4 all-natural recipes for itching and hives

Instead of messy, expensive anti-itch salves and hive solutions, try these homemade soothers. Not only are they easy to make, they work just as well as the drugstore brands.

• 1 drop lavender, rose, chamomile or tea tree essential oil
• Cold water

  1. Fill a bowl with enough cold water to moisten a small washcloth or cotton pad. Swirl the essential oil through the water; then soak the cloth or pad.

  2. Squeeze gently to remove any excess water and apply the cloth to the skin. Hold in place with your hand for as long as possible, or cover with plastic wrap and leave in place for about an hour.

• 20 to 30 drops lavender essential oil
• Bowl of cold water

  1. Stir the lavender essential oil into the bowl of cold water.

  2. Dip a cloth into the liquid and apply directly to the hives to reduce inflammation.

• 1 handful of rolled oats
• 1/2 handful dry powdered milk
• 1/2 handful chamomile
• 1/4 handful calendula and/or lavender
• Double-ply square of cheesecloth

  1. Place the oats, milk, chamomile and calendula or lavender on the cheesecloth square. Tie the ends together to make a bag.

  2. Run a warm (not hot) bath. Put the bag under the spout while the water is running. Leave it in the bath and allow the water to cool. (If the water is too hot, it will make the hives worse.)

  3. Get into the tub and soak, squeezing the bag over your skin to reduce itching.

• 50 ml (1/4 c) apple cider vinegar
• 50 ml (1/4 c) witch hazel
• 500 ml (2 c) cold water
• 4 drops lavender essential oil
• 2 drops chamomile essential oil
• 2 drops bergamot essential oil
• 10 ml (2 tsp) baking soda
• Clean cloths

  1. In a large bowl, mix the vinegar, witch hazel and 500 millilitres (two cups) cold water. In a separate small bowl, mix the essential oils with the baking soda. Stir the baking soda mixture into the water mixture.

  2. Soak a cloth in the cool solution and wrap it over the itchy area for 20 minutes at a time or until the cloth begins to dry. Keep the solution chilled in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

  3. May be repeated three times a day.