Have you ever been bitten by a deadly insect or ingested a certain type of food and suddenly saw your skin develop red, itchy, and swollen bumps?
If you answered a resounding YES, then you have probably experienced hives in your life. Hives or urticaria is a form of skin allergy caused by the body’s reaction to specific allergens or certain unknown reasons.
In most cases, the hives are only itchy but severe ones can have a burn or a sting. They can develop anywhere on the skin even the tongue, throat, ears and lips.
Food poisoning and insect bites aren’t the only causes of allergic hives. Medications, internal disease, exposure to extreme weather conditions, and infections can cause it as well. Fortunately, this skin allergy often lasts for a short period of time.
Mild hives can clear up within two hours while severe ones can go up to one week.
Hives are relatively harmless albeit they can be a cause of alarm, especially when they become chronic. The common treatment option recommended by doctors is antihistamines. While these may be effective, they have many side effects.
These include dizziness, dry mouth, stomach upsets, vision changes, thickening of mucus, nervousness, irritability, and drowsiness.
To avoid the side effects, consider using tried and tested essential oils that work effectively without the added disadvantage of the antihistamines.
The following are some of the top essential oils that will help you get rid of hives naturally and provide immediate relief:
Lavender oil
One of the most effective essential oils for treating hives and a myriad of other diseases and conditions is lavender oil. With excellent antiseptic and antispasmodic properties, lavender oil helps the skin fight off microbes and irritants that cause skin allergies. This is not forgetting the fact that it is gentle and warm to the skin.
Peppermint essential oil
Peppermint oil is a fantastic coolant for swollen skin. It brings down the inflammation, reduces redness and the burning sensation of hives, and calms irritated and itchy skin. Combine Peppermint with lemon and lavender essential oils to develop a more effective allergy relief.
Tea Tree oil
Tea tree oil possesses powerful anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. It provides instant relief to inflammation caused by hives. The essential oil also acts as a shield to the skin, particularly when scratching gets intense as a result of itching.
It will also protect the skin from sunburns, boost immune functions, and reduce blemishes and scars.
Chamomile oil
A 2010 review of the effectiveness of chamomile oil showed that it has amazing inflammatory properties that can be used to treat a wide range of skin conditions. When mixed with carrier oil and topically applied on the skin, it can relieve swelling and itching associated with hives and eczema.
Frankincense oil
Frankincense oil finds use in everyday life including stress and anxiety relief, boosting immunity, pain management, and reduction of inflammation. When applied on irritated skin, it produces great anti-inflammation effects.
Lemon Oil
Lemon oil has great anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. The essential oil will soothe the inflammations and itching caused by hives.
Additionally, lemon has potent antioxidant properties hence great for treating hives caused by insect bites.
Dilute the oil with a suitable carrier oil before applying it to the affected area. Lemon is also photosensitive, so it advisable to use it at night before going to bed.
Bottom-line
The relationship between essential oils and hives is inconclusive for the most part. However, many people have benefited from using them to relieve hives symptoms.
If symptoms persist and other serious signs such as more swellings pop up, it could be a more severe condition. Accordingly, discontinue using the essential oils and consult a doctor immediately.
Due to their high potency, it is advisable to always dilute essential oils with carrier oils before applying them on your body.
Lastly, a bigger percentage of essential oils are not safe for pregnant and nursing women, so consult your physician before using them.