Boils: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

A boil, also known as a furuncle, is a painful skin infection caused by a bacterial abscess, typically staphylococcus aureus, that forms a pus-filled pocket beneath the skin.

Boils often develop on the face, neck, armpits, or buttocks due to poor hygiene, skin irritation, or weakened immune systems. If left untreated, boils can lead to severe complications such as skin scarring, fever, and even life-threatening infections. Fortunately, herbal remedies like tea tree oil, aloe vera, and neem can help relieve boils.

To use these herbs safely, apply a small amount topically, avoid mixing with other medications, and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of boils, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of boils?

The main causes of boils are bacterial infections, specifically Staphylococcus aureus, which can enter the body through open wounds, cuts, or scratches, or through contaminated objects that come into contact with the skin.

Boils can also be caused by blockages in the sweat glands or hair follicles, which can lead to the accumulation of bacteria and other debris. In some cases, boils may be a symptom of an underlying condition, such as diabetes or a weakened immune system, which can make it more difficult for the body to fight off infections. Additionally, poor hygiene, tight clothing, or excessive sweating can contribute to the development of boils.

Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during puberty or menopause, can also increase the risk of developing boils due to changes in skin pH and oil production.

• Staph Infection: A boil is often caused by a staph infection, which occurs when the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus infects the skin, leading to inflammation and pus formation in the affected area.
• Ingrown Hair: Ingrown hair is a common cause of boils, particularly in areas where hair is dense, as it can cause the hair to become trapped beneath the skin, leading to inflammation and pus formation.
• Bacterial Folliculitis: Bacterial folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles, often caused by Staphylococcus aureus or other bacteria, which can lead to boil formation in the affected area.
• Skin Irritation: Skin irritation, such as from friction, rubbing, or allergic reactions to certain products, can cause boils by irritating the skin and leading to inflammation and pus formation.
• Folliculitis: Folliculitis, an inflammation of the hair follicles, can cause boils by causing the follicles to become infected and leading to inflammation and pus formation in the affected area.
• Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic skin condition characterized by the formation of painful, pus-filled bumps, often caused by blocked sweat glands and bacterial infections, leading to boil formation in the affected area.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for boils?

The main medicinal herbs used for boils are Calendula officinalis, Melaleuca alternifolia, Echinacea purpurea, Aloe vera, Aloe barbadensis, Hypericum perforatum, Eucalyptus globulus, Plantago major, Teucrium chamaedrys, Arnica montana.

Calendula officinalis possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help to soothe and heal the skin, reducing the risk of infection and promoting wound healing. Melaleuca alternifolia, or tea tree oil, exhibits antimicrobial activity, effectively killing bacteria that can cause boils, while Echinacea purpurea has immunomodulatory properties, enhancing the body's natural defense against infection. Aloe vera and Aloe barbadensis, both known for their soothing and moisturizing properties, can help to reduce inflammation and promote wound healing.

Hypericum perforatum, Eucalyptus globulus, Plantago major, Teucrium chamaedrys, and Arnica montana possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can aid in the healing process of boils, reducing pain and promoting the removal of pus.

• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis helps with boils due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and other bacteria that cause boils, and reduce redness and swelling.
• Melaleuca alternifolia: Melaleuca alternifolia helps with boils due to its antimicrobial properties, particularly its ability to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, which causes boils, and its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce redness and swelling.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea helps with boils due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce redness and swelling, and its immunomodulatory effects, which help to regulate the immune system and prevent the spread of infection.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera helps with boils due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which reduce redness, swelling, and pain, and promote wound healing by increasing collagen synthesis and improving tissue integrity.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis helps with boils due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which reduce redness, swelling, and pain, and promote wound healing by increasing collagen synthesis and improving tissue integrity.
• Hypericum perforatum: Hypericum perforatum helps with boils due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and other bacteria that cause boils, and reduce redness and swelling.
• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus helps with boils due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, particularly its ability to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, which causes boils, and reduce redness and swelling.
• Plantago major: Plantago major helps with boils due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which reduce redness and swelling, and inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and other bacteria that cause boils.
• Teucrium chamaedrys: Teucrium chamaedrys helps with boils due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which reduce redness and swelling, and inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and other bacteria that cause boils.
• Arnica montana: Arnica montana helps with boils due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce redness and swelling, and its ability to promote wound healing by increasing collagen synthesis and improving tissue integrity.

What are the main herbal preparations used for boils?

The main herbal preparations used for boils are Decoction, Cream, Salve, Ointment, Tincture, Poultice, Gel, Capsule, Tea, Compress.

Decoction is made from roots or bark of plants like Calendula and Plantain, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce boil inflammation. Creams and Salves are topical applications that contain herbs like Aloe Vera and Chamomile, which soothe and calm the boil, reducing pain and inflammation. Tinctures, often made from herbs like Echinacea and Goldenseal, are taken internally to boost the immune system and fight off underlying infections causing the boil.

Compresses made from herbs like Garlic and Onion are applied topically to draw out pus and reduce boil size, while Capsules and Tea are less commonly used for boil treatment, often serving as supplementary remedies to aid overall health.

• Decoction: A decoction of the leaves of Echinacea spp. helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing of boils due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Cream: A topical cream containing the extracts of Aloe barbadensis can help soothe and calm the skin affected by boils, reducing redness and inflammation.
• Salve: A salve made from the roots of Calendula officinalis helps to promote wound healing and reduce the risk of infection in boils due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Ointment: An ointment containing the extracts of Plantago lanceolata can help to reduce inflammation and promote the healing of boils due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Tincture: Taking a tincture of the roots of Echinacea spp. orally can help to boost the immune system and reduce the risk of infection in boils due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Poultice: Applying a poultice made from the leaves of Plantago lanceolata to a boil can help to draw out the infection and reduce inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Gel: A gel containing the extracts of Aloe barbadensis can help to soothe and calm the skin affected by boils, reducing redness and inflammation.
• Capsule: Taking a capsule containing the extracts of Echinacea spp. orally can help to boost the immune system and reduce the risk of infection in boils due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Tea: Drinking a tea made from the leaves of Echinacea spp. can help to boost the immune system and reduce the risk of infection in boils due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Compress: Applying a compress soaked in a solution of the extracts of Calendula officinalis to a boil can help to promote wound healing and reduce the risk of infection due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.