Abscesses / Boils
Integumentary System
An abscess is a localized inflamed swelling containing pus. They occur when the skin becomes infected with the Staphylococcus pyogenes bacteria, often because the body is under stress. Abscesses can develop externally on the skin, and they can also occur internally in the mouth or on other mucous membranes - these should be referred for qualified medical treatment. Treatments locally on the skin will generally involve hot compresses or poultices to draw out the toxic waste matter; recurrent abscesses often indicate a weakened immune system.
A boil is an acute inflamed and infected area on the skin, often in a blocked hair follicle. If a number of boils occur together, they may produce a large inflamed lump with several pus-filled "heads"; this is known as a carbuncle. A stye is a boil occurring in the base of an eyelash.
Essential Oils
Essential Oils:
Top Notes: basil, bergamot, cajeput, lemon, niaouli, thyme, tea tree, sage
Middle Notes: chamomile, geranium, juniper, lavender, peppermint, rosemary, savory
Base Notes: clove, immortelle, myrrh, sandalwood
Treatment:
The most effective essential oils for this process are Bergamot, Chamomile, Lavender and Tea Tree, either separately or in combination.
Abscess (external) or Boil: Apply a hot compress to the area. Add 2 drops lavender, 2 drops tea tree and 2 drops bergamot oil to a bowl of water as hot as you can bear, and soak a piece of absorbent material in the water. Fold the material a couple of times and place it on the abscess. Cover this with a bandage or a piece of plastic wrap to hold the compress in place. Renew when the compress cools to body temperature, and keep it on for at least 30 minutes.
Herbs
Herbs:
- Use herbs to boost the immune system, such as echinacea and garlic.
- Drink a mixture of burdock, nettles, and poke root to help resolve the infection.
- To bring out the pus and discharge, make a poultice of slippery elm and marshmallow leaves, and apply this as hot as possible to the affected area.
- To draw out the infection, make a poultice of burdock, comfrey or Chinese dandelion (pu gong ying) that has been mashed in hot water.
