Natural Ways To Relieve Urticaria

(Reference: Charak samhita (nidan sthan) chapter-5 and shloka-7)

In this shloka, the prodromal symptoms of skin diseases are explained.

1. Loss or excessive sweating
2. Roughness or excessive smoothness of skin
3. Generalized burning sensation on the affected area
4. Tingling sensation
5. Coarseness
6. Excessive pain in the suppurated area
7. Injured and dislocated joints affected
8. Non-healing of small wounds

As Per Modern Aspect

Urticaria is a disease characterized by erythematous rashes on the skin. Rashes are lumpy and itchy which look like the effect of a nettle sting that can occur for more than six weeks. Acute Urticaria is the most common problem in young patients while a chronic type of urticaria occurs in middle-aged women which are a more difficult clinical problem. Though the disease is not life-threatening, it makes a person worried, due to its appearance of skin and severe pruritus.

As Per Ayurveda Aspect

It is correlated to “Sheetpitta”. It is a tridoshaja vyadhi having predominance of vata and pitta dosha. Rasa and rakta are the main dushyas which create this disease with urticaria. This condition is associated with daha (burning sensation), vamana (vomiting), kandu (itching), toda (pricking sensation) and jwara (fever).

What are the Causes of Urticaria?

Urticaria occurs when there is a high level of histamine and other chemical messengers to be released into the skin. These substances cause the blood vessels in the affected area of skin to open up which often results in redness or pinkness and these vessels become leaky. The extra fluid present in the tissues causes swelling and itching.

Histamine may be released because of many reasons, including

• An allergic reaction – such as food allergy or a reaction to an insect bite.
• Cold or heat exposure
• Viral infection – such as a cold and cough
• Certain medications – such as antibiotics or non-steroidal inflammatory drugs.
• Some physical triggers such as changes in temperature, pressure on the skin and exercise.
• Direct exposure to sunlight
• Dust Mites
• Intestinal parasites
• High body temperature
• Pollen
• Bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections

However, in many cases of urticaria, no obvious cause can be found.

Some Cases of Chronic Urticaria May be Caused by the Weak Immune System Which Mistakenly Attacking the Healthy Tissues.

Certain triggers may also make the symptoms worse. These include

• Consumption of caffeine-containing products such as alcohol, coffee, and tea
• Emotional stress
• Warm temperature

It may be linked to other chronic infections such as

• Intestinal parasites
• Viral hepatitis
• Hyper and hypothyroidism

What are the Symptoms of Urticaria?

1. Swelling over the skin, known as wheals, appears as rashes on the skin. These rashes are usually pink or red in color and are oval or round in shape. These can range from a few millimeters to several inches across.
2. These rashes can cause severe itching and they have a red flare around them.
3. Swelling usually occurs in batches, frequently on the face or on the lower and upper extremities, including the arms, hands, fingers, legs, feet, and toes.
4. Welts usually disappear within 24 hours, but new ones may form. They can reappear on any part, or on several parts of the body.
5. Symptoms may persist for more than 6 weeks and can recur frequently, sometimes for months or years.
6. In some cases, this condition can continue for several days. People with a chronic condition can have symptoms for even months or years.

Natural Ways To Relieve Urticaria

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is an effective remedy due to its antihistamine and various other medicinal properties. Moreover, it can help to fight against bacteria or virus that could be causing or aggravating this disease. In this disease, skin tissues release the histamine into the bloodstream, which causes an allergic reaction in the skin. This remedy kills the harmful bacteria and virus that worsens the problem.

• Add 1 to 2 cups of apple cider vinegar to a bathtub filled with warm water. Soak the affected area in it for 15 to 20 minutes once daily.
• Alternatively, dilute apple cider vinegar with an equal amount of water and wash the affected area  few times a day.
• Another option is to add 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of lukewarm water and add a little honey to taste. Drink this remedy twice daily.

2. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is another effective remedy which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties which are helpful in treating urticaria. The gel of this herb helps to reduce redness, swelling, and itching when applied topically. In addition, it has a soothing effect on the skin. According to the Ayurvedic point of view, aloe vera is bitter in taste and has cool potency. This herb balances all the three doshas ie., Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The leaves of this herb contain phytochemicals, which are helpful in eradicating swollen and pale-red bumps on the skin.

• Apply fresh Aloe Vera gel on the affected area and leave it for 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse it with lukewarm water.
• Alternatively, mix the aloe Vera gel with coconut oil and apply it gently on the affected area with the cotton pad.

3. Turmeric

Turmeric has been used in Ayurveda for many years. According to Ayurveda, the use of turmeric in urticaria is a good option because it has antihistamine, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can treat various symptoms related to chronic urticaria. Turmeric contains an active compound called curcumin, which balances all the three doshas (i.e., Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) of the body.

• Add a tablespoon of turmeric powder in a cup of lukewarm water, mix it properly and drink it twice daily.
• Include turmeric in your daily diet.

4. Nettle

Nettle is the most rejuvenating herb which provides relief from urticaria and has bioactive compounds such as phenols, vitamins A, C, D and K. This herb contains minerals such as iron, potassium, calcium and phosphorous. Being an astringent and anti-inflammatory, it provides relief from inflammation and swelling.

• Add one tablespoon of dried nettle in a cup of boiling water and leave it for 5 to 10 minutes and add a few drops of honey to it. Drink this tea for 3 to 4 times a day.

5. Basil

Basil has a natural histamine property which makes this an effective herb in the treatment of urticaria. The ursolic acid present in this herb increases the collagen level in the skin, which plays an important role in skin rejuvenation and removes redness of the skin. According to the Ayurvedic point of view, this herb has a pungent and bitter taste and has hot potency. This herb combats itching as well reduces swelling.

• Add some dried leaves of holy basil in a jar of hot water. Leave this mixture for 10 to 15 minutes. After some time, apply this mixture in the mixture on the affected area with the help of the cotton cloth.
• Make a thick paste of fresh basil leaves and apply it on the affected part of the skin. Allow it to dry for some time and then rinse it off with cold water.

All these natural remedies are helpful in reducing the intensity of urticaria. You can also add cold compression, baking soda as a home remedy, this will also reduce the symptoms related to urticaria.