Few things are more unpleasant than itchy skin and a red puffy rash that won't go away. Allergy hives, also known as urticaria, are an irritating skin condition that can disappear on its own within hours or last as much as six weeks (or longer). Fortunately, there are natural alternatives that provide effective hives relief through remedies like essential oils.
What are Allergy Hives?
Hives typically occur as raised or swollen welts on the skin and can be itchy and sensitive. These swellings may be red or white, can show up almost anywhere on the body or face, and can last as little as a few hours or as long as six weeks.
The welts may disappear while new ones rise, making it look like the hives are moving. Anything longer than six weeks of recurring or persistent hives is considered chronic and may, according to the Mayo Clinic, be a sign of a more serious problem (such as hepatitis, thyroid disease, or lupus).
What Causes Hives or Urticaria?
Although there is no one diagnosis that fits everyone, a hives rash usually occurs in response to an allergen such as a food, pollen, dust, latex, paint fumes, cleaning products, soap or shampoo, or medication. Other factors include emotional stress, heat or other stimulus to the skin, chemical sensitivities, an infection, or immune system disorder.
Allergy hives are rarely life-threatening, but there are warning signs to watch for. Anyone who experiences difficulty breathing, a feeling like the throat is closing up, swollen tongue or dizziness during an episode of hives, should seek immediate medical aid. For less serious cases, or for chronic mild hives where the cause cannot be diagnosed, natural treatments like essential oils can provide relief from itchy skin and irritation.
Natural Hives Rash Treatment with Aromatherapy
Herbs and essential oils have been used for thousands of years to treat all kinds of disease symptoms. Itchy skin, rash, and similar problems are very responsive to essential oils because it's easy to apply these medicinal plant liquids to the skin where needed and deliver fast hives relief.
Caution: The quality and purity of essential oils is paramount when treating skin conditions. See The Real Quality of Essential Oils for safety information.
Choosing Essential Oils for Hives Relief
As with many skin conditions, there are many essential oils that can be used for natural hives treatment. For relief of itchy and swelling:
- Peppermint
- Patchouly (or patchouli)
- Lavender
- Helichrysum
- Valerian
Many natural practitioners believe that skin eruptions are connected to the health of the liver and other eliminative organs. The following oils may be applied over the liver to encourage cleansing and elimination of toxins that may be attempting to come out of the body through the skin:
- Oregano
- Celery seed
- Ravensara
- Geranium
- Rosemary
- Chamomile
- Fennel
If hives are believed to be stress-related, the following essential oils can be diffused, worn on the feet or shoulders, or used in the bath to aid in finding calm and relaxation:
- Lavender
- Angelica
- Myrrh
- Lemon
Reference
- Essential Science Publishing (compiled by), Essential Oils Desk Reference, 2nd Edition. USA, Essential Science Publishing, 2001.
- Mayo Clinic Staff, "Hives and angioedema," MayoClinic.com, 20 December 2008.
- Mayo Clinic Staff, "Chronic hives (urticaria)," MayoClinic.com, 20 December 2008.
Victoria Anisman-Reiner - Victoria Anisman-Reiner is a freelance writer with extensive experience in holistic health care and animal training.
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