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Boils/Skin Eruptions

A boil is a tender, inflamed, postulant 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 including blisters, ingrown hairs, acne, etc.  These remedies have helped heal and relieve the pain.  
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make a paste and apply externally
  • 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 its 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 (betonite clay) - 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.
  • 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. 
  • ​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.
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All herbs listed are to use externally unless specified.  They can be applied by a poultice, compress, salve or herbal oil.
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internal and external
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internal
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internal and external
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internal and external
  • Black Walnut
  • Burdock
  • Goldenseal 
  • Oregon Grape Root
  • Passion Flower
  • Sassafras - internal
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Apply directly to the area of concern, no carrier is required, unless the skin becomes irritated.  
Disclaimer: The Information contained on this blog is for educational purposes only and as a guideline for your personal use.  It is not intended to replace the advice of a licensed healthcare professional. Those who follow these suggestions do so at their own risk.