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5 Tips For Eczema Treatment
Many people suffer from eczema and have been since they were children. In fact, eczema is the most common skin issue in children. When eczema flares up, it is very uncomfortable, causing itching and red skin. Even though it can be a...

"How is Your Water?"
Your Source of Vitality, Clarity and Connection! This friendly greeting is common to every ancient and indigenous culture on Earth. Western scientists are now discovering what sustainable ancient civilizations and native peoples have always...

Introduction to Flower Essences
This article is offered for free use in your ezine, print publication or on your web site, so long as the author resource box at the end is included, with hyperlinks. Notification of publication would be appreciated. Flower Essences “The simple...

Taming Headaches Naturally
If you’re alive, you’ve probably had a headache at least once in your life. Headaches seem to be a universal thing. You most probably have experienced a tension headache, from stress, or the kind of intense but fleeting headache that comes from...

The Many Benefits to Quitting Smoking
Besides the fact that you will no longer smell like an ashtray, quitting smoking, at any age and after any number of years, will extend your life. It will also improve the quality of the time that you have left. These are the things that you need to...

 
Treating Boils Naturally

A boil is a pus-filled nodule that is a result of a staph bacteria which can result in an infection. It's actually an abcess that develops in the hair follicles and usually occurs on the neck, buttocks, face, ears or underarms, but can be located anywhere on the body. A boil can be painful, swollen, red and tender. The boil lies just under the skin as a bump, and later develops into a pustule. The boil can be contagious when the pus draws to the suface and can contaminate nearby skin causing more boils. When the infection spreads in a cluster, it is called a carbuncle. Recurrent boils and abcesses may indicate the immune system is depressed. Poor nutriton, diabetes and illness may be contributing factors for a person who is prone to getting boils.

It's important to look at the diet and see what's missing. A good balanced diet should include vegetables, grains, fiber and fruit. It is also wise to include yogurt, kefir, or acidophilus (friendly intestinal flora). Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of pure water daily. You may want to consider going on a short cleanse to rid your body of toxins and to re-balance the body's Ph. Several herbs have been indicated to help cleanse the blood as well. These are red clover, burdock root, celery, milk thistle and dandelion. Echinacea and goldenseal help cleanse the lymph glands.

To relieve pain and swelling, apply a hot moist cloth over the boil to help soften. Never squeeze the boil as it can cause infection to spread to the bloodstream. Allow the boil to come to a head, then you can lance it with a sterilized


needle. Sometimes a boil will drain on its own. When it's draining, cover with gauze and change the dressing several times a day to avoid spreading to other areas. Keep the infected area clean at all times.

You can apply honey, which is one of the oldest remedies for stubborn oils. It also helps raise the boil to the surface when left on overnight. Bruised fresh cabbage leaves or a raw potato are great for their drawing power. Place directly over the boil and cover with gauze. Aloe vera is a natural antibiotic which may also be used. This can be applied several times throughout the day. Fresh figs can also be used by mashing them up and applying to a warm poultice. This remedy has been shown to pull out infections fast. In health food stores you can find either an ointment or salve containing goldenseal and myrrh. These are also good infection fighters. An old folk remedy indicates using a piece of bread soaked in milk or lemon juice. The area can then be covered with a loose bandage and left on overnight.

If the boil becomes large, and they are recurring, surgical incision and draining may be needed. Consult your physician if the methods above are not working, as antibiotics may be indicated if the infection gets into the bloodstream.

This article is for informational purposes only!

Copyright 2003 by Patricia Valle

About the Author

I am a nutrition consultant at a major health food store in So. Califoria. I have been writing articles on health, nutrition and herbs for almost three years. Alternative medicine is my passion.

 

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