Ayurveda Treatment For Urticaria

Urticaria is a vascular reaction of the skin characterized by the transient appearance of elevated patches which are redder of paler than the surrounding and often attended by itching. In ayurveda, urticaria is called sita pitta.

Causative Factors
Allergens, taking cold bath immediately after exercise, when body is hot and mental excitement are the most important factors for the causation of  this disease. Intestinal worms and exposure to cold wind often causes urticaria.

Signs and symptom
These patches may appear all over the body suddenly or gradually. There may be several itching. The patient is usually constipated. He may get attacks of cold, cough, bronchitis and stomach disorder.

Treatment
Haridra(Curcuma longa) is one of the popular household remedies. This is normally used in curry. A little excessive use of this in vegetables both prevents and cures urticaria. In the form of paste by triturating its powder with water, it is given to the patient in a dose of two teaspoonful three times a day. It has a slighter bitter taste. So, if the crude powder is unliked by the patient, it could be given by mixing with milk and sugar. A palatable preparation of haridra known as haridra khanda is commonly available in the market. It is available in the form of granules and can be given to the patient in a dose of one teaspoonful three times a day followed by a cup of warm water.

Gairika(Red ochre) is also popularly used in this condition. Gairika can be given only after processing. Kamdudha rasa which contain gairika in a significant large quantity, is also given to the patient in a dose of  five grains four times a day.

During acute attack of this disease,  suth shekhar ras and arogyavardini vati can be given to the patient. Both these medicines either individually or in compound  form are given in a dose of five  grains three times a day mixed with honey. If the patient is constipated, he may be given the powder of haritaki (Terminalia chebula) in a dose of two teaspoonful at bed time with hot water.

Diet
The patient should be given salt free diet as far as possible. Sour things like cure are strictly prohibited. All vegetables having  bitter taste , like bitter gourd and bitter variety of drumstick are useful in this condition. Onion and garlic can be given to the patient in good quantity.

Other regimens
During acute attacks of urticaria, the patient should be rubbed with mixed with the powder of rock salt. Thereafter the whole body should be exposed to the sun and gently rubbed with copper coin. This gives instant relief.  If there are worms in  the intestine, then they should be treated, otherwise they will  appear again and again.