What is Urticaria (Hives)?
Urticaria (hives) are itchy, raised wheals on the skin that appear suddenly and can migrate — often allergic or immune-mediated. They range from short-lived acute episodes (minutes–days) to chronic urticaria (lasting >6 weeks). Angioedema (deep swelling) can co-occur and may require emergency care if breathing or swallowing is affected.
Common signs & triggers
- Intensely itchy, red or pale raised welts (wheals) that blanch with pressure.
- Triggers: foods, medications, insect bites, infections, temperature changes, stress, or idiopathic (unknown).
- Watch for angioedema (lips, eyelids, tongue) and respiratory symptoms — seek emergency care if present.
Ayurvedic perspective
In Ayurveda, urticaria-like conditions are commonly correlated with Vicharchika and Sheetapitta presentations where Pitta and Vata (and sometimes Kapha) are disturbed, along with presence of Ama (toxins/undigested material). Treatment aims to pacify the offending dosha(s), clear toxins, calm immune hyper-reactivity and strengthen skin (Tvak) and digestion (Agni).
Critical Safety Note
If you experience difficulty breathing, throat tightness, dizziness, or rapid swelling of face/lips — call emergency services immediately. Ayurvedic therapies are complementary and should not replace urgent medical management for anaphylaxis or severe angioedema. We coordinate care with medical teams and require appropriate clearance for clinic procedures.
Ayurvedic Care Pathway (Integrated)
- Immediate safety & trigger control: Rule out allergens, stop offending drugs/foods, and manage acute symptoms medically if necessary.
- Shamana (calming) medicines: Gentle antihistaminic/anti-inflammatory herbs such as Guduchi, Haridra (turmeric), Neem, and Manjistha in clinician-supervised formulations.
- Local & systemic therapies: Abhyanga, Udvartana, Lepam (topical pastes), Swedana/Nadi Swedana and Shirodhara/Nasyam as indicated to reduce itching, calm Pitta and support nervous system balance.
- Detox (selective): In recurrent/chronic Pitta-dominant cases, mild Shodhana (such as supervised Virechana) may be considered after stabilization and tests — only under specialist supervision.
- Diet & lifestyle: Remove common food triggers, adopt Pitta-pacifying diet, cooling remedies, stress reduction and sleep hygiene.
Therapies We Use for Urticaria — with reference images
Only therapies with clinical relevance for urticaria are listed below along with clinic reference images. Each therapy is individualized and undertaken after clinical assessment and (when needed) medical clearance.
Abhyanga (Warm Oil Massage)
What it is: Gentle full-body herbal oil massage tailored to calm Pitta, reduce itching and nourish the skin.
- Soothes irritated skin, improves circulation and lymphatic drainage, reduces systemic reactivity.
- Oils are chosen to be cooling and non-allergenic; technique is gentle to avoid exacerbating wheals.
Udvartana (Herbal Powder Massage)
What it is: Dry herbal powder massage that helps remove superficial toxins, reduce itching and improve skin texture.
- Used carefully in urticaria to reduce Kapha/Pitta stagnation and to desensitize the skin surface.
- Selected powders (antipruritic, cooling) are used; avoided during severe acute flare with broken skin.
Lepam (Topical Herbal Pastes)
What it is: Application of soothing, anti-inflammatory herbal pastes (eg. neem, turmeric, aloe blends) to affected areas to reduce itching and redness.
- Provides local cooling, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory action; chosen to be non-irritating.
- Applied in clinic with patch testing if sensitivity is suspected.
Swedan (Whole-body Steam)
What it is: Controlled steam therapy to open channels, assist removal of toxins and ease pruritus in select patients.
- Used cautiously — brief, mild steaming can help in some non-acute cases to relieve itching and support topical therapies.
- Avoid overheating; not suitable during acute allergic reactions or when wheals are inflamed and hot.
Nadi Swedan (Localized Steam)
What it is: Localized warm herbal steam over affected body areas to reduce itching and support topical pastes.
- Useful for targeted relief (eg. torso, limbs) while minimizing systemic heating.
Shirodhara (Nervous System & Stress Support)
What it is: Continuous stream of warm oil/decoction on the forehead to calm the nervous system and reduce stress-driven flares.
- Chronic urticaria often has stress-related triggers; Shirodhara helps reduce autonomic hyperarousal and improve sleep.
Nasyam (Nasal Therapy) — Adjunct
What it is: Administration of gentle, cooling herbal oils/powders via the nose to calm head, digestion and systemic reactivity.
- Used when headaches, nasal congestion or appetite changes accompany flares; supports nervous system balance.
Virechana (Therapeutic Purgation) — Selective
What it is: Supervised herbal purgation to remove Pitta-related toxins; considered in recurrent, Pitta-dominant chronic urticaria after full assessment.
- Only performed after preparatory oleation/steam and after medical and laboratory clearance; may reduce relapse in selected patients.
Herbal Medicines & Dietary Support
Oral medicines and diet are central. Herbs are selected for safety, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and immunomodulatory properties under clinician supervision.
- Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia): Immunomodulatory, supports detox and reduces inflammation.
- Haridra / Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Anti-inflammatory and antipruritic when used appropriately.
- Neem (Azadirachta indica): Antiseptic and blood-purifying properties — used in safe formulations.
- Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia): Skin supportive and detoxifying herb used in chronic skin conditions.
- Diet: Cool, light, Pitta-pacifying foods — rice, mung dal, cooked vegetables; avoid hot/spicy, fermented and heavy fried foods.
- Avoid: Alcohol, caffeine, known food allergens (eg. shellfish, nuts if sensitized), and NSAIDs if they worsen symptoms — discuss with your physician.
- Lifestyle: Stress reduction (breathwork, yoga), good sleep and trigger avoidance are essential.
Herbs and internal medicines must be prescribed after assessment. If urticaria appears with systemic signs or suspected drug/food allergy, coordinate with medical allergy services for testing and emergency planning.
Sample Clinic Plans (examples)
Acute episode — safe symptom care- Immediate trigger removal and medical evaluation for angioedema/anaphylaxis
- Topical Lepam (cooling pastes), cold compresses, short supportive Abhyanga if tolerated
- Short course of clinician-selected anti-inflammatory herbs and diet modification
Recurrent / chronic urticaria- Allergy workup coordination (if indicated), elimination trial diet
- Planned supportive therapies — Abhyanga, Udvartana, Lepam, Shirodhara and Nasyam
- Consider supervised Virechana in Pitta-dominant, treatment-resistant cases after full clearance
Maintenance & relapse prevention- Herbal immunomodulators (eg. Guduchi), topical skin care and avoidance strategies
- Stress management program and regular follow-up
- Periodic skin-supportive sessions and monitoring
All procedures are individualized. Detox procedures (Virechana) require careful selection and medical clearance. We obtain informed consent and provide pre/post procedure instructions.
Quick Reference — Therapies & Roles
| Therapy | Primary role | Notes |
|---|
| Abhyanga | Skin nourishment, reduce itching | Cooling oils, gentle technique |
| Udvartana | Remove superficial toxins, improve skin tone | Use cautiously; avoid broken skin |
| Lepam | Topical anti-pruritic, cooling | Patch test if sensitivity suspected |
| Swedan / Nadi Swedan | Assist toxin removal, relieve pruritus | Mild, controlled steam only |
| Shirodhara | Stress & sleep support | Helpful for stress-triggered flares |
| Nasyam | Adjunct to calm systemic reactivity | Used selectively |
| Virechana | Selective Pitta detox (chronic cases) | Only after comprehensive assessment |
Need a personalised Ayurvedic plan for urticaria?
Book a consultation — we will review your history, identify triggers, coordinate allergy/medical care if needed, and design a stepwise Ayurvedic plan to reduce flares and strengthen your skin.
Book ConsultationAll procedures are performed by qualified Ayurvedic physicians. Emergency signs (breathlessness, throat swelling) require immediate medical attention.
