10 Home Remedies for Boils

Boils can be unsightly and uncomfortable, but in most cases, they are relatively harmless. A boil is a small, callous red lump on the skin that can be quite painful. If there’s pain, it usually occurs when there’s a skin infection caused by the bacterium, Staphylococcus aureus. This is an infection of the hair follicles or oil glands and can lead to boils on your face, shoulders, neck, armpits, and even buttocks. Boils often go away after a few weeks, and certain home remedies can help speed up the recovery process.

Warm Compress

Warm compresses soften the skin and cause the boil to burst, which can help reduce pain and let out any pus that formed inside. Adding salt to the warm water can help heal the boil even faster. Start by cleaning the affected area with warm water and mild soap. Soak a soft cloth in the water, and place it on a boil for ten to 15 minutes. Repeat this process two to three times each day for the best results.

Tea Tree Oil

Native to Australia, the tea tree is known for its antibiotic, antimitotic, and antimicrobial properties. The tree’s oil can be used to treat various skin conditions, like boils, ringworm, and psoriasis. First, clean the boil with warm, soapy water and a soft cotton cloth. Next, place a few drops of tea tree oil on the boil and gently massage the area. If the boil begins to itch, mix the tea tree oil with a few drops of water to dilute it. After you finish, clean the area again and cover the boil with a bandage or soft cloth. Repeat this process two to three times a day.

Potatoes

Potatoes are a good source of vitamins and nutrients, such as B6 vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, niacin, and copper. They are also known to treat various skin conditions, including boils. The alkaloids and tannins in potatoes promote healing on your skin. First, cut the potato and place a slice on a boil. Every few minutes, replace the slice with a fresh one. Finally, squeeze the juice out of the potato by grating it into a soft cloth. Use the extract as a poultice to dab on the boil. Repeat this process three to four times a day until the boil heals.

Castor Oil

Castor oil is a pale yellow liquid that is extracted from castor seeds, also known as Ricinus communis. It’s an anti-inflammatory oil with antioxidant properties. Castor oil is also known to be an antimicrobial agent, immune system stimulant, and remedy for gastric issues. It can also be used to treat various skin conditions, including boils, sunburn, and minor abrasions. Pour a few drops of castor oil on a soft cloth and dab it on the boil. For better results, repeat this process at least twice a day or apply the castor oil to a cotton ball and use a bandaid or gauze to hold it in place, changing to a fresh cotton ball every few hours. After a few days, you’ll start to notice the pus draining out of the boil.

Turmeric

Turmeric is one of the most valuable spices in the world and is great for treating boils. It’s procured from the root of a plant known as Curcuma longa, and has long been used as medicine in both Chinese and Indian cultures. Turmeric contains anti-inflammatory properties, and it can be applied easily. Add about one teaspoon of turmeric powder to warm water to make a paste. Then, apply the paste to the boil and let it soak in. After a few minutes, clean the area with a soft, wet cloth. Repeat this process twice a day for the best results.

Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle is often used as a medicine to treat health problems such as boils, viral fever, colds, sores, swelling, and bacterial infections. Also known as Lonicera japonica, honeysuckle may be one of the most effective herbal treatments for infections caused by bacteria like Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus dysenteriae, and Streptococcus B-hemolytic. First, place dried honeysuckle stems in a jar of warm water. After a few hours, strain the mixture through a sieve. Soak a cotton cloth in the treated water and apply it to a boil. Repeat this procedure a few times a day, then make a fresh batch for the next day until the boil heals.

Onions

Onions are known to treat various skin and hair issues. They contain a variety of active compounds, including vitamin C, folic acid, and potassium. Onions also contain phytochemicals such as vinyl dithiins, trisulfides, disulfides and cepaene, which enable the antimicrobial properties of onions. First, chop an onion into small pieces and place them in warm water. After the onion pieces have soaked for a few hours, apply the water to the boil using a soft cloth. Repeat this process daily to relieve boils.

Neem

Neem, also known as Azadirachta indica, is believed to contain immune-modulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-malarial, antiviral, anti-mutagenic, and antioxidant properties. The tree is considered one of the most important medicines in the Ayurvedic and homeopathic philosophies. Create a paste by grinding a handful of neem leaves with water. Apply the paste to the boil with a soft, cotton cloth. Apply the paste at least two to three times a day to get the best results.

Cumin Seeds

Cumin seeds are one of the most used spices in the world. Along with providing a savory taste in food, cumin can also treat various health issues like styes, boils, and more. Cumin seeds can help decrease swelling, redness, soreness, and inflammation. First, add water to the cumin seeds and grind them to create a paste. Apply the paste to the boil and gently massage the area. After the paste dries, clean the area with a soft, damp cloth.

Parsley

Parsley is a good source of vitamin C and vitamin K. It also contains components such as luteolin, eugenol, myristicin, and apiin, which give the leaf its antioxidant and antibacterial properties. First, boil a handful of parsley leaves in water for a few minutes. Once the leaves have softened, grind them to create a paste. Apply the paste to the boil and let it soak in for a few hours. Clean the area with a warm, damp cloth. Repeat this process once every day until the boil heals.