Abscess Herbal Remedies
An abscess is a localized pocket of infection or pus that commonly affects the skin, but can occur anywhere. When an infection gets isolated into a small area by the immune system it can form a larger than average raised area of skin which is usually extremely tender and painful to touch. There are many types and they may have different names depending on their location. For example, one that forms around a follicle of hair is called a boil. A carbuncle is one that is very severe, and it may have several centers located on several hair follicles.
Symptoms
A noticeable lump is formed in the affected area that is red and swollen. It can be very painful. It may take up to two weeks to come to a head and burst, which will relieve the initial pain. If the infection becomes large enough, you may experience fever and fatigue and notice swollen glands.
Causes
Abscesses and boils are usually caused by a bacterial infection that takes root in a small cut or scrape in the skin or in hair follicle. This can be caused by an area being rubbed raw by tight clothing, skin around a nail bed can become infected, or it could begin in a hair follicle or small injury. Boils in general occur more often in young men.
They also form internally, such as gastrointestinal, lungs, appendix etc. This can be caused by an area being rubbed raw by tight clothing, a hangnail can become infected, or it could begin in a hair follicle or small injury. Boils in general occur more often in young men. Poor diet and immune suppression can also lead to susceptibility to the ailment.
Cautions
A chronic abscess may indicate underlying problems - See your doctor if it does not drain in a short period of time or if you experience fever or fatigue. If it forms multiple centers, take immediate action and see a medical professional. Your doctor may also need to lance it to remove the pus.
Herbal Treatments
Internal Applications
To boost the immune system take:
- Echinacea – liquid extract - place 2 teaspoons of Echinacea root in 1 cup of boiling water, allow to soak for 10 minutes, strain and drink 3 times a day.
- Andrographis tablets
- Garlic tablets
- Vitamin C & Zinc
The following herbal teas are also of benefit:
- Burdock
- Red Clover
- Milk Thistle – Helps to cleanse the blood.
External Applications
Topical treatment can be applied to reduce heat, treat infection and/or to ripen the abscess. Herbal remedies include:
- Fenugreek – make a poultice of fenugreek seed (boil the 6 tablespoons of fenugreek seed in 1 cup of water for 5 minutes. Mix with 3 drops of oil of thyme, and apply to the boil. Cover with a warm cloth to maintain warmth. Repeat 3 - 4 times daily and this will draw the infection to the surface.
- Tea tree oil – mix 2 to 3 drops of tea tree oil in a tablespoon of water and apply with clean cotton ball to the boil area 4 or 5 times per day until it has healed. It will destroy bacteria, hasten healing, and prevent infection from spreading.
- Slippery Elm – – make a poultice out of the powdered bark by adding enough cold water to make a paste. Apply to the abscess or boil. Slippery elm may be combined with other soothing herbs, such as Echinacea, goldenseal, and comfrey, in a salve preparation to soothe and bring healing to inflamed and infected skin.
- Onion – apply a poultice made of onions & garlic (1 onion, 5 garlic cloves) to the boil until it comes to a head.
- Cabbage – break the large ridges in several cabbage leaves. Dip them in warm water and apply. Replace with fresh leaves when they feel warm. Cabbage has been used for centuries for breast abscess associated with breast feeding.
- Honey – mix with a small amount of flour and apply it to the boil to bring it to a head. Honey is a natural antibiotic and will cleanse the wound.
- Myrtle compress – boil 10gm dried leaves in 1 liter water for 10mins, soak a clean cloth and apply 2-3 times a day.
Aromatherapy
Commonly used essential oils to treat an abscess include:
- Basil
- Clary Sage
- Lavender
- Patchouli
- Rosemary
- Sandalwood
- Tea Tree