Urticaria (Hives) is a transient swelling of the skin, due to the excessive release of histamine, that can be either acute and self-limiting (like a mosquito bite), or chronic and re-occurring (may be life long). It is estimated that between 15 and 23% of the population will experience urticaria sometime in their life. In the majority of chronic cases no actual cause can be determined, however in acute attacks allergies to certain foods (like shellfish, strawberries, and the preservative sodium benzoate) and medications (penicillin, aspirin), as well as infection (especially of the sinuses), internal disease (autoimmune thyroid, lupus, cancer), exercise, sunlight and even pressure (like from a belt or tight socks, for example).

Symptoms

By nature, an individual hive is temporary, lasting only 1 to 24 hours duration before exhausting itself. A new hive may develop right beside another one, giving the appearance that the same hive never went away. Usually there is no scarring. Almost everyone experiences some degree of itching, which can be quite severe at times. When the feet and hands are affected, swelling may interfere with normal movements, as well as causing joint pains.

Treatment

Western allopathic treatments for urticaria typically focus on suppressing the inflammatory response, using antihistamines and steroids (prednisone), which may prove useful for acute and short lived episodes of urticaria, but are not considered a good therapy for chronic long-term sufferers. By comparison, herbal treatments aim to regulate, rather then suppress, the immune imbalances responsible for the reaction. The focus is always on the individual, so, while there are specific herbs known to be excellent at calming hives, everyone suffering will often receive a very different formulation of medicines. It is important that the herbal prescription reflect the health of the individual, treating any infections present, healing digestive issues, and moderating over-active inflammatory processes.

Success

Most patients respond very well to herbal treatment for urticaria, finding good overall relief of itching and the reduced development of hives, both in the short and long term, with the effect often lasting after the herbal medicines are stopped. In the case of allergies, many patients have reported a reduced, or even absent, reaction after they finished their herbal medicines. Several studies have confirmed the some herbal medicines do indeed contain anti-allergy effects and that they tend to modulate, rather than suppress, the immune system.

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“I can honestly say that I have never received medical support & treatment better than what I have had with Dr. Erikson… In a recent monthly visit to follow up on my progress, I was shown a picture of my skin the first time it was photographed. I was amazed to see the incredible external progress – it was night & day in comparison.”

Amy Sicolo (Chronic urticaria sufferer)