Boils
Boils, or furuncles, are painful bumps that develop into a pustule over the course of a few days. They appear most frequently on the neck, face, buttocks and underarms.
Symptoms
The condition begins as a red, painful bump on the skin. It develops a pustule in the center of the bump within two to four days. It resembles a very large pimple. A white spot often appears in the centre of the boil. Because the infection is often buried deep under the surface of the skin it may be difficult to administer treatment until a little later in the life of the condition.
Causes
They are caused by a bacterial infection, most commonly by staphylococcus aureus. The infection begins deep inside a hair follicle or a sebaceous gland. The infection gradually works its way up to the surface of the skin. They can be triggered by stress, illness, allergy, low immunity, toxicity or thyroid imbalance. Diabetes is also linked as a cause of the condition.
Cautions
If a boil does not go away, you could have an underlying infection that is using it to manifest itself on the surface. Sometimes boils may spread beyond the obvious affected area and cause a systemic infection that spreads to the lymph glands. See a medical professional if either of these things occur. They are contagious, so don't let the pus that drains out get on the skin on other parts of the body. Scratching can cause the infection to spread. If it spreads in the same region so there are multiple pustules, it is called a carbuncle.
Herbal Treatments
Internal Applications
For infection:
- Goldenseal – a natural antibiotic, goldenseal can be used to treat the staph infections that caused the boil. Take capsules as directed on the label.
- Calendula – this herb can be taken internally to help the body beat an infection like staph.
- Echinacea – this well-known immune booster can help rid the body of a staph infection and heal boils.
- Garlic – this antiseptic herb helps to detoxify the body. Add garlic to your food to boost your body's ability to get rid of infections.
To detoxify the body:
- Dandelion – taking dandelion supplements can help cleanse the blood and the liver, which will help detoxify the body.
- Red clover – take this herb to help cleanse the system, support the liver in detoxifying the body and to help fight bacteria.
Burdock and Yellow dock 3 times a day can aid in detoxifying.
External Applications
- Chickweed - apply cream as directed.
- Cumin – grind cumin seeds and add them to just enough water to make a paste. Apply the paste to the boil to promote healing.
- Burdock root – this herb has antibiotic qualities that help it to clear the toxins. Apply freshly grated burdock root as a poultice.
- Calendula – use this herb topically as a tincture, an ointment or a compress for relief.
- Thyme - infuse 2grams of dried herb in 1 cup of boiling water for 5 minutes. Strain and apply via a compress 3 - 4 times a day.
- Slippery Elm bark – apply the bark topically as a poultice on the boil. It helps to relieve inflammation.
Aromatherapy
Useful essential oils include:
- Basil
- Juniper
- Lavender - apply 3 drops in 10 ml carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil and apply to affected area up to 3 times a day.
- Tea tree - this oil is antibacterial and germicidal, so it is very effective treatment.
Apply the essential oil directly by using a cotton wool bud or other soft, sterile instrument.