Natural Health

Boils

The cause of these inflamed, pus filled swellings on the skin is usually a bacterial infection in a hair follicle or a wound. They are painful to the touch and can be embarrassing, particularly when they are on the face and neck. Boils can also occur in the armpits, groin area or on the buttocks.

Do not try to squeeze or lance a boil yourself as this may only lead to the infection spreading.

Unusually large or recurrent boils may need medical treatment.

Dietary Advice To Reduce Boils

A healthy diet can help to boost your immunity. Aim to eat only fresh fruit and vegetables, and to drink fresh juice and 1 to 2 liters of mineral water over a period of 3 to 7 days.

Recurrent boils can indicate reduced resistance to infection, caused by illness or poor nutrition. Nourish your immune system with extra antioxidant vitamins, especially vitamin C and zinc, found in citrus fruits, berries, shellfish, chicken, seeds and wholegrains.

An antioxidant supplement can provide additional benefits. Daily garlic supplements and plenty of fresh garlic in your diet have a valuable antibacterial effect.

Complimentary Natural Remedies For Boils

Keep the area clean by washing it at least three times a day, using boiled water containing a few drops of antiseptic tea tree oil and cotton wool. Afterwards, dab a little neat tea tree oil onto the boil.

You can also add 4 to 6 drops of tea tree or chamomile oil to 600 ml of hot water, add a piece of clean, folded cotton to the water, wring out and use as a hot compress. Hold the cotton over the boil until it cools, then re-apply. Repeat 3 times a day. You could also add  20 drops tea tree oil, 25 drops chamomile oil to 30g unperfumed skin cream and massage some of this into the boil, 2-3 times a day.

A warm bread poultice can help bring the boil to a head. Cut the crusts off a thick slice of white bread, break up and cover with boiling water for one minute. Drain through a sieve and spread the bread on a dean piece of cotton while still hot. Bandage in place over the boil and leave until it cools; repeat 2-3 times a day.

Homeopathic remedies can also help. For boils in the early stages that are hard, burning, painful and red, take Belladonna 6c; for pus-filled boils in later stages, try Hepar sulph 6c. Take either remedy every hour for up to 10 doses.

The Bach flower remedy Crab Apple can help build confidence and dispel any feelings of embarrassment or shame.

Recommended Ready Made Natural Remedies For Boils

• Pure-Heal Gel (Herbal)
  Natural wound healing treatment to cleanse and care for minor burns, cuts, blisters, boils and skin abrasions
• ImmunityPlus (Herbal)
  Natural remedy to support healthy immune systems and help you maintain natural immunity