Table of Contents
Hive Remedies
"Urticaria (or hives) is a skin condition, commonly caused by an allergic reaction, that is characterized by raised red skin wheals (welts). It is also known as nettle rash or uredo. Wheals from urticaria can appear anywhere on the body, including the face, lips, tongue, throat, and ears. The wheals may vary in size from about 5 mm (0.2 inches) in diameter to the size of a dinner plate; they typically itch severely, sting, or burn, and often have a pale border. Urticaria is generally caused by direct contact with an allergenic substance, or an immune response to food or some other allergen, but can also appear for other reasons, notably emotional stress. The rash can be triggered by quite innocent events, such as mere rubbing or exposure to cold." (Wikipedia)
DISCLAIMER
Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.
ACTIVATED CHARCOAL
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02/09/2010: Lusea from Groves, Texas, Usa writes: "I have had severe hives several times in the last few years. The only thing (and I tried lots of big pharma remedies) that really worked was activated charcoal. I take 4 - 250 mg to start and a couple more if needed in about an hour. Must be on an empty stomach and don't take any of your regular sups because the charcoal will suck up everything. It clears my hives in one day."
Replies09/05/2010: Debbie from Des Moines, Iowa replies: "Thanks for the suggestion about using activated charcoal for hives. One thing to keep in mind is that hives can be caused by toxicity buildup. If you're not eliminating properly, make sure to take care of that issue with a natural cleanser before taking activated charcoal, as the AC can cause constipation. The whole point of taking the charcoal is to get rid of the toxins, and if you're not eliminating properly first, this could cause problems. You want to move everything toxic out of the body, which requires a free and clear pathway."
[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 12/15/2010: Maria from Silver Spring, Md, Usa replies: "Activated charcoal did not work for my hives, but dry brushing, oil of palm and alkalizing did: I had a horrific case of hives, all over my body for about 3 months. It was triggered by taking acidophilus pills, which I believed would get rid of yeast that was causing my toenail fungus. I took the pills twice a day for about 3 weeks. I almost died. The pills did kill a lot of the yeast, which generated so much toxins I broke up all over. I had hives so bad that it looked as if someone had whipped me. I was itching so severely I could not sleep at all. I could not go out. I got a horrible case of athlete's foot, I had a vaginal yeast infection, my ears itch to the point of burning. I was desperate and clueless as of what was going on. I tried activated charcoal and hardly made a ripple. Then reading this site I realized that I had toxins coming out of my skin because I was so overwhelmed with the that my lymphatic system could not get rid of them quick enough.I started dry brushing before showering, and that helped a lot. A night I would apply oil of palm all over my body for further relief. I started a plan to alkalize my body: stop eating acidifying foods like chocolate, black tea, red meats, etc. And using Ted's alkalizing formula of lemon and baking soda. I added alkalizing foods like cayenne pepper, celery, beets, raw spinach, etc.
The hives and itching went away 100% after about 3 weeks. It has been 4 months and I am free. The itching went first, and then the hives. While I was still healing I helped myself by drying extremely well after showering and by eating mint leaves to minimize the hives. I am now slowly introducing antifungals like garlic, oregano tea, Niacinamide and borax to help me get rid of the excess yeast in my body. The key is to do it slowly, as to not trigger a horrible reaction."
12/16/2010: Maria from Silver Spring, Maryland, Usa replies: "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."
09/30/2011: Julia from Jacksonville, Florida replies: "I had hives for 3 months straight and I just had to tell everyone- I tried everything and nothing worked from Apple Cider Vinegar to castor oil to claritin. The only thing that has worked is baby oil ( the one with mineral oil). I never post anything online but I am posting this hoping to help someone because the baby oil is miracolous and anyone that has hives knows that they are really annoying.It does not matter the brand just baby oil made with mineral oil. I am using the store generic brand and I have not had any hives for a whole week! I am so happy I want to shout!"
10/12/2011: Becky from Olathe, Ks replies: "To the person who used baby oil made with mineral oil. Did you just smooth it over the hives? I have chronic hives and have had two shots of a high dose of an allergy medicine, it works for a month after the shot, but it costs $1,200 each time and my insurance denies its use. I can't afford it. I'm now trying the ACV 3X a day. I hope this works. I don't want to continue taking a lot of medicine that can have major side effects."
12/03/2011: Ali from College Park, Md replies: "For months, my husband started having itchy chronic hives (diagnosed urticaria) basically all over, including lip swelling. It mostly appeared at dawn time. A couple of times, it was even accompanied by difficulty breathing and wheezing. We eliminated one thing after the other, with no avail. A blood test showed nothing wrong and our doctor scheduled us for allergy testing. OTC allergy meds helped but only temporarily.I started doing lots of research on-line as I didn't want my husband to be dependent on meds forever. Finally I came across this website talking about water treatment for hives, and I thought why not. http://www.topix.com/forum/health/hives/T3JE7RJD4S1FFOBUM/p5
Within the first 48 hours, his itching got less. We canceled the allergy appointment. Within a week, the hives still came but less. He also stopped drinking coffee totally (apparently it's very dehydrating). It took about two months of drinking water about 8-10 glasses, and now the hives are completely gone, thank God! The water has also helped his eczema itching as well. We also had liquid oil of oregano at home (search youtube for an easy painless way to take it- it's strong). Please DO give this a try, and I'll post this on a couple of sites in hopes it may help someone else."
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ACV, IODINE, OP
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[YEA] 03/28/2008: Nathan from san Francisco, USA writes: "I have HIVES or I believe I do.
I tried antihistamines prescribed by my primary physician, about 2 weeks after, the side affects were worse than the hives. So I decided to look online, here's what I found:
http://hivescure.com/
They came up first, I paid the 16.97, which isn't much money, decent advice but it really is just a formatted document of what's on this site, and frankly I'd rather just meet Ted, he seems to have some great insight. So Ted, or whoever's reading and willing to respond to my posting or email, my Hives seems to break out whenever only when I scratch (because it itches like crazy) then the red welts or bumps appear, if I don't scratch, no welts or bumps. The hivescure.com 5 steps were:
1. ACV bicarb 3x day
2. iodine on heels 3 days/wk
3. 1 tbs licorice extract / day
4. take vitamin supplement
5. oil pulling (her favorite)
Of course it is recommended to exercise, diet appropriately, etc.
What'd I'd like to know is, do I have hives or another similar allergic reaction? Do the combination of the above 5 overwhelm the body, should only 1 or 2 be take and not all 5 at the same time? How long before results take affect, her site has folks saying 9 hours to 20 hours, I've been doing all 5 steps for 4 days consecutive without the hives going away. I exercise daily (which she recommends 30 min exercise, enough to break out in a sweat), I do 2x that each day, ride my bike to work AND back.
The only contributor I can't eliminate which she advises is: stress. I could, if I quit my job, then no money, thus no way to pay for the kids/wife/food/bills!
4 types of hives are:acute urticaria, last less than 6 weeks; chronic urticaria, last more than 6 weeks, not so common; physical urticaria, caused by direct stimulation to the skin, such as sweat, pressure, sun exposure; and dermatographis, outbreak directly linked to scratching which seems to be the closest to what I have, and is much less common. Ted or kind reader, what of the above 5 would you recommend to treat hives by dermatographis? Licorice exract vs oil pulling vs ACV bicarb? How much? How often? Its embarrassing in the office to have to scratch anywhere, its like a dog with fleas (except I don't have a dog or fleas, I could see them!)
The good thing, I've changed my diet drastically, carrot juice & apples (though she says to cut fruit) - that's it! Nothing else -no coffee, sugars, eggs, milk products, processed foods, etc. Still the hives persist. Any ideas?"
04/07/2008: Elle from Portland, Oregon replies: "To Nathan: Hi, I am Elle from Portland (I already have left a comment about hives). Please see below.I believe that you need 1 -10mg.Zyrtec in the morning with the recommended baking soda and water and the same 12 hours later. You can buy the above Zyrtec over the counter now. I tried the recommendations from Ted alone, but found that I still needed the Zyrtec twice a day also. I have had terrible hives for four years, but because of finding this site and Ted, now, I am almost hive-free. Maybe once or twice a month I may get them, if I forget to take the above approximately 12 hours apart. If I get the timing wrong, I find that the hives will then get me with a vengence. Good Luck, Nathan.""
07/02/2008: Sharon from Milwaukee, Wisconsin replies: "In response to Nathan. I hope your hives have subsided since you posted in March. But if not you should ask your allergist to do a scratch test on you to determine what you are allergic to. Food allergies are the most common.
But you could have also developed an auto-immune disease which is what happened in my case. Your allergist can test for that as well. They have no idea what causes the auto-immune and there is no cure but it can go away as quickly as it's come.
The absolute only thing that gives me any relief from an especially bad break-out is a medication called Cyproheptadine (your allergist can prescribe it). For temporary relief I would bathe in a tub with oatmeal and cornstarch. Aveno has a product or you can mix it yourself. Good luck."
[YEA] 08/28/2008: Martha from Santa Ana, CA replies: "I want to respond to the very 1st question.. re: person paying the 16.97.. for the recipe to get rid of hives.. and i almost did that also hey thanks for the recipe - i actually broke down this am.. and i know stress brings on hives.. but.. in 10 mins after the ACV - and some of the suggestions on your site. my itching went away.although i still had welts. they went away in about 3-4 hrs.. I had non stop hives for 2 mos now which ive suffered all my life with. but. never this long. so yes. getting a cure like this.. that made it stop and give me a break. was a prayer answered.I was in actual pain.. anyone that suffers hives..will know what im talking about. . thank you and god bless you.. martha"
[SIDE EFFECTS] 04/18/2011: Sheila from San Diego, Ca, Usa replies: "When I increased my iodine/iodide to 2 drops of Lugol's 5% (12.5 mg) my face, throat, and the skin on my sternum started to break out in a rash and some hives. Itched like mad. I had built up to 2 drops in a matter of a few weeks, but it seems the 2 drops is just too much for my system to handle at this point. I'm lowering it to 1 drop (6.25 mg) of Lugol's 5% to see if my skin calms down, and if not, I will go back to taking World Organic liquid potassium iodide equalling 3 mg until I can safely increase w/o the rash symptoms.I have also been taking vit C, E, A, a multi, and an assortment of liver and kidney-supportive supplements. I believe my rash is a detox reaction of bromide from taking Lugol's.
ACV has helped a great deal with the breakout and the itching. I am consuming and using diluted ACV topically. It has soothed my skin considerably in a matter of a few days."
04/19/2011: Lisa from Rabat, Morocco replies: "Hi Sheila, I belong to an iodine group on yahoo and they have a recommended protocol to follow when taking iodine. You should make sure to take these supplements daily:Vitamin C - 2,000-5,000 mg
Magnesium - 400 mg
Selenium - 200-400 mcg
unrefined sea salt (Celtic, Himalayan) - 1/2 tsp
For the bromide detox symptoms you can use another 1/2 tsp unrefined salt in 1/2 cup of water followed by 12 oz of water every 30-45 minutes until urination begins. The chloride binds to the bromide in the blood and carries it out through the kidneys. Taking 12.5 mg of Lugol's is actually quite a small dose and some recommend taking a minimum of 50 mg. Don't give up on taking it. I hope this helps you."
04/19/2011: Sheila from San Diego, Ca, Usa replies: "Thanks, Lisa. I'm already a part of the same group if you mean the one with Victoria and Stephanie moderating. I'm new to the iodine protocol, and am reading through all of the files. I did have the info you mentioned, and appreciate you posting it.The saltwater cleanse works, but it takes getting used to. It helps. With the severity of the bromide detox I'm experiencing, I'm contemplating now how long I've been so toxic."
01/05/2012: Heather from Marysville, Oh replies: "My 5 year old son, has urticaria. He get his hives mostly when scratching. The welts/hives appear and then disappear (if scratching is stopped) within mins. As far as the ACV, Iodine.. etc. What amount should I give him? Any advice is greatly appreciated."
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ALMOND, LAVENDER AND TEA TREE OILS
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[YEA] 09/11/2009: Ainhi from Buena Park, Ca writes: "I have hives on and off most of my life, but the last month I have breakout a couple time a day and my regular med doesn't seem to work anymore. I usually breakout during the night and wake up with wheal all over my body and face. The eyes and the lips are the worst area because it takes almost a whole day for it to go down. I read somewhere that baby oil help. I don't have baby oil so I mix what I have. Almond oil, lavender oil and tea tree oil together. This really work for me. It stop the crawling itching and it seems to stop the wheals from getting bigger. As soon as I feel the tingling in my lip or eyes I rub on this oil and it calm down right away. I like to pass on what work hopefully it will help someone too. I'm currently on ACV baking soda with honey 3 times a day. I can't tell if this is helping but will keep trying for a few months."
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APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
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[NAY] 08/26/2010: Cyncla from La Mesa, Ca, San Diego writes: "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."
Replies[YEA] 08/27/2010: Dela from Karratha, Australia replies: "The miracle cure for Hives is Castor Oil. The moment you get hives, or feel it coming, apply castor oil to the location. In severe cases you may also take some castor oil internally, like a teaspoonful or so. This will not give you diarrhea, but will help to keep the hives at bay. After suffering with severe hives for 6 months, and trying all forms of natural remedies, I almost gave up as nothing worked, except the doctor prescribed anti-histamines. I had to take Anti-Histamines at least on alternate days to keep the Hives at bay. I almost thought I had to live the rest of my life taking anti-histamines regularly. By Gods grace I kept on looking out for remedies until I chanced upon Castor oil, the miraculous Palma Christi. I tried taking it internally and applying on the bumps the moment they appeared. I am happy to say that Castor oil helped me conquer the irritable Hives. After just a few applications I was Hives free, no anti-histamines or anything else. I was cured. Till today I am free of Hives. It has also helped some of my family and friends who suffered from Hives. Try it. It's miraculous, it certainly acted like the healing palm of Christ."
10/23/2010: Megh from Fremont, Ca/usa replies: "I have been suffering from chronic hives since last two weeks, I am taking zyrtex , zantac, prednisone and doxepin. I read about the castor oil remedy and very eager to try it. How should I take it orally, like once a day or just apply it on the affected area?"
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03/07/2010: Kami from Leechburg, Pa writes: "had hives two years ago for about 12 weeks. used prednisone with antihstamines until it went away...continued antihistamines even after hive were gone to prevent another out break...have hives again ..still on antihistamines and prednisone again...
what is the correct measurements for the acv with or without baking soda to drink...and if u apply it to the shin, how long do u let it sit on your skin before washing it off...obviously dont want to leave it on all day...thanks"
Replies12/20/2011: Christian from Salt Lake City, Utah replies: "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."
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[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 12/11/2009: Dodge from Lincoln, Ne/usa writes: "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."
Replies09/30/2011: Shireen Ali Williams from Port Of Spain, Trinidad replies: "Good nite, my daughters 16 and 4 yr old both have hives. I need help- could Ted please help?"
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[NAY] 01/22/2009: Stacy from Dickinson, Texas writes: "Apple cider vinegar made mine worse because it boosts the immune sys and its already awake if you have hives. Its attaking yourself. Your body's antihistimines cause hives but I have found no cure. My dr. increased my thyroid med and has calmed my hives but they are still here. I take a lot of antihistimines but the hives peek through. Over the last year they have been really bad. Prednisone works but has bad side effects. When my face gets them I go to the dr. and get a steroid shot."
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[YEA] 08/25/2008: Patricia from Venice, Ca writes: "I have exercise induced urticaria [hives] and I started drinking organic ACV in organic apple juice first thing upon rising. You wait 15 minutes before eating anything else. I also bought a filter for my shower head to filter out the chlorine. I am also going to try a salacylic acid wash. This all helps. My spots are much smaller after a workout now. The measurements are about 1-2 tbls ACV in about 2 oz. Apple juice."
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[YEA] 03/27/2008: Crystal from South GA, GA writes: "I break out in hives from food allergies. The last rash of hives was very bad and would stop itching so I rub AVC on it and it burned but the itching stopped and the rash wash gone in about a week. I also have herpes so I though I would try it on a sore and again the itch disappeared and the sore healed in two days. Next I am going to try drinking it and hopefully it will help prevent the allergies and outbreaks. I applied the AVC twice a day with a cotton ball."
Replies[YEA] 07/28/2011: Maicalani from Minneapolis, Mn, Usa replies: "Yes! Finally something natural that helped with my chronic hives!! I started getting hives in Feburary of this year, was put on a few different antihistamines; prednisone was the only thing that would suppress my daily, out of control hives. I gained 25 lbs in 2 months, moonface, etc. I tried H202 therapy for a month, mangosteen juice, Vit B... I came across this site and saw that some people had luck with ACV. I went out and bought some with the mother. I took 5mg of Prednisone last on July 8th, started ACV (2tsp 2x day) on the 10th. I've only had very mild hives since then. 90% of the time since the 10th (18 days now), I haven't had any hives!! I am so thankful. Thank you Earth Clinic!!"
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APPLE CIDER VINEGAR AND BAKING SODA, EXERCISE
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[YEA] 08/05/2008: Jeff from Atlanta, GA writes: "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."
RepliesEC: Read more here: http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/acv_baking_soda_cures.html
11/19/2008: Sherry from Gastonia, NC replies: "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."
05/27/2009: Lulu from Lafayette, LA replies: "A friend sent me a link to this site, and I decided to try ACV and Baking Soda for my hives. I mixed 2 teaspoons of ACV, 1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda and 1 cup filtered water. We'll see if they are any better later in the week. I started spraying a mixture of 1/2 ACV and 1/2 Filtered water on my hives 6 days ago. They have "gone down", but seem to come back within a few hours. This stuff smells awful! But the scent does go away after a while and is worth it to me! I have suffered from the hives for over a year now. They cover my back, my torso, and my arms and shoulders. They itch horribly at times. I have been to doctors, who just give me an antihistamine, a shot of cortisone and a cream, but they come back within 2 weeks! I have also gained nearly 30 pounds, and feel it has been from the cortisone. I have tried Neem Soap, Cream, Sulfer, Valerian, and anything else that I have found could possibly heal them naturally. So hopefully it is just a Ph thing and ACV will heal me! That would be awesome! Does anyone know how long it can take to get rid of the hives with ACV?"
05/28/2009: Anon from Whittier, CA replies: "Hi,
I have had episodes of hives/rash since the 1980's. I read about L-lysine here on Earth Clinic and I decided to try it. Thankfully my episodes are a lot fewer now with the help of L-lysine. I only take L-lysine as needed and of course if possible at the onset one 1000mg. My hives/rash has not gotten full blown since I started taking L-Lysine.
Before L-lysine my hives/rash would follow a defined pattern (nerve endings) on my upper body, my neck, hairline down to both elbow creases, down to the back of my knees.
I would feel hot to the touch and very fatigued but wouldn't run a temperature or so they told me at the doctor's office. It would run it's course and fade away. I hated wearing mock turtlenecks during the summer.
After several doctor visits I stopped going they couldn't give me any answers one doctor brought out a medical book, one wanted to do a punch biopsy.
I also had a thumb nail that got 100% better after soaking in Apple cider vinegar again I credit Earth Clinic. It really looked bad before treating with Apple Cider Vinegar in fact my mother noticed my improvement and began soaking her finger and she had improvement too it's not 100% yet but it works. It didn't take months to see the improvement.
Hopefully by sharing my story it may help someone.
Thank-you Earth Clinic and to all the contribute their experiences."
05/28/2009: Helen from Long Island, USA replies: "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."
EC: Allergy to fluoride in toothpaste appears to be a common hives trigger: http://www.nofluoride.com/allergy.htm
Also research "toothpaste and hives" on google to see more search results.
05/30/2009: Helen from Long Island, NY replies: "I was not allergic to toothpaste. I rubbed toothpaste on the hives and they went away and didnt come back."
EC: Thanks for clarifying!
02/01/2010: Mackenzie from Los Angeles, Ca replies: "Helen, I was wondering if you had facial swelling with your hives as well? If so, did you rub toothpaste on your face?"
02/07/2012: Natasha from Auckland, New Zealand replies: "I have never had hives before but two weeks ago I started getting them first on my legs. Then on my arms. At the beginning they were small in size. Later they appeared on my upper arm, underarm, neck and even face. It was itching crazy. Immidiately after I scratched them, they was growing in size and was looking like raised flat topped bumps.I was searching everywhere for some remedy and decided to try using tooth paste. I rubbed it onto hives and minutes later itching disappeared!! Hour later the hives were not swollen any longer and started to dissappear fully.
I don't know if it will help me to get rid of them fully, cos I tried this today, so I just have to wait and see. At least it helps to get rid of itchiness for sure."
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[YEA] 02/20/2008: Kenny from Strathclyde, Scotland writes: "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!!!"
Replies02/19/2008: Kenny from Strathclyde, Scotland replies: "I have been trying ACV for a while now and agree that it's great for improving metabolism and curbing apetite. I use supermarket bought organic ACV. However, for some time now (since before I started ACV), I've suffered red SPOTS/PIMPLES on the face/cheeks and on my head, and since I have little hair, it's particularly unsightly, I also had kind of FLAKEY SKIN on these areas, both would normally be quite itchy. I have recently taken to the topical application of ACV on these areas, speculatively. I have to say, in just a couple of days, the results are dramatic... I tilt the bottle onto a cotton pad a couple of times to saturate it, about the same size as a cosmetic make-up remover and wipe all over my face and head liberally, avoiding the eyes (cos it stings). I leave it on and repeat several times a day (just remember to wash the face with clean lukewarm water before you go out and pat it dry). The resulting effect is no redness, no flakey skin, just a taught, fresh-faced complexion. To compliment that, I have been taking daily sauna and steam bath treatments, interspersed with cold showers,excellent for a variety of conditions I'm sure, marvellous for the circulation, very invigorating and great for the skin, which I read here somewhere - is like the body's third kidney, and when in tip-top working condition, serves the body well to flush-out and detox the system. Try it!"
02/26/2008: Beth from Duluth, GA replies: "I've been reading about the ACV treatement for hives. I'd love a little more information about what you are doing. Drinking it with water?? just bathing in it ?? Please let me know. I'm dying from hives for about five months now."
07/05/2008: Venkat from hyderabad, india replies: "I am suffering from urticaria since abt 7 years tried hell lot of medicines, tired could you please suggest me where can I get these apple cider venegar and and baking soda for curing urticaria."
EC: http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/apple_cider_vinegar_buy.html
[NAY] 02/17/2009: Ken replies: "I have emailed Ted with this question but no response. I have chronic hives and tried the ACV + Bicarb regimen. I had no relief after doing this for about 10 days so I stopped. Can you please tell me if I should try it for a longer period of time?
Thank you,
Ken"
[BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS] 06/05/2009: Lulu from Lafayette, LA replies: "ok, I've been using the ACV/H2o and baking soda, as well as 1000mg L-lysine, also spraying a solution of 1/2 ACV and 1/2 filtered water directly on my hives twice a day. I also have been using a brand name Pine Tar soap. I must admit, they are getting better, but they are still there! Not as noticeable on my arms, and they have moved to the inside of my torso, but like I said, not nearly as bad!I don't know which remedy is working, but something is! I'll post again with another update! Has anyone tried the "rubbing iodine on the heels 3x per week" remedy? That is one I haven't tried, nor the Indian spice."
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APPLE CIDER VINEGAR, BAKING SODA, B12
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[YEA] 04/16/2008: Terry from Vancouver, Washingtron writes: "I went to your site on Hives. I had been suffering with a red rash on my legs, shoulders, arms and middle of lower back for about 2 months and I itched untile I bleed. I had been using a Hydrocortisone cream 1% with Aloe with NO results. I had discovered from your site where people had been getting good relief with ACV and A 90% cure rate with Vitamin B-12 at one milligram a day. I started taking the B-12 and applying the ACV topicallly at least 3 times a day ( just pour on a cotton ball and apply ). I also started taking 2 T. ACV in an 8 oz. glass of water with 1/4 t of Baking Soda. I figured if its good for the outside of the body it couldn't hurt me on the inside. I am happy to say it worked my rash and bumps are almost gone and there is no longer any rash that itches or bleeds., Thank you ALL for your contributions to this site. I was at wits end. Terry"
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APPLE CIDER VINEGAR, L-LYSINE
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[YEA] 07/15/2009: Hives In AZ from Phoenix, AZ writes: "Thank you, Earth Clinic! I found your website while searching for something, ANYTHING, that would relieve and cure my hives. My first outbreak was July 2008 and they started as a general itching after I'd been in the pool. I was miserable with them until September when I finally went to see a doctor (after trying to take care of them myself--I thought it was eczema). The doctor gave me a steroid shot and told me to use cortisone cream for the itch and that they would run their course. By the end of September they were gone. They reappeared this year in late June. Not quite as bad, but one hive is enough to drive a person mad! I started on Zyrtec which seemed to help and dabbed Witch Hazel on them to relieve the itch (read about WH somewhere on the web). The WH seemed to work well, but soon lost its efficacy.
I started researching again and found this site and decided to try the apple cider vinegar (2 tsp in 16 oz of water as suggested, plus applied topically to the hives). Miracle of miracles, this is working!! I also added 2,000 mg of L-Lysine/day. Not sure if it's because of the ACV or the L-Lysine or both, but I can honestly say that the ACV works topically and they are clearing up with just a little bit of itching after about 3 days of this treatment. And they seem to be clearing in the order of their appearance: legs then arms and lastly underarms and a few on my back.
I'm also back to using the Witch Hazel for the little bit of itching and it doesn't seem to be as harsh as the ACV and is working great again.
Thank you! So glad I stumbled upon this site. I'll continue with the 2 tsp of ACV in my water as a preventative...."
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APPLE JUICE
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[NAY] 01/27/2009: LMB from London, UK writes: "Hives and apple juice: I'm not sure who thought drinking apple juice would help with hives. Most of us who have allergies to pollen are allergic to apples and eating or drinking apples only makes hives worse. Avoid apples if hives break out."
Replies02/20/2010: Lauren from Mount Laurel, Nj replies: "I think you may have misread, people are suggesting Apple Cider Vinegar orally and topically, not apple juice. Read the literature on the ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) it has a lot of curative properties."
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BAKING SODA
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[YEA] 02/27/2008: Elle from Portland, Oregon writes: "Have had hives for 4 years every day. My face, lips and eyes would swell shut. I have had to wear sunglasses and scarfs to work to hide these giant welts. Went to dermatologist, medical doctors, Chinese medicine to no avail. I refused prenizone. They wanted me to take all sorts of anti-histamines, etc....didn't work. Finally, I found your website on the internet. I now take 1 Zyrtec 10 mg. morning and night (actually, I haven't tried not taking the Zyrtec yet, because I am afraid the ugly red bumps will appear again) along with the Zyrtec I am taking 1/4 teaspoon baking soda and 1/2 glass of water morning and night. VOILA! Hives are gone. I have just began taking the liquid licorice that you recommended. Would you please give the appropriate amount of Licorice to take daily and the reason again that you need to take because the baking soda does what, if you don't? Tremendously appreciative."
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BANANA PEEL
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[YEA] 11/23/2011: Sarah from Littleville, Alabama, Usa writes: "Rub the inside of a banana peel anywhere you have hives. The itching will be gone in a second or two. You won't be sticky or anything, it soaks in just like lotion, nice and dry, not greasy. You still need to figure out the cause if it's a chronic condition, but you won't itch anymore!"
Replies11/23/2011: Rsw from Uniontown, Oh replies: "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."
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CHRYSANTHEMUM FLOWERS
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[YEA] 04/21/2008: Rick from Jersey City, NJ writes: "Thank you all! Great website. I have had hives for 6 consecutives days. Every day without fail at 6.3pm. No matter how many antihistamine I take, to no avail. Steriods given by a doctor even made the hives worse. Much redder and itchier. I stumbled on this website and began taking Ted's recipe, B-12, C and E. 2 days ago. Last nite, I boiled some chrysanthemum flower. Hives was itcher than ever. Took a large cup in the middle of the nite and a lot more in the morning. Continued the vitamins and came back in the pm for more. Expecting the hives to break out any time soon....6.30pm. Nothing happened ! No hives!!! BTW, I the nite before, I took some epsom salt and lots of water and apple juice. I believe combining all these cost effective remedies beats all the OTC medication I bougght over the last few days.Did some research on chrysanthemum flower and found that it is an anti-inflamatory agent, a good stress reliever etc. Here is the link http://www.healthline.com/galecontent/chrysanthemum-flower I am chinese by origin but never knew that this herb could help.
Hope this helps someone. GOOD LUCK "
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DIETARY CHANGES, APPLE CIDER VINEGAR, VITAMIN C
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[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 08/21/2009: N. Williams from Doral, Florida writes: "Hi All
I live in the Caribbean and 5 years ago I suffered with the worst case of Hives. It affected even my eyes and made the white appear soft and jelly-like!! I missed a lot of work, could not sleep in the nights and visited three doctors and one herbal doctor. The last Dr. was an allergy doctor who could not test me because of all the anti-histamine tablets in my body. Eventually I stopped taking the meds, because my body had just enough of it and started to take a blood cleanser, which worked. Granted that my hives were starting to go. It recently came back and because I am more knowledgeable about it now, than I was then, I read where a raw vegetable and fruits diet will help to clear it up fast. So I tried it, and my hives did not come on as bad as the first time. In fact, it is very tolerable. I continue to take anti-histamines...only in the night. I take the cleanser in the morning. And I only started drink ACV last night, so I have not seen any true results from it yet, but I feel confident it will work. I don't eat any fruits or veges that have a lot of acid. And I only drink water ( not alkaline ). I attribute mines mostly to stress because I have been under a great deal of stress when I had both episodes. Making the scarifice in your diet, and keeping your stress down, helps tremendously. You will loose weight but, if you want it to go, and to be able to sleep, try it...you have nothing to loose. I also read where taking Vitamin C is very good. I am also using it in 1000 mg strength. Hope I have offered some help here."
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DIGESTIVE ENZYMES
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[YEA] 01/11/2011: Laurie Anne from Ridge Manor, Fl, Usa writes: "The best treatment for chronic hives is digestive enzymes. If you do a little research on the Internet related to amylase deficiency you may be pleasantly surprised at how simple it is to cure this acutely miserable malady. I suffered for several years and have tried many alternative treatments, but Taking digestive enzymes with every meal and snack has completely eliminated the symptoms.... I use a generic brand from an herb company that has ox bile as an ingredient and has a blend of amylase, lipase and protease among others. This has been a very liberating discovery and has provided more health benefits than just the skin issues... Check it out!"
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DOUGH
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[YEA] 12/04/2006: Michael writes: "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."
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GARLIC
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[YEA] 02/06/2009: Helen from Long Island, NY writes: "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."
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GENERAL FEEDBACK
07/20/2011: Philippa from Surrey, Bc, Canada writes: "I have read several times about hives "breaking out". What does this mean? What happens when a hive bursts open?"
Replies12/20/2011: Livinlife from Austin, Texas replies: "Hives don't actually burst breaking out means they start developing at rapid pace and can't seem to stop."
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04/03/2011: Alena from San Francisco, Ca writes: "I have been suffering from what I think is hives for the past two day. Some history-
For the past 3 weeks I have been on a liver cleansing diet (Fat Fl--h) toward the end of the 3rd week I forgot to take the suppliments and the physilium husk/ cranberry water as reguraly. Some one reminded me when you are losing weight especially fat then the toxins that are mostly stored in thoes fat cells get released in the blood stream and somehow have to be flushed out if you are not keeping regular bathroom visits it does not get out of your body quickly enough. The released toxins could be the reason for my hives? The hives developed under my chin and on my shoulder in the same area where I had a hard to get rid of pimple.
On this diet I have been taking-
milk thistle, evening primrose oil, flax seed oil and lots of ACV. I was already on a no sugar, no carbs, no beans, or dairy products diet for the hives I have tried castor oil rubbed directly on the affected area and started taking some caprylic acid. The hives are not increasing in area but are still very itchi.
Would love to hear any comments. It's ironic that I should get hives for the first time when my system has been cleansed. Perhaps it has to get worse before it gets better?"
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GLUTEN-FREE DIET
12/20/2009: Ravi S from Dallas, Texas writes: "I would strongly urge all Hives sufferers to stick to strict Gluten free diet and check if there is a difference. Gluten is a nightmare for a few people, that throws their immune system crazy. Hives as a side reaction to Gluten allergy has been overlooked."
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HIVES TRIGGERS
01/28/2011: Itchyscratchy from Sydney, Nsw Australia writes: "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"
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