Heat and cold
Exposure to too much heat, cold, or a sudden mix of both.
Overview
What is urticaria?
Urticaria, or hives, are red, itchy, raised patches on the skin. They can be a few millimetres to a few inches wide, round, ring-shaped or in large patches, anywhere on the body.
Histamine released in the body makes small blood vessels leak fluid into the skin.
The Ayurvedic view
Ayurveda sees it as an overreaction from imbalanced immunity and aggravated doshas; care uses digestive herbs and, where suitable, panchakarma.
Causes
What commonly triggers it
Food triggers
Food allergens and incompatible food combinations.
Bites and contact
Insect bites, or skin contact with irritant herbs such as bhilawa.
Other triggers
Intestinal worms, holding back vomiting, and some medicines such as certain antibiotics and painkillers.
Symptoms
Signs to notice
- Itchy red or pink raised patches (wheals) with pale centres
- Patches that change shape, size and place
- Flushing, swelling and headache
- Early signs: thirst, nausea, poor appetite, heaviness
Do not wait, get urgent medical help if you have
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing or trouble swallowing
- Dizziness, fainting or a fast heartbeat
- Hives spreading quickly after a new medicine, food or bee sting
Ayurvedic approach
How Dr. Varun approaches care
- 1
Consultation
Dr. Varun listens to your symptoms, history, food habits and routine, and looks at any reports or medicines you already take.
- 2
Assessment
Nadi pariksha (pulse) and Prakriti (body type) assessment help him understand your individual balance.
- 3
Your plan
Where suitable, a personal plan may combine diet and routine changes, classical Ayurvedic medicines and, for some people, Panchakarma.
- 4
Follow-up
Progress is reviewed and the plan adjusted, at the clinic or on WhatsApp.
Diet & lifestyle
Small changes that help
Best avoided
- Sweets, sugar, jaggery and alcohol
- Incompatible, heavy and sour foods
- Daytime sleep
- Exposure to strong wind and sunbathing
Helpful habits
- Fresh, light, easily digestible meals
- Cooked split gram or legumes, pomegranate and bitter gourd
- Mustard oil for cooking
- Honey in place of sugar
Home remedies
From the family kitchen
Turmeric milk
Mix turmeric powder in warm milk and take it 2-3 times a day to support immunity.
If a prescribed medicine seems to cause hives, ask your doctor before stopping it. On blood thinners, check before taking turmeric regularly.
Dr. Varun's care kit
URTIKAYA for urticaria
60 capsules + one powder, from Dr. Varun's own range. Sent by courier anywhere in India and worldwide.
From ₹4,999 (incl. packing & courier)
- Free video/audio consultation
- Free 1-month LivTOX liver support capsules
- Price includes packing and courier, worldwide
- Pay in advance by bank transfer or UPI QR (details sent on WhatsApp)
- Dr. Varun checks the kit suits you before it is sent
FAQ
Common questions
How do I find what triggers my hives?
Note foods, medicines and weather before each episode, and share it with Dr. Varun.
Can I consult if I live far away?
Yes. Book a video or audio consultation with Dr. Varun on WhatsApp.
Not sure where to start?
Talk to Dr. Varun first. A video or audio consultation on WhatsApp works from anywhere, or visit the clinic in Phagwara or Jalandhar.
Consult Dr. Varun on WhatsAppRelated problems