines) even though I was taking twice the daily recommended dosage. I was even put on low dose cyclosporine therapy by my allergist/immunologist in a vain attempt to control this condition. The only alternative that succeeded in temporarily relieving the urticaria was prednisone (which is too dangerous to be considered a long term solution). My condition was so severe that I was unable to leave the house because of the embarrassment of the visible wheals on my arms and face. The hives and swelling kept me from going in to work on more than one occassion, and kept me from being about to go out and socialize as well. It also was exacerbated by exercise as well as hot or cold weather. Needless to say I had exhausted what I thought was all the possible causes and possible means to cure my ailment to no avail. That was until my mother called me after reading a book about the benefits of apple cider vinegar. My further research led me to this site (and for that I thank God!), and my condition has ceased completely! I contine to use raw ACV along with baking soda and don't plan on ever stopping. I am no longer on any medications whatsoever...which I think is Truly Amazing. Thank you Ted and the good folks at earthclinic for the website and the willingness to help people. It really is amazing that something so simple accomplished what literally thousands of dollars of prescription medicine could not.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda, Exercise
Posted by Sherry (Gastonia, NC) on 11/19/2008
To Jeff in Atlanta, GA. I have suffered from the same condition on and off for the past 6 years. I am in the middle of a terrible time of hives right now. I stumbled across this web site yesterday and I bought my ACV today. Can you tell me how much and how many times you took this per day? Thank You.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda, Exercise
Posted by Sara (Oregon) on 05/22/2014
How exactly are you supposed to use the ACV and baking soda? Do you mix it and apply it topically? I'm breaking out in hives for the first time in my life, and my last outbreak was massive and all over my body. I'm not a fan of medication so I'm trying to find a natural cure.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda, Exercise
Posted by Kenny (Strathclyde, Scotland) on 02/20/2008
★★★★★
I have suffered from Cholinergic Urticaria or Hives as it's more commonly known, for the past 15 years. I have attended Dermatologists galore, tried anti-histamines and all sorts! To no avail. So... I did some research and tried a number of things, natural and herbal, like Quercetin tabs (found in red onions) which is natures anti-histamine, with mixed success. Interestingly though, my ailment appears when stressed, hot - in warm weather or artificial heat, like a sauna, sweating or excercising vigorously and is manifest with red bumps all over my arms, legs, neck and torso which can become itchy - not to mention unsightly. I found the best treatment is an Air Bath - cool or cold air outdoors, minus the clothes, not always possible though!! ;-)I've been on ACV for a while (read my last post on 2/19/08) and decided to manipulate the system I had adopted and over-and-above my two cups of ACV/water solution a day, I decided to try the ACV/bicarb of soda (2tablespns to 1/4teaspn mix in water) about half an hour before vigorous excercise. The red bumps were hardly noticeable, I was wearing a short sleeved t-shirt for the first time in ages, and when I finished, I went for my usual 'sauna, cold shower, steam bath then another cold shower' routine to finish off. Normally,I'd look like I had been stung by a thousand bees! Literally. However, on this occassion, my skin was pretty clear, not red and inflamed looking - very few small red bumps but hardly noticeable, I felt fantastic!! No skin experts, doctors or snake oil salesmen could break the code, but I think I may have. Interestingly though, I beleive wholeheartedly that part of the problem is acid/alkali PH balance in the body and crucially, when out of kilter, renders the body susceptible to all-sorts of conditions. Thanks to Ted for the tip!!!
Dough
Posted by Michael (USA) on 12/04/2006
★★★★★
This is an old one (from my grandmother) .If you suffer from hives, make dough with next ingrediants: flour, water and salt. Take about two full tbs of flour (you can increase amount, if you need more dough, or have several hives), about quarter of teaspoon of salt and enough water to make not to soft and not to hard dough (thickness, should little softer then vermicelli dough and not sticky at all). Lay over the dough on the hive and cover with linen. Keep it like that until dough crust, then change if there is a need (usually there is no need... hive burst after first apply). While dough is on hive, you will feel warmth and mild, pricking pain...no need to worry, that is a sign that hive is starting to "ripen".
Another cure for hives is Plantain (plantago major). Just apply its fresh leafes on your hive and cover it with linen. Change this every hour, until your hive burst.
L-Lysine
Posted by Gustavo O. (Scotts valley ca) on 01/04/2024
How much were u taking daily?
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Maria (California ) on 08/13/2019
★★★★★
Thank you for this post. I need some help. Not sure what is causing my hives.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Sunshine (Montreal) on 08/16/2019
How can I help you Maria? Could you elaborate a bit on what is going on for you?
Dietary Changes
Posted by Martha (Oceanside, California) on 11/16/2016
★★★★☆
I have been suffering from Idiopathic Uticaria (hives) for 3 years. A year ago I had the worse case, I was getting ready in case I went into an anaphylactic attack. No allergist, no dermatologist, no doctor helped. I went for three weeks to Weimar institute in Northern California, I change my diet to No oils, except for some olive oil, no animal fats, (became a vegetarian) no Refine sugars or flours, Cold and hot showers, exercise, clear air and sunshine, lots of water drinking, relaxation and spiritual meditation. I have lost Over 5 pounds and the hives after three months on this diet, or better, life style went away.I did use alovera gel to calm them down, it was the only thing that gave me relief and the antihistamine Zyrtec. I am afraid to leave the Zyrtec although I do not have the hives now. I think I like to try the ACV just in case it can help me to give up the antihistamine. Any suggestions?
Dietary Changes
Posted by Timh (Ky) on 11/17/2016 2042 posts
There are many conditions, like hives, that can be attributed to poor gut health. Thorough cleansing is mandatory in severe conditions but if not too much advanced may respond favorably to adding Milled Flax Seed to diet and taking Oregano Oil Softgels. A good Prebiotic/Probiotic supplement first thing every morning will help. The ACV will help also. The antioxidant, flavinoid Quercetin is a potent anti-inflammatory/antihistamine. A supplemental Digestive Enzymes will help as will fresh Pineapple.
After a few weeks of this begin adding the very healthy fats like Evening Primrose Oil, Borage Oil, Flax, Fish, and Krill Oil. Eat Salmon, Mackerel, and Sardines. These EFA's can dramatically reverse inflammatory conditions as well as promote healing throughout the body.
Chickweed Tea
Posted by KADI (England) on 05/14/2022
Can you drink that tea also?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Blossom1464 (Birmingham, Al) on 06/23/2013
★☆☆☆☆
I've been using ACV with mother for over a year 2x a day. My body ph is 6.75, slightly acidic. I was taking kelp pills once a day, and apparently had an allergic reaction. I have raised white hives all over, from head to toes. They don't itch except on my neck. So obviously ACV isn't working. I tried ACV on skin yesterday, on white raised hives it didn't hurt, but didn't do anything. On neck where red and itchy it made it worse. I've been into herbs and natural healing for years.
I decided to not take benadryl after yest. morning, and instead took 1/2 tsp of baking soda twice yesterday in 8oz water. I also showered with pine tar soap, and pine tar shampoo. It felt better after shower, but today I'm just as covered up as I was. They are like huge white welts, some red bumps in pores. I think the only thing I can do is just let it work it's way out of my system.
I've had red itchy rashes before, but not sure what the trigger is, other than maybe stress and antibiotics. I'm going to start taking benadryl, I see no other way around this.
I also oil pull with virgin coconut oil everyday, have for a couple years. Stopped last night so it wouldn't get worse. I still think it's the kelp, it upset my stomach horribly. I can't take activated charcoal because I'm on pills I need to take.
Any idea anyone? I love this site, come here often.
Hives Triggers
Posted by Blueplanet (Hong Kong) on 06/25/2012
★★★★★
Baking Soda Caused Hives
I never had any hives in my life until recently. On retrospection, I realized that I became unusually obsessed with baking soda on these dates. I suspect that my hives were linked to my excessive intake of baking soda.
Baking soda neutralizes stomach acid, which is needed for proper digestion of proteins. The connection between low stomach acid and chronic recurrent hives was relatively well known and described in medical journals in the early and mid-20th century:
http://wrightnewsletter.com/2011/05/16/itching-for-knowledge/
http://www.digitalnaturopath.com/cond/C42513.html
If lack of stomach acid is a real cause of chronic hives, then should we (victims of hives) include foods that increase secretion of stomach acid?
Hives Triggers
Posted by S. (Charlotte, Nc) on 04/17/2013
I agree that lack of stomach acid could somehow contribute to hives. I've only had them twice that I can remember. My triggers have been staying awake for 36 consecutive hours (face), and drinking pau d'arco tea (calves).
I DO have stomach issues that I've previously taken Chinese herbs for. I've been off the herbs for a while now and the stomach issues have returned. Both times I've had hives have been times when I haven't been on the herbs.
My calves were extremely itchy when I woke up this morning. I gave them a good scratch. I initially thought I'd been bitten by bugs while I was sleeping. When I took a good look, I could see that it was hives.
I'm going to try topical coconut oil (organic unrefined) first. If it helps, I'll post here.
Hydration
Posted by Carrie (Los Angeles) on 09/27/2015
I've had a form of hives for the last 4 years which started after taking antibiotics. I've been taking Allegra every day for it but still suffer with hives almost every single day. I just started seeing a Chinese Medicine Doctor and am taking a mix of herbs and have had 4 sessions of acupuncture. It's been about 3 weeks of treatment and I definitely see an improvement. The outbreaks are more controlled/less severe. But I also have been drinking about double or triple the water I usually drink because I have to wash down 6 herb pills after every meal. So I'm wondering if that has something to do with the decrease in the severity of the hives. Hoping to see more improvement! (Western medicine pretty much abandoned my case! )
Banana Peel
Posted by Rsw (Uniontown, Oh) on 11/23/2011
Liquid starch (the blue liquid) in cool water (use in sink to soak feet or hands, or in bath for whole body, enough to make the water feel starchy) will relieve the itching of hives. Soak for as long as you can and do not rinse.
OTC
Posted by Middlebunny (Jersey City, New Jersey, Usa) on 09/05/2011
★★★★★
It is me again. I'm posting an update as it might benefit someone suffering from Urticaria/Chronic Hives. While I am by no means cured, I am able to control my hives with two over-the-counter drugs. I take one 10mg Zyrtec and one 20mg Pepcid AC twice a day and this seems to control the hives. I haven't given up on locating a natural solution to this problem; however, the Zyrtec/Pepcid combination is a lot better than Steroids which made me hyper, angry and led to a 30lb weight gain.
Malt Vinegar
Posted by Janet (Kendal, U.k) on 08/22/2011
★★★★★
I too had hives some few weeks back, and there awful I did get rid of mine soaking in a bath containing ordinary malt vinegar. The following evening I used HP. Compresses of diluted vinegar relieved the itch, burn, cycle. That drive you almost crazy, due to lack of sleep. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Good Luck.
L-Lysine
Posted by Jfm (London, England) on 07/28/2011
I have a 10 year old daughter who has been suffering from Hives for the last couple of months. She has outbreaks every few days with a red, itchy, lumpy rash all over her face, her legs, her torso and inside her lips.
I was thinking of starting her on Vitamin C and L-lysine as I have read that these could be helpful for Hives. The problem is I have no idea whether L-lysine is safe for children to take. I wonder if anyone on this site can please advise me?
Thank you.
L-Lysine
Posted by Janet (Kendal, U.k) on 07/29/2011
Talking from my own experiance, I have found bathing in vinegar or hp the very best relief and they've gone now.!!!
L-Lysine
Posted by Jfm (London, England) on 07/30/2011
To: Janet from Kendal. Thanks for your interesting reply. Just wondering if I've understood you correctly. Would I use both the vinegar and the Hydrogen Peroxide in the bath at the same time? (2 cupfuls of each)? I know what you mean about the Hydrogen Peroxide, just the name of it scares the hell out of me. I think because it sounds so chemical, I have visions of some mad scientist with a test tube in a laboratory with Hydrogen Peroxide bubbling away in it.
I don't know if you will know the answer to this but is Hydrogen Peroxide safe to use on the face? Is it dangerous if you get it near your eyes?
I will also try and bribe my daughter to drink some Apple Cider Vinegar, she tried it once and hated it!
Thanks.
L-Lysine
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia ) on 07/30/2011
RE your daughter not liking apple cider vinegar, try hiding it in Apple Juice.
L-Lysine
Posted by Janet (Kendal, U.k) on 07/31/2011
I use either or but not both. the HP is so diluted as not to have affected my face, however I did don a shower cap because I didn't want it bleaching my hair.
I would wash the face with a cloth rather than submerging in it and avoid the eyes.
GOOD LUCK. IF YOU WISH TO CONTACT WITH ME.janetwhiteside(at)live.co.uk
Dry Brushing
Posted by Maria (Silver Spring, Maryland, Usa) on 12/16/2010
This is a correction to my previous post. Instead of oil of palm for hives I meant to say Palm of Christ, which is another name for Castor oil. I also wanted to add that using a zinc shampoo (for dandruff) instead of soap helped me with the itching and hives.
Oil Pulling
Posted by Kr (Roanoke, Va) on 05/04/2012
I totally get the not being able to talk about your hives! :D
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Cyncla (La Mesa, Ca, San Diego) on 08/26/2010
★☆☆☆☆
Hello! I have been suffering from hives for almost a month. I recently found your website and started drinking the ACV, it's been five days since I started and I haven't seen any change. I'm desperate and don't know if I should continue with the ACV, and if so, for how long? Can anyone out there help. It will be deeply appreciated.
