Hives

Why it works: Antihistamine & mast-cell effects (in vitro): Extracts of nettle leaf can antagonize the histamine-H1 receptor and inhibit mast-cell tryptase, which are two key drivers of hives’ i...

Instructions: There are no urticaria-specific dosing trials. If you choose to try nettle as an adjunct (not a replacement for standard non-sedating antihistamines), use established pharmacopeial...

Warnings: Pregnancy: Avoid—nettle may stimulate uterine contractions; EMA and major references advise against...

Studies: For urticaria (hives) specifically:I could not find any rand...

Why it works: Anti-inflammatory & soothing properties (lab/animal data): Aloe gel contains polysaccharides (notably acemannan) and enzymes (e.g., bradykininase) that have anti-inflammatory effec...

Instructions: These steps are for topical soothing only—not a substitute for guideline-recommended therapy (usually oral antihistamines).. Choose the right product. • Use pure inner-leaf gel pro...

Warnings: Allergic reactions (including contact urticaria) can occur: Case reports document hives and allergic...

Studies: No randomized trials for urticaria: There are no controlled...

Why it works: Anti-inflammatory activity. Licorice constituents (glycyrrhizin/glycyrrhetinic acid; flavonoids like licochalcone A) down-regulate inflammatory mediators (e.g., COX/LOX products, P...

Instructions: Oral powder (Ayurvedic open-label trial in urticaria): licorice root powder (“Yashtimadhu churna”) 3 g twice daily after meals for 30 days. This was a single-arm (no placebo) study...

Warnings: Licorice (via glycyrrhizin → glycyrrhetinic acid) can inhibit 11β-HSD2, causing pseudo-hyperaldoster...

Studies: Urticaria (open-label, single arm): 120 patients with urtica...

Why it works: Traditional (TCM) rationale. Xiao Feng San is a classic 13-herb formula that “dispels wind,” “clears heat,” “dries damp,” and relieves itching—a pattern that maps well to many case...

Instructions: Typical forms & dosing (modern extracts):. • Granules: Common label suggestion is ~4.5 g, 2–3×/day, mixed in hot water (practitioner may adjust). Treasure of the East. • Capsules (...

Warnings: Absolutely avoid any product containing Aristolochia (e.g., Guan Mu Tong/Aristolochia species). Aris...

Studies: Urticaria (hives):Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controll...

Why it works: TCM rationale (pattern-based): Fang Feng Tong Sheng San is a classic formula that “releases the exterior and purges interior heat,” dispersing wind-heat and clearing toxic/damp-hea...

Instructions: Who it fits (pattern fit): Best for robust patients with signs of excess heat/damp and sometimes constipation (classic “full exterior + interior heat” picture). It is not for cold/...

Warnings: Because FFTSS contains Ephedra (Ma Huang), Rhubarb (Da Huang), Glycyrrhiza (licorice), and Gardenia,...

Studies: Chronic urticaria (add-on to antihistamine): A 2022 clinical...

Why it works: Pattern fit in TCM: The classical intent of Jing Fang Bai Du San (JFBD) is to release the exterior, dispel wind and damp, and vent rashes/relieve itching—a pattern match for wind-c...

Instructions: Classical decoction (from the original record):. Formula contains Jing Jie, Fang Feng, Fu Ling, Du Huo, Qiang Huo, Chuan Xiong, Chai Hu, Qian Hu, Zhi Qiao (Zhi Ke), Bo He, Jie Geng...

Warnings: Pattern mismatch: Classical sources list contraindication in heat-excess patterns; JFBD is for wind-...

Studies: Randomized, double-blind, controlled trial (2025): 72 adults...

Why it works: Mast-cell stabilising & antihistamine-adjacent effects (mechanistic): Quercetin inhibits mast-cell/basophil mediator release (histamine, leukotrienes, PGD2, cytokines) in cell expe...

Instructions: Forms: Standard quercetin (often “quercetin dihydrate”) or enhanced-absorption formulations (e.g., quercetin phytosome). Enhanced forms can raise blood levels at lower doses. Pharm...

Warnings: Drug interactions (transporters/enzymes):. • Quercetin can affect CYP3A4 and OATP transporters, crea...

Studies: Direct trials in hives: I could not find randomized or contr...