9 Essential Oils for Hives

Hives, characterized by itchy and inflamed skin, prompt many to seek relief through natural remedies. In “9 Essential Oils for Hives,” we discuss the effectiveness of oils like Lavender and Tea Tree, known for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, in alleviating these symptoms. Brands like Young Living and doTERRA offer high-quality options.

Peppermint oil is highlighted for its ability to ease skin discomfort and address respiratory issues related to allergic reactions. However, the cost of integrating these oils into a wellness routine is a consideration, with prices varying based on purity and extraction methods. We provide a balanced perspective to help readers make informed choices that align with their budget and health needs.

We also mention oils like Chamomile, Eucalyptus, and others, emphasizing the need for personalized selection and use, and recommend consulting a healthcare professional to ensure safety and effectiveness. Explore the practical and affordable options of essential oils for hives relief in our detailed post.

A bit about hives

Essential Oils for Hives

Here are our top picks of essential oils for urticaria. We will explain why each of them merits a place on our list.

• Lavender oil
• Tea tree oil
• Peppermint oil
• Chamomile oil
• Eucalyptus oil
• Cedarwood
• Basil oil
• Citronella essential oil
• Clove essential oil

Lavender oil

Lavender Essential Oil, known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, is considered a potential remedy for hives. It contains compounds like Linalool and Linalyl acetate that contribute to its calming effects (Essential Oils : Ancient Medicine Book, Pages 174-175).

A study in Evidence-Based Complementary Alternative Medicine (Pages 84-85) supports lavender oil’s effectiveness in relieving stress, a factor that can exacerbate hives, suggesting its indirect benefit in managing this skin condition.

Eugenol in lavender oil has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties (DrugBank), indicating its potential to alleviate hives’ inflammation and itching.

In the context of horses with heaves, eugenol’s anti-inflammatory properties could potentially ease airway inflammation, though professional veterinary consultation is advised due to limited specific research.

Usage:

Apply lavender oil, diluted with a carrier oil, to the affected area for skin relief or diffuse it for calming effects. Conduct a patch test to avoid potential allergic reactions and seek professional advice for safe use (Essential Oils : Ancient Medicine Book, Pages 174-175).

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a natural remedy for hives, attributed to its antiseptic properties and the presence of therapeutic compounds like Alpha- & Y-Terpinenes, Terpinen-4-ol, and P-Cymene (Essential Oils : Ancient Medicine Book, Pages 191-193).

Properties in Treating Hives

1. Anti-Inflammatory Effects:
   • Alpha- & Y-Terpinenes and Terpinen-4-ol alleviate redness and itching, reducing inflammation.
2. Antiseptic Properties:
   • P-Cymene helps prevent infection and promotes skin healing.
3. Antiviral Activity:
   • Terpinen-4-ol is beneficial for hives triggered by viral infections (Essential Oils : Ancient Medicine Book, Page 296).

Usage for Hives

Tea tree oil should be diluted with a carrier oil before topical application to avoid skin irritation.

• Dilution: Mix 5 drops of tea tree oil with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil.
• Patch Test: Ensure no allergic reaction occurs.
• Application: Apply 2-3 times daily to relieve symptoms.

See our detailed post on Tea Tree Oil for Hives.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil, rich in menthol and menthone, offers potential benefits for treating hives:

Properties of Peppermint Oil:

1. Anti-allergenic and Anti-inflammatory: Peppermint oil can help treat hives due to its anti-allergenic and anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Cooling Effect: Menthol in peppermint oil soothes irritated skin, reducing itching and burning associated with hives.
3. Analgesic: Menthol’s pain-relieving properties can alleviate hives discomfort.

Benefits of Peppermint Oil for Hives:

1. Soothes Skin: Its cooling effect provides relief from itching and burning.
2. Reduces Inflammation: It can diminish swelling and redness from hives.
3. Natural Alternative: Peppermint oil is a natural option compared to over-the-counter pain relievers.

Usage Recommendation: For relief, mix five drops of peppermint essential oil with a cup of distilled water in a spray bottle. Spray on affected areas as needed.

Impact of Menthol and Menthone:

1. Menthol: Offers cooling and pain-relieving properties, making it effective for hives.
2. Menthone: Contributes to peppermint oil’s therapeutic effects, potentially reducing hives symptoms.

Chamomile Oil

Roman Chamomile oil is valued for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, making it a viable option for hives treatment. It contains Angelate, Esters, and Isobutyrate, enhancing its therapeutic effectiveness.

Properties:

1. Anti-Inflammatory: Roman Chamomile alleviates redness and swelling associated with hives and soothes irritated skin (Source: Essential Oils : Ancient Medicine Book, Pages 213-214).
2. Allergy Relief: The oil acts as a natural allergy reliever, essential for managing allergy-induced hives (Source: Essential Oils : Ancient Medicine Book, Pages 213-214).
3. Therapeutic Compounds:
   • Angelate contributes to the oil’s anti-inflammatory effects.
   • Esters offer relief from itching and discomfort (Source: Essential Oils : Ancient Medicine Book, Pages 212-213).
   • Isobutyrate is implicated in skin soothing and inflammation reduction, although specific data is limited.

Usage:

1. Topical Application: Mix Roman Chamomile oil with a carrier oil and apply to affected areas to avoid skin irritation.
2. Inhalation: Add a few drops to a diffuser to alleviate stress or anxiety associated with hives discomfort.
3. Professional Consultation: Seek advice from a healthcare professional before use, especially for sensitive skin or pregnant individuals, to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus Oil contains therapeutic compounds Alpha-Terpineol and Eucalyptol (1,8-cineole).

Eucalyptol (1,8-cineole) has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can reduce hives’ inflammation and redness. It also possesses antimicrobial properties, beneficial if skin infections exacerbate hives.

Alpha-Terpineol has anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate hives symptoms and provides a soothing effect to reduce itching.

Eucalyptus Oil may offer relief from hives by decreasing inflammation and itching. However, it might not treat the underlying cause, especially if allergies or other health conditions trigger hives.

Recommendation: Before using Eucalyptus Oil for hives, conduct a patch test to check for allergies. If safe, dilute the oil in a carrier oil and apply to the affected area. Always consult a healthcare professional before using essential oils, especially for persistent hives.

Cedarwood Oil

Cedarwood oil, enriched with Alpha-cedrene, Beta-cedrene, Cedrol, and Thujopsene, offers anti-inflammatory and antifungal benefits, making it a potential remedy for hives.

Properties:

• Anti-Inflammatory: Alpha-cedrene and Beta-cedrene in cedarwood oil reduce inflammation and skin infections associated with hives.
• Antifungal: Thujopsene helps combat fungal infections, preventing complications from constant scratching.
• Soothing Effects: Cedrol contributes to the oil’s calming effects, alleviating itching and irritation.

Application:

Dilute cedarwood oil with a carrier oil and apply a few drops to the affected area 2-3 times daily, ensuring a patch test beforehand to avoid allergic reactions.

Precautions:

• Dilute before application to prevent skin irritation.
• Avoid internal use and use during pregnancy.
• Seek professional advice for safe use, especially for those with sensitive skin or health conditions.

Basil Essential Oil

Basil oil, enriched with B-Elemene, E-Caryophyllene, and Methyl eugenol, has potential benefits for hives treatment due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

B-Elemene and E-Caryophyllene in basil oil can alleviate hives’ inflammation and redness (Essential Oils: Ancient Medicine (Illustrated ed.), Pages 92-94).

Antibacterial Effects

Methyl eugenol helps prevent secondary skin infections that can worsen hives (Essential Oils: Ancient Medicine (Illustrated ed.), Pages 92-94).

Application

Dilute basil oil with a carrier oil and apply to affected areas after a successful patch test.

How to Use

1. Dilution: Mix basil oil with a carrier oil considering the hives’ severity and skin sensitivity.
2. Application: Apply gently to affected areas.
3. Patch Test: Conduct to ensure no allergic reaction to the oil.

Precautions

Consult a healthcare professional to determine basil oil’s suitability for your condition and skin type. Individual responses to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties may vary.

Citronella Essential Oil

Citronella Essential Oil, containing compounds like Citronellal, Citronellol, and Geraniol, is a potential remedy for hives due to its anti-inflammatory, pain-reducing, and antibacterial properties.

Properties:

1. Anti-Inflammatory: Geraniol in Citronella contributes to its anti-inflammatory effects, reducing inflammation and cellular damage.
2. Pain and Swelling Reduction: The oil aids in alleviating hives discomfort, attributed to its antioxidant properties and enhanced blood flow.
3. Antibacterial and Antifungal: Citronella helps prevent infection in hives-affected areas.

Compounds’ Impact:

• Citronellal: Assists in reducing inflammation and discomfort associated with hives.
• Citronellol and Geraniol: Known for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, beneficial in managing hives’ redness and swelling.

Use:

Citronella Essential Oil can be applied topically for hives relief but should be diluted to prevent skin irritation. A mix of the oil with a carrier like coconut oil, applied to affected areas, can alleviate itching and inflammation. A patch test is recommended to avoid adverse reactions.

Clove Essential Oil

Clove essential oil, rich in eugenol, offers anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects beneficial for hives treatment. Eugenol’s properties, as highlighted in “Essential Oils: Ancient Medicine” (Pages 125-127), include antimicrobial effects that prevent infections exacerbating hives. DrugBank confirms eugenol’s role in inhibiting prostaglandins biosynthesis and suppressing oxidative stress, alleviating hives’ inflammation and itching.

How to Use:

Dilute clove oil with a carrier oil to avoid skin irritation. Conduct a patch test before application.

Application Steps:

1. Combine a few drops of clove oil with a carrier oil.
2. Gently apply to the hives, avoiding rubbing.
3. Rinse with cool water after a few hours.

Repeat daily until hives subside. Consult a healthcare professional before use, especially for sensitive skin or pregnant or breastfeeding individuals.

Sources:

• Essential Oils: Ancient Medicine (Pages 125-127)
• DrugBank – Eugenol

Conclusion

We’ve examined the role of essential oils in alleviating hives, highlighting the effectiveness of Lavender, Tea Tree, and Peppermint oils. We also considered the cost, offering budget-friendly options.

We differentiated between acute and chronic hives and discussed physical urticaria. Essential oils like Chamomile, Eucalyptus, and Cedarwood were explored for their benefits.

In conclusion, consulting a healthcare professional is essential for tailored advice on using essential oils for hives, ensuring safety and effectiveness. This guide aims to aid your journey to relief, balancing efficacy, safety, and cost.