Boils/Skin Eruptions
A boil is a tender, inflamed, pustulant area of skin, usually due to staphylococcus infection; furuncle. -Practical Herbalism
I have found that many of these remedies work for any type of skin eruption. I tend to get ingrown hairs that will pus and be very painful, like a boil. These remedies have helped heal and relieve the pain. My favorite method is the Redmond Clay gel and raw honey, both simple, yet effective.
I have found that many of these remedies work for any type of skin eruption. I tend to get ingrown hairs that will pus and be very painful, like a boil. These remedies have helped heal and relieve the pain. My favorite method is the Redmond Clay gel and raw honey, both simple, yet effective.
- First rule for healing a boil or skin eruption, is one of the hardest, DON'T SQUEEZE! It is so tempting to help that yucky pus out by squeezing but it could spread staph infection to other parts of the body and can also lead to blood poisoning. What you want is to have the pus come out naturally, using a warm compress to help it drain on it's own. You can use an herbal tea preparation or tea bags themselves as the compress and apply 2 times a day for at least 15 minutes. Use one of the herb suggestions below.
- Fill a bottle with boiling water, empty the water and place the bottle over the boil to form a heat suction. Be very careful the bottle gets hot. This should help naturally bring the pus to the top and drain.
- Redmond Clay Gel - Apply the gel (mud) 1/4 inch thick or so and cover with plastic wrap or gauze. Leave on for an hour or overnight if possible. Clean off gel with a warm wash cloth. The clay "pulls" the infection out of the skin or at the least nearer to the skin surface. Can be repeated as often as needed. I always apply Melrose of Purification essential oil blend after rinsing the clay.
- Raw Honey - apply as often as needed until infection subsides.
- Apply a paste using 1/2 tsp. ginger powder and 1/2 tsp. turmeric powder, add warm water and stir until a paste is formed. Rub the paste in and cover with gauze, leave on for at least a half hour.
- Golden Paste (for any skin infection) 1 Tbsp. goldenseal root powder, 1 Tbsp. turmeric powder, 6-8 drops Melaleuca (tea tree) and eucalyptus. Mix together and add rubbing alcohol or Vodka until a thick paste forms. Apply once or twice daily, keeping covered so the paste doesn't get everywhere. This recipe is from Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs book.
- Garlic Oil - apply to area several times a day.
- Kloss's Liniment - This is like the heal all of liniments, created by Dr. Jethro Kloss and found in Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs. 1 oz. echinacea root powder, 1 oz. goldenseal root powder, 1 oz. myrrh gum powder, 1/4 oz. cayenne powder, 1 pint Vodka or Rubbing Alcohol. Follow the instructions for making a tincture and label FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Apply to area with a cotton ball as often as needed until the infection has subsided.
- Aloe Vera - use gel from the plant or commercial aloe vera liquid, make sure to check ingredients for only pure aloe vera. Don't use this method if you think a staph infection may be involved as it can worsen the condition.
All herbs listed are to use externally unless specified. All herbs can be purchased from Mountain Rose Herbs or Bulk Herb Store.
Birch Bark
Black Walnut
Burdock
Chickweed - Poultice or salve
Comfrey
Dandelion - internal
Echinacea - internal
Garlic - both internal and external
Ginger
Goldenseal
Marshmallow Root
Mullein
Oregon Grape Root
Passion Flower
Plantain
Red Clover
Sassafras - internal
St. John's Wort - Internal and External
Turmeric
Yellow Dock
Black Walnut
Burdock
Chickweed - Poultice or salve
Comfrey
Dandelion - internal
Echinacea - internal
Garlic - both internal and external
Ginger
Goldenseal
Marshmallow Root
Mullein
Oregon Grape Root
Passion Flower
Plantain
Red Clover
Sassafras - internal
St. John's Wort - Internal and External
Turmeric
Yellow Dock
Apply directly to the area of concern, no carrier is required, unless the skin becomes irritated.
