Urticaria – Ask a Naturopath

Urticaria is characterised as an acute or chronic allergic reaction in which red, raised lumps (wheals or welts) of different sizes appear on the skin. These intensely itchy lumps may last hours but may also stay for days, some may even come and go periodically. They can vary in size and may occur all over the body or be confined to one area. Whatever their appearance and frequency, it can be a very stressful problem for the person affected.

Low immune system defenses – allergies, hypersensitive immunity, food intolerances, asthma
Nervous system hypersensitivity
Liver congestion
Stress and anxiety
Leaky gut or digestive sensitivities
Increased metabolic wastes not being cleared by the Kidneys

Diet tips for urticaria

Reduce dairy, gluten and sugar (common allergens) in your diet as this will lighten the load on the liver and lymphatic system and also reduce acidity in the body
Ensure that you are well hydrated (at least two litres/ day) to help flush the kidneys and lymphatic system of wastes
Herbal teas such as Fenugreek and Rosehip, ginger, chamomile, peppermint, elderflowers and licorice may help to decrease allergies also
Avoid any allergic foods you are sensitive to to help your gut to heal and reduce sensitivity

Lifestyle tips for urticaria

Run a luke warm bath, let the water run through a muslin bag or stocking which is full of oats and/or chamomile flowers. The water will go a milky white from the mucopolysaccharides in the oats which are very soothing to the skin. You may even like to dab the bag directly onto the afflicted areas
See a health care professional and have an allergy test to determine what you are specifically allergic to and then reduce exposure to these
If the condition is exacerbated by stress and an inability to cope please consider this and do things that will help to calm you down such as meditation, deep breathing, swimming, walking and avoiding stressful situations
Cleanse and alkalise the blood to reduce heat and inflammation from the circulation
Address Candida and digestive problems
Address any immune deficiency
Address liver congestion and kidney waste filtration

Natural remedies for urticaria

Apply lotions topically to help reduce the intense itch and inflammation such as Chamomile & Lavender, Aloe Vera, Calendula, Witch Hazel, Chickweed and Paw Paw ointment
Vitamin C and bioflavinoids (hesperidan) may help to reduce inflammation and allergic responses
Liver herbs such as Dandelion, Burdock, Milk Thistle, Schizandra and Bupleurum may help to reduce the skin irritation. In Chinese Medicine skin conditions are caused by liver heat. This occurs due to this organ of elimination and detoxification being over worked, the heat that this organ produces can cause further irritation and heated blood, which exacerbates allergic reactions
Herbs such as Astragalus, Ginger, Perilla, Albizzia, Siberian Ginseng, Licorice, Skullcap, Echinacea, Red Clover, Andrographis can help to dampen down an oversensitive immune system
Probiotics may help to provide beneficial bacteria for the immune system and repair gut problems and dysbiosis
The Australian Bush Flowers Emergency Essence is a vibrational essence which you can add to your water bottle, bath water, under the tongue or directly onto the inflamed area to calm the irritation and treat the emotional aspects of a sensitive immune and nervous system