Does hives itch? These infusions will help you

With spring the concentration in the atmosphere of the allergenic plant pollen like many grasses, the ubiquitous parietaria, cypresses, poplars or even olive trees.

Allergy sufferers may respond with histamine release, which causes hives on the skin surrounded by a reddened area, sometimes with scaling. They are hives, which are usually accompanied by swelling and more or less intense itching.

These discomforts are effectively treated with medicinal plants that are a alternative to antihistamines synthetic, drugs that are not free of side effects such as drowsiness.

4 infusions to combat hives

“You will defend yourself against your enemy with your enemy”, this principle is the basis of vaccines and also, in very diluted doses, of homeopathy. Similarly it happens in Phytotherapy with plants as common as the nettle, whose stinging hairs contain histamine and, nevertheless, it is indicated to treat itching.

1. Nettle

nettle (urtica dioica) is rich in minerals (silica, iron, calcium…), in flavonoids and in organic acids such as formic.

In external use it results anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antihistamine and healing. Relieves hives, pimples caused by pollen, mites or insect bites.

Combine it with lemon balm, lavender and chamomile in equal parts, prepare an infusion with the mixture and “irrigate” the affected area with it.

The juice of the fresh plant is also used, which is applied with a cotton pad.

2. plantain lesser

The plantain (plantago lanceolata) is anti-inflammatory and removes impurities. It is recommended to treat hives, pimples, dermatitis, conjunctivitis…

The aerial tops of the plant. It is possible to drink the infusion or moisten a cloth and place it on the affected area.

3. Calendula

marigold (calendula officinalis) topically is a great healingregenerates the tissues affected by the reaction of the immune system.

The part that is used are the flower buds. Apply the calendula infusion with washes and compresses, or the ointment or oleate.

4. Gotu kola

Gotu kola or gotu kola (Asiatic spark) has many indications in the traditional medicine of India, and one of them is the treatment of vulnerable skin.

In external use, the infusion of gotu kola improves skin circulation. It is also useful in burns and eczema.

The aerial tops, fresh or dried. Apply a cloth soaked in the decoction to the affected area.

This article has been prepared with the advice of Josep Maria Teixé, herbalist at El Manantial de Salud