Boils

Boils are localized tender, inflamed, pus-filled swellings in the skin surrounded by large red areas. They are primarily an infection of the hair follicles of the skin. They are quite painful, particularly in areas where the skin is closely attached to the underlying tissues, such as the nose, ears or fingers. They usually occur in teenagers and young adults. The common sites for boils are the face, neck and thighs.

Symptoms of Boils

At first, a painful red nodule appears on the skin. This grows bigger and then breaks down in the middle where the pus collects. Besides being painful, one experiences a great deal of irritation and itching.

There may be a single boil, or several boils in the same area or in different areas at the same time. The swelling may not be limited to one hair follicle but extend to several follicles.

When the boils ripen, they give out a discharge. Fever may sometimes accompany boils.

Causes of Boils

Boils may be caused by a bacteria named staphylococcus aureus, which enter the sweat glands or hair follicles. The essential cause of this disorder is thus bacterial.

However, several factors influence the growth of bacteria in hair follicles. Of these, the chief factor is a toxic condition in the blood stream, which is due to a faulty diet and frantic pace of living.

Boils generally appear when a person is in a run-down and devitalized condition. Poor hygiene and poor nutrition that can affect the immune system are also possible causes of boils.

One must also account for exposure to chemicals and other skin irritants that could be responsible.

The high blood sugar levels in diabetes could also cause the skin to break out into boils. Boils could be also be an indicator of vitamin deficiencies.

Home Remedies for Boils

  • Epsom salts can be used to make a soothing hot compress for boils. Epsom salts or magnesium sulfate helps bring the head of boil to the surface so it can be easy to drain it out. The salts draw out toxins, alleviating inflammation and pain in the infected region. Simply fill a small basin with warm water and add a cup or two of Epsom salts to it. Let the salts dissolve and soak in the infected area in this water for 10-15 minutes. Then let the water air dry.
  • Eucalyptus oil (Nilgiri oil) is very healing for boils due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Mix equal parts of eucalyptus oil and apple cider vinegar. If this is too strong, dilute in a carrier oil like sesame or coconut and dab on the affected areas.
  • Potato is a humble vegetable that’s full of high concentration of calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium vitamin C and B complex vitamins. Potato is very beneficial in naturally treating boils. Wash, peel and grate a raw potato. Squeeze the juice from the pulp. Dip a cotton ball in the juice and dab on the boil and the skin around it. Repeat this 4 to 5 times a day to get fast relief.
  • Nutmeg (jaiphal) is an excellent natural cure for boils. Add half teaspoon nutmeg powder to a cup of warm milk and drink regularly to cure boils from the inside out.
  • Cornmeal is amazing at absorbing impurities and curing boils. Add some cornmeal to some warm water and make a paste. Apply this paste to the boil and cover with some gauze.
  • Sandalwood paste or sandalwood oil is one of the best natural remedies for heat boils. In Ayurveda, sandalwood has cooling properties and helps soften the skin.
  • Tea bags make a warm compress that can be used to heat a boil enough to draw out the infected blood and pus. Another way to use tea to soothe heat boils is to brew a strong cup and use the tea to make a paste with
  • Fuller’s Earth or multani mitti. This paste can be used for calm aggravated skin. Green tea and black tea work equally well for this purpose.

Herbal Remedies for Boils

Herbs
  • Garlic (Allium Sativum): Extract the juice of fresh garlic cloves and apply to the head of the boil as a compress. This will act as a natural cure for boils as it has disinfectant properties. If you wish to amp it up further, add equal parts of onion juice to the garlic juice for added antiseptic and antibacterial effect.
  • Onion (Allium Cepa): Onion or pyaaz is used by directly placing a thick slice over the boil to draw out impurities. Another way to treat boils naturally with onion is to mix onion juice with honey and apply on breakouts.
  • Betel (Piper Betle): Gently warm some castor oil and apply to fresh betel leaves. Place the oiled leaf on the affected area and replace every few hours to help drain the boil.
  • Cumin (Cuminum Cyminum): Cumin is one of those herbs for boils that can be easily found in our kitchens that eases pain and swelling associated with breakouts. This spice can dry out boils and drain the pus formed in them. Simply crush them and apply the paste on the boils to clear your skin.
  • Neem (Azadirachta Indica): Neem is one of the most potent herbal remedies for boils. It is a powerful antibacterial agent that also detoxifies blood. One can simply benefit from this herb by applying paste of the leaves on the inflamed region. Neem or margosa can also be used for bathing if you have boils all over your back or large portions of your body and for scalp boils. Simply boil neem leaves in water till the water reduces to about one-third. Add this to your bath water for a thorough cleaning.
  • Turmeric (Curcuma Longa): Turmeric or haldi has been used for centuries for wound healing and is the best treatment for boils. Make a paste with turmeric and fresh cow’s milk. Apply this poultice to the affected area. Another great way to treat boils from the inside out is to drink golden milk at night. Another way to use turmeric as an all-natural cure for boils is by making a poultice by combining 2 crushed garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon of activated charcoal and 1 teaspoon of turmeric. Make into a paste with some water. Apply onto a gauze pad and place over the boil.
Ayurvedic Supplements (to be taken under physician’s guidance – Consult Now)  

               Neem Guard

               Neem Glow

               Gandhak Rasayana

               Khadiraristha

               Sarivadiasava

               Kaishore Guggulu

               Mahamanjisthadi Kada

               Mahamanjisthadi Ghanvati

               Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu

               Mahatitkta Ghrit Guggulu

               Rakdoshatak Tablets

               Surakta Syrup

               Arogyavardhini Bati
Diet
  • A thorough cleansing of the system is essential for the treatment of boils. To begin with, the patient may fast on orange juice diluted with water in a proportion of 50:50 for three to four days or adopt an exclusive diet of fresh juicy fruits from five to seven days.
  • After the all-fruit diet the patient should adopt a well-balanced diet with an emphasis on whole grain cereals, raw vegetables, and fresh fruits. Further periods of a juice fast or an all-fruit diet may be necessary, depending on the general health level and bodily condition of the patient.
  • Avoid spicy and excessive sweets.
  • Add vegetables and salads to the diet.
Lifestyle
  • A warm water enema should be given daily during the initial juice fast or all-fruit diet. This will help to cleanse the bowels.
  • Warm, moist compress should be given over the tender area.
  • Other helpful treatment for the boils are daily dry massage in the morning followed by a cold sponge.
  • Open-air breathing exercises and outdoor exercises are also essential for toning up the system.
  • In case constipation is habitual, all measures should be taken to overcome it.
Yoga