Why it happens (Nidana)
Cold wind and water exposure, incompatible foods, insect contact, sour and fermented food excess, day sleep after meals, suppressed vomiting urge, worm infestation in children, stress.
Skin & Hair
Hives & Urticaria · Sheetapitta
vata involvedpitta involvedkapha involved Source: Madhava Nidana 50 (Sheetapitta-Udarda-Kotha); Bhavaprakasha Chikitsa
Sheetapitta — literally "cold-triggered Pitta" — is the classical name for hives: itchy raised wheals that erupt suddenly after cold wind, certain foods or stress. Ayurveda settles the reaction with warming internal remedies (the opposite of the cooling instinct), identifies the trigger, and strengthens digestion so histamine-like reactivity calms over weeks.
See a doctor first if: Any swelling of tongue or throat, difficulty breathing or dizziness with hives is anaphylaxis — emergency care immediately. Also see a doctor if hives persist daily beyond 6 weeks.
How it shows up (Lakshana)
Sudden raised itchy wheals like nettle sting, migrating patches that come and go within hours, worse with cold exposure or evenings, sometimes with mild swelling of lips or eyelids.
Key herbs & formulations
Haridra (turmeric) — the key herb, Neem, Shunthi, Pippali, Amalaki; classical Haridrakhanda (turmeric confection) is the specific remedy, from any Ayurvedic pharmacy.
Classical medicines beyond kitchen herbs should be taken under a registered Ayurvedic practitioner, especially with existing medication, in pregnancy, or for children.
Home care protocol (Chikitsa)
Half to one teaspoon Haridrakhanda with warm milk twice daily for 3-4 weeks is the classical specific; during an eruption, mustard oil gently warmed and applied thinly calms wheals (test a patch first); warm water bathing only; find your trigger with a simple diary — cold, foods, pressure, stress.
Food rules (Pathya–Apathya)
Favour
Warm, freshly cooked food; turmeric generously; ginger tea; old rice, moong, bitter vegetables; jaggery in place of sugar.
Avoid
Curd, ice cream and all cold food and drinks, sour fruits, fermented and preserved food, fish, prawns, brinjal if it flares you, alcohol.
Lifestyle (Vihara)
Avoid sudden cold exposure — cover up in wind and AC; no cold-water baths during the tendency; day sleep worsens it; deworming may be relevant for children (see a doctor).
Yoga & breath
Surya Namaskara to build warmth, Bhastrika gently, Nadi Shodhana for the stress component.
AyurSetu provides traditional Ayurvedic wellness information for education only. It is not a medical diagnosis and does not replace consultation with a qualified physician. Seek immediate medical care for severe, sudden or persistent symptoms.