Boils appear mainly on hair-bearing areas where we are most likely to sweat or experience friction, such as the face, armpit, neck, thigh, or buttocks. This condition is characterized by a painful, red bump that starts out about the size of a pea and increases in the size of the bump; and development of a yellow-white tip that eventually ruptures and allows the pus to drain out.
But when it comes to this health problem, there are herbs that we can use:
Turmeric
This bright yellow-orange spice that is commonly used in curries and sauces has the main compound and active ingredient know as curcumin, which has been found to possess anti-inflammatory properties and may help combat an infection if one is present in the boil.
We can topically apply turmeric by simply mixing it with water to create a paste and then apply it on the boil at least twice a day.
Onions
Onions are rich sources of antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and suppress the growth of harmful microorganisms. It has a natural antibiotic compound called allicin as well as antifungal and antiseptic properties that fight boils and prevent them from developing again. With its natural absorption properties, it can help draw the pus out of the boil.
To use onion as a remedy, simply apply a slice of onion over the boil and cover with a gauze overnight. Doing this will help generate heat, stimulate blood circulation, and promote healing.
Garlic
The use of garlic for a variety of medicinal reasons has been widely documented for centuries. Like onions, garlic also contains allicin which has antimicrobial and antibiotic properties.
Extract the juice from fresh garlic cloves and apply it directly to the head of the boil for 10 to 30 minutes once or twice daily. Cover the boil with a loose bandage until the head of the boil begins to soften.
Goatweed
This weed is considered antioxidant, anthelmintic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory.
Use either the juice extracted from the goatweed plant or its powdered form from its dried leaves. Directly apply it to the boil twice a day.
Devil’s Horsewhip Extract
This herb has powerful healing properties that are widely used around the world. It has antimicrobial action and promotes wound healing.
Extract the Devil’s Horsewhip juice and directly apply to the boil and cover with a bandage. Or brew some tea boiled from the root of the plant.
Prevention
Though there’s no guaranteed way to prevent boils, we can reduce our risk of developing one.
Here are the things we need to keep in mind:
- Keep your face and body clean and dry.
- Clean and treat minor wounds
- Practice good personal hygiene
- Don’t share razors, towels, makeup, etc.
- Don’t pick, pop, or squeeze the area
