Boils

Description

Boils are pus-filled, rounded swollen areas on the body. They can be located anywhere but are most typically seen on the back, thighs, buttocks, back of neck and armpits.

Symptoms

Boils usually start as mildly painful swollen protrusions. As they become more inflamed they become reddish, full of pus with a yellow-white tip, and very painful. They may drain on their own but often will not until the sac surrounding the pus is removed.
Cause

The infection is usually caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus Aureus.

Repeated boils can occur in people with decreased immune function, diabetic issues, chronic gastrointestinal problems, below active thyroid gland, nutrient inadequacies, and persistent emotional problems.

Natural Remedies

Note: Bursting a boil can cause the bacteria to spread, create scars, and usually does not heal the boil.

Aromatherapy: Draw out the boil with bergamot, lavender, chamomile, and clary sage.

Ayurveda: To bring the boil to a head, apply a poultice of prepared onions. Wrap in fabric and do not apply onion straight to boils.

Diet: Eat plenty of organic orange, green and yellow vegetables which not only help to cleanse the body but also boost natural immune function. Drink plenty of fresh filtered water throughout the day adding fresh lemon juice whenever possible. Avoid over-consumption of white sugar and white flour products.
Flower Essences: Rescue Remedy Cream® can be applied (minimal four times a day) on unbroken skin around, but not on, boils. Use flower essences, or Rescue Remedy® to help alleviate stress or even Crab Apple to reduce the feelings of negative body image.

Herbs: Mix Echinacea, cleavers, and yellowdock in equal components, and take 1 tsp. 3 times a day to help speed healing. Additionally, consuming a cup of an infusion of nettle, preferably fresh herb, twice a day, is a good idea.

Homeopathy: Bellis, Belladonna, Hepar sulph., Arnica, Silicea, Apis mel., Arsen alb., and Lachesis are all useful homeopathic remedies that can be taken on their own or in conjunction with each other. Phytolacca is another useful remedy, however it must be taken alone.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the process of alternating between hot and cold temperatures using water, ice and steam to maintain and restore health. Treatments include complete body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation and the application of hot or cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective in the treatment of a wide range of conditions and can easily be utilized in the home as part of a self-care program. Numerous naturopathic physicians, physical therapists and day spas use hydrotherapy as part of their treatments. We recommend several in-house hydrotherapy treatments. Please seek the advice of an alternative healthcare practitioner prior to undergoing these types of procedures to make sure they are right for you.

*Purified water is essential for any hydrotherapy treatment.*

Juice Therapy: The liquid of parsley, spinach, celery, and pineapple may help to purify the blood. As an alternative, beet root juice may also be used, and is a conventional remedy used in Europe to assist in treating boils.

Nutritional Supplementation: These nutrients may all be helpful for dealing with boils, because of their ability to boost immunity: Garlic clove capsules, algae, chlorophyll, proteolytic (pancreatic) nutrients, vitamin A, beta carotene, vitamin E, coenzyme q10 supplement, raw thymus glandular, and zinc.

For boils caused by persistent emotional tension, consider adrenal and thymus glandulars, vitamin B5, and vitamin C.

Topical Treatment: Apply a mixture of honey, vitamin E and A oil, and zinc oxide to the infected areas. Do this several times each day, up to once per hour. Additional effective topical treatments incorporate a poultice of goldenseal underlying powder insert, Epson salt, tea tree essential oil, or a poultice of one part sesame oil and one part lime juice applied topically.

Colloidal metallic applied topically can also help heal and reduce boils.

Optional Professional Care

If your signs and symptoms persist despite following the advice listed above, seek the help of a qualified medical expert. The following expert care therapies have all demonstrated an ability to be helpful for treating and relieving the symptoms of boils: Detoxification Therapy, Environmental Medicine, Fasting, Guided Imagery, Permanent Magnetic Field Treatment, Naturopathic Medicine, Osteopathy, Air Therapy, and traditional Chinese Medicine. (See Glossary for descriptions of these Alternative Treatments.)