Herbal Boil Treatment

Those inflamed lumps known as boils not only look unsightly but can feel tight and uncomfortable. At worst, they may lead to more serious infections, notes MayoClinic.com. See a doctor if you develop a fever or rapid heart rate or if the boils seem to be developing into an infected rash. Otherwise, consider herbal home treatments to help bring boils to a head and safely drain. Herbal treatments may not be considered as effective as other medications, so check with your practitioner.

Description

Boils begin as red growths that are tender to the touch. They ultimately fill with pus, making them larger and, in some cases, extremely painful. A group of boils is known as a carbuncle.

Causes

Boils may occur when bacteria enter a hair follicle, notes MayoClinic.com. Specifically, pus forms when white blood cells attempt to fight infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and mix with the Staph bacteria and old skin cells. Because you have hair all over your body, boils may crop up anywhere. Areas in which you have more hair follicles or in which friction and perspiration frequently occur are the most likely spots for boil development. Thighs, buttocks, face, armpits, neck are common problem areas for boils. People with lowered immunity may be more prone boils.

Herbal Treatments

Barbara Griggs, author of "The Green Witch Herbal," suggests several herbal poultices which may bring boils to a head and promote healing. Her suggested herbal cures include boiled onions applied to the boil "as hot as you can bear" and held in place for several minutes or a paste made from mixed ground turmeric and ginger powder. Alternatively, mix powdered marshmallow root or slippery elm with boiling water and apply the stiff paste while still warm. Cover with gauze and change this herbal bandage once or twice a day. Making a tea from the common lawn daisy and applying the warm tea to boils with a cotton ball or clean cloth may also provide relief.

Essential Oil Treatments

The herbal remedies known as essential oils are the distilled liquids from herbs and other botanicals. Just a few drops of these concentrated essences are generally needed to reap therapeutic effects. MayoClinic.com suggests using tea tree oil, the Australian essential oil which has antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Add a drop or two to a cotton ball and swab the affected area. Tea tree oil is one of the few essential oils which does not require dilution before being used directly on the skin. Aromatherapy author Jeanne Rose additionally suggests using diluted forms of cistus, frankincense or eucalyptus oils, although these essential oils need to be diluted in oil or vinegar before using on boils. One of Rose's boil treatments, for example, mixes one part each white vinegar, eucalyptus and peppermint oils. Spritz this mixture onto boils, acne or inflamed skin to provide cooling relief as well as cleansing, antiseptic action.

Alternative Home Treatments

Soaking a washcloth in hot plain or salted water may help safely rupture and drain your boils or carbuncles, notes MayoClinic.com. Leave the hot compress in place at least ten minutes and apply new compresses every few hours. Strengthening your immune system thought herbal supplements like echinachea or calendula may also help, notes the University of Michigan Health System. Seek ought an experienced practitioner to determine the best herbal supplements to build resistance to conditions like boils.