Hives, or urticaria as they are also called, are sudden and often quite an unpleasant outburst of swollen red bumps that can spread and form large plaques on the skin. They are usually caused by an allergic reaction to a trigger that you have ingested or encountered somewhere. An allergic reaction causes your body to release a protein – histamine – which in return causes the burning, itching, swelling, and overall discomfort.

Some of the most common triggers to most people are food, especially shellfish, nuts, chocolate, milk, and eggs; pet dander; infections; certain medications; latex; and, last but not least, insect bites. Hives can be very uncomfortable and quite itchy, they can burn and be very pesky, and prevent you from enjoying your potentially wonderful day. So, you may have heard that baking soda can help with these annoying sensations. If you want to know how to use it and if you want to find out about its healing properties, take a few moments to read ahead.

Healing Properties of Baking Soda

Baking soda is a common household object usually used for cooking, or for keeping the refrigerators odorless, but it has many healing properties as well! It is quite inexpensive and can be a great remedy for hives and other issues, such as digestive problems, stomach pain, sore throat, coughs, and various skin injuries.

 Baking soda can be used as a deodorant and a face exfoliator, it can help with teeth cleaning and whitening, and is quite effective for heartburn. It is also good for various household items and even cars! So how does it help with those annoying hives?

Baking Soda and Hives

As we know, hives are a result of histamine, which is a type of protein. Proteins are composed of amino acids, which means that hives are somewhat acidic in their nature. We know that alkali neutralizes the acids. Sodium bicarbonate, or as we commonly call it – baking soda, is an alkali that most of us already have in our kitchens. The simple baking soda can be your biggest ally when it comes to soothing the burning caused by the hives.

Make a Paste

So, how to use it? Add a few drops of water to two tablespoons of baking soda to form a smooth paste. Apply the concoction to the affected area and let it dry out completely. You should feel immediate relief from the itching as soon as you apply the paste to the hives. You can do this several times a day and you should see improvement quite quickly.

Baking Soda Bath

Another option for you is to make a soothing baking soda bath. Add about one cup of baking soda to your bathtub filled with warm water. Mix the baking soda in well and soak in this bath for about 20 to 30 minutes. You can repeat this every day until you feel relief from the pain, itching, burning, and until your hives disappear.

Baking Soda and Honey

Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with two tablespoons of honey and apply to the affected area. You should feel relief immediately as the anti-inflammatory properties of honey and baking soda have proven to be quite effective when it comes to the treatment of hives.

Baking Soda and Apple Cider Vinegar

The benefits of apple cider vinegar have been profusely discussed all over the Internet, but combined with baking soda, apple cider vinegar does wonders for hives! Try making an apple cider vinegar – baking soda tonic. These two ingredients combined offer all the natural nutritional benefits of apple cider vinegar but in significantly less acidic form. The simplest way to make it is to combine two tablespoons of raw organic apple cider vinegar and 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda in a glass that you will later fill with water. If you need to sweeten this drink up a bit try adding honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, or stevia but avoid sugar and artificial sweeteners because they can actually worsen your condition. Try drinking this tonic once or twice a day on an empty stomach, some 30 minutes before a meal.