Best Essential Oils for Boils

What is a Boil?

A boil develops as result of a skin infection in an oil gland or hair follicle.  The first symptom is usually redness at the site.  After that, you will see a sore lump (the boil) appear.  The boil will usually begin to turn white in color between four and seven days.  This is because of the pus that collects inside.  A cluster of several boils together may be a carbuncle, a more severe kind of infection.

Some areas of the body where boils tend to appear include the shoulders, armpits, neck, face, and buttocks.  A boil on the eyelid is called a sty.

Causes of Boils

Staphylococcal bacteria is usually the germ behind boils.  When this bacteria gets on the skin, it can make its way down to a hair follicle or oil gland, or travel through a tiny cut or nick.

Some people are more susceptible than others to developing boils.  These include those:

• who have diabetes
• who have poor nutrition
• who have problems with their immune system
• who practice poor hygiene
• whose skin is exposed to harsh chemicals that can lead to irritation

Make sure to seek medical attention for your boil if any of the following are true:

• You have a fever.
• You’re experiencing increasing pain.
• There is the development of more boils.
• You have impaired immunity, diabetes, or a heart condition.
• You’re on a medication that weakens your immunity, such as one for HIV or cancer.
• There is increased redness or a red streak near the boil.

Using Essential Oils for Boils

The topical application of certain essential oils can help with your boil.  We’ll go over some of the different ones that you can use below.  Remember to wash your hands after each time you touch the boil or the area around it.

Lavender essential oil:

Lavender essential oil has healing properties and can help alleviate pain.  Before using the oil, use milk antibacterial soap and warm water first.  After patting the area dry, apply three drops of lavender oil and use a dressing to cover the boil.  Every day, put a warm compress on top of this area, leaving it on for about five minutes.  You should change the dressing three times each day.

Eucalyptus essential oil:

Eucalyptus essential oil has antibacterial properties.  One way to use eucalyptus oil is to add one ounce of powdered slippery elm to three drops of the oil and mix. Add enough boiling water to create a paste-like consistency.  Apply the mixture to the boil.  You can do this two times each day until the infection clears up.

Bergamot essential oil:

Bergamot essential oil has useful antibacterial properties.  It can also promote healing.  Add three drops of bergamot oil to hot water.  Apply the liquid to the boil with a soaked washcloth.  You can do this as needed until the boil disappears.

Tea tree essential oil:

Tree tea oil is famous for its antibacterial properties and has been used for thousands of years.  To use tea tree oil, first use a mild antibacterial soap and water to wash the area.  After that, mix one cup of salt in a liter of hot water.  Put a washcloth in this mixture and leave it there for five minutes.  To use this as a compress, squeeze excess moisture out of it and then leave it on the affected area for 10 minutes.  After you’ve removed this compress, put three drops of tea tree oil on the boil, massaging it in.  You should gently rub it into both the boil and the skin surrounding it.  Use dressing to cover the area.  You can do this a few times a day until the symptoms resolve.

Cinnamon cassia essential oil:

Cinnamon cassia essential oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.  It can be useful in helping to soothe the throbbing and pain that tends to accompany a boil.  It can also help with circulation and promote healing.  Mix cinnamon cassia essential oil with a carrier oil (such as coconut or sweet almond oil) and apply it to the boil daily.

Ajowan essential oil:

It is the thymol in ajowan that makes it effective for boils.  It is antibacterial and can even possibly help to bolster the immune system.  Mix ajowan essential oil with a carrier oil of your choice and apply to the boil.

Geranium essential oil:

Geranium or rose geranium essential oil can help to alleviate the swelling and pain of boils.  After mixing the geranium or rose geranium essential oil with some carrier oil (such as coconut or sweet almond oil), apply it to the boil.

Bay laurel essential oil:

Bay laurel oil can be useful in reducing nerve sensitivity in the skin, making it able to soothe the soreness and pain of a boil.  Apply some bay laurel oil mixed with a carrier oil to the boil each day.

Clove bud essential oil:

Clove oil has antibacterial properties and can alleviate pain very effectively.  Once you’ve mixed a bit of clove oil with some carrier oil (such as coconut or sweet almond oil), apply it to the affected area.

Frankincense essential oil:

Frankincense essential oil promotes skin’s production of collagen.  This means that it can be useful for encouraging full healing of the skin without scaring.  After the infection of your boil seems to have been eliminated, applying frankincense essential oil can speed up the healing yet to be done.

Oregano essential oil:

Oregano oil has amazing antibacterial properties.  This is because of a substance it contains called carvacrol.  Use oregano oil on your boil every day.

Essential Oil Mixtures for Boils

Tea tree, cinnamon, ajowan, bay laurel, and calendula/tamanu oils:

You’ll need 10 drops each of tea tree and bay laurel essential oils, seven drops each of ajowan and cinnamon cassia oils, and 30 ml of calendula tamanu.  Apply this mixture to the boil a few times a day.

Cinnamon cassia, peru balsam, and lavender oils:

To use this remedy, you will need six drops each of peru balsam, lavender, and cinnamon cassia essential oils, and 30 ml of olive oil.

Tea tree oil and bay laurel oil compress:

You’ll need one drop of tea tree oil, one drop of bay laurel oil, hot salted water, and a clean washcloth.  First put the washcloth in the hot salted water and let it soak.  Once you have removed the cloth from the water and squeezed it out, put the oils on it.  Put the cloth on the affected area of skin as a compress.

Thyme oil, cinnamon cassia oil, and tamanu oil:

Mix nine drops each of thyme and cinnamon cassia oils with 30 ml of tamanu oil.  Apply this to the affected area twice daily.  Some carrier oils that are especially good are olive, calendula, and tamanu.

Other Natural and Home Remedies for Boils

Black seed oil:

To use this oil on your boil, mix half a teaspoon of black seed oil with a cold or hot drink and consume.  You can do this two times a day until the boil disappears.

Milk and flour paste:

Milk can help to alleviate the pain and discomfort of your boil.  To make milk and flour paste, add a cup of milk and three teaspoons of salt to a saucepan and heat on the stove.  Create a paste by adding in just enough flour.  Put some of the paste on your boil and then use a dressing to cover it.  Remember to wash your hands afterwards.  You can do this three or four times each day.

Turmeric:

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with boils.  Mix minced ginger and turmeric to make a paste and apply it to the affected area.  Use a dressing to cover.  You can do this three times a day.  You can also consume turmeric.  Mix turmeric into a glass of water or milk and drink.  You can do this three times each day.

Potato or onion:

Chop up potato or onion into thin slices.  After putting some of this on the affected area, use a bandage to cover and secure.  You can do this several times a day.

Banana:

You will need the peel of a ripe banana for this remedy.  Boil the peel and take it off the heat.  After it has cooled a bit, put it on the area and use a bandage to secure it.  let it stay on all night.

Vinegar and flour:

Add just enough vinegar or water to flour to make a paste.  Put this on the boil and then put on a dressing.  You should do this before you go to bed so you can leave it on all night.

Bacon:

You will need some salt bacon or pork.  Roll it in more salt and then secure it between clean pieces of cloth.  Apply this to the affected area of skin.  This is thought to be useful in encouraging pus drainage.

Nutmeg:

Ingesting nutmeg might help with your boil, as it can boost blood circulation.  You will need half a teaspoon of nutmeg.  Mix this into some water or milk.

Garlic:

Garlic’s extraordinary antibacterial properties will help with your boil.  You can eat garlic cloves and apply a paste made of fresh garlic cloves directly to the skin each day.

Parsley leaves:

To use parsley leaves, boil some in water.  After you remove the leaves from the water, use a thin cloth to secure them.  Apply this or wrap it around the boil.  You can do this every day.

Egg:

You will need one boiled egg.  Remove the shell.  Use some water to dampen the white part of the egg.  Put this on the affected area of the skin and use a cloth to cover.  You can do this every day.

Onion:

Onion offers antibacterial properties that can help with your boil.  Slice up some onion and apply it to the area.  You can use a cloth to secure the onion to the area.  You can do this a few times a day.

Cornmeal:

To use this remedy, you will need to make a thick cornmeal paste and apply it to the affected area.  Use a cloth to cover it.  You can do this several times each day.

Cumin seeds:

Grind up some cumin seeds and then create a paste by adding just enough water.  Apply this to the boil every day.

Bread poultice:

The bread poultice is one of the best-known home remedies for boils.  Fist put a slice of bread in warm milk or water and put it on the boil.  You should do this twice each day.

Betel leaves:

Betel leaves offer antibacterial properties and have a long history of use in Ayurvedic practices.  To use this remedy, you’ll need one betel leaf and some castor oil.  Once you have slightly warmed the leaf, add a bit of castor oil.  Making sure the oily side of the leaf will face your skin, put it on the boil.  Keep it on by using a bandage or cloth.  You’ll need to put on a fresh leaf every three or so hours.  An alternative way to use betel leaves is to tear up three betel leaves into very small bits.

Mix these into half a cup of water and then put on low heat on the stove for 10 minutes.  Once you have removed the leaves and they have cooled, make a paste by grinding or mashing and then put on the affected area of skin.  Cover with a bandage.  You should do this twice each day.

Japanese honeysuckle:

Japanese honeysuckle has antibacterial properties that might make it useful for dealing with your boil.  To use this remedy, you will need between 15 and 30 grams of dried honeysuckle stems and 600 ml of water.  Pour water over the stems while they are positioned in a jar.

After covering this, allow it to steep overnight.  Use a cheesecloth or sieve to strain the liquid.  Apply the liquid to the affected area of your skin.  You can do this several times a day.

Epsom salt:

One teaspoon of Epsom salt, cotton balls or a washcloth, and warm water are required for this remedy.  Mix the Epsom salt into the warm water and then soak a cotton ball or the washcloth in it.  Remove the washcloth or cotton ball and wring out the excess water.  Put this on your boil for between 10 and 15 minutes.  You should do this three or four times daily.

Garlic and onion juice:

This remedy lets you combine the benefits of garlic and onion.  Two to three cloves of chopped garlic, one chopped onion, and a cheesecloth or sieve are required for this remedy.  First, crush the piece of garlic and onion and then put them in the cheesecloth or on the sieve.  Exert pressure to extract the juice you will apply to your boils.  You should re-apply garlic and onion juice four or five times each day.

Echinacea tea:

Echinacea has antibacterial properties and boosts the immune system.  To make Echinacea tea, put some Echinacea herb in a teapot and pour hot water on it.  Allow this to steep at least 10 minutes and then strain.  You can drink this two times a day.  If you’d like, you can find an Echinacea ointment to apply to your boil.  Avoid using Echinacea is you are allergic to plants such as daisies, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or ragweed.

Ginger and turmeric:

Make and apply a paste made of ginger and turmeric every day to help encourage the healing of your boil.  If you prefer, you can simply boil the turmeric and ginger together in a washcloth.  This needs to be done in salted water.  Put this on the affected area of skin for about 10 minutes each day.

Burdock root:

Burdock root has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can make it an effective boil remedy.  To make burdock root tea, you will need one tablespoon of dried burdock root or two tablespoons of coarsely chopped fresh burdock root, and three cups of water.  After putting the burdock in a pot, pour the water over it and boil on the stove.  After that, allow it to simmer or about 15 minutes.  Strain the liquid.

You can drink this and/or use it to wash the affected area of skin (make sure that it is warm rather than hot when you do this).  You can directly apply this to the boil three or four times each day.  At maximum only drink this twice a day, as it acts as a diuretic.  Avoid burdock root if you have cardiovascular disease, have diabetes, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Apple cider vinegar:

To use this remedy, you’ll need apple cider vinegar and a cotton pad.  First, place the cotton pad in the vinegar and let the liquid soak in.  Remove and squeeze it, and then put it on the affected area.  Let this stay on for around 10 minutes.  You can do this twice each day.  Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial qualities that make it effective.

Aloe vera gel:

Aloe vera gel has anti-inflammatory and healing effects.  If you have an aloe vera plant, take a leaf and break it in half.  Extract the gel and apply three times every day.  If you don’t have a plant, you can buy pure aloe vera gel instead.

Tomato or cabbage:

A slice of tomato can be useful if you heat it up and apply it.  You could also wrap a cabbage leaf in a handkerchief and heat it up in the microwave for 15 seconds.  You can put this on your boil before you go to bed.

Fig and honey:

Soften a fig in warm water.  Make it into a paste by mixing with a tablespoon of honey.  Apply this to the affected area.

Warm tea bags:

Tea has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.  Once you’ve steeped black tea bags in hot water for 10 minutes, let them cool very slightly and apply them to the affected area.  You can do this every few hours or so.

White vinegar, honey, and lemon juice:

Mix half a teaspoon of lemon juice, half a teaspoon of honey, and one teaspoon of white vinegar.  Apply this to the affected area two times each day.  Leave it on for 40 minutes and use warm water to remove.  All three ingredients have antibacterial properties.  Honey also has a very soothing effect on the skin.

Baking soda and iodine:

Make a paste of baking soda and iodine.  Apply this mixture to the boils and then use a bandage to cover.  Both ingredients have anti-bacterial properties.

Tomato paste:

Apply pure tomato paste to the affected area and leave it on for 15 minutes.  Use cold water to remove.  Tomatoes have antibacterial properties as well as vitamin C.

Preventing Boils

There are a number of things that you can do to reduce your general risk of developing boils.  These include:

• Practicing regular hygiene and using a mild soap to wash the skin every day.
• Exfoliating the skin once each week, especially in areas such as the shoulders, face, groin, and armpits. You can use a loofah, exfoliation gloves, brush, or textured cloth to do this.
• Staying healthy and getting more exercise
• Eating a nutritious diet and drinking enough water to stay properly hydrated
• Properly washing hands with soap and water after touching a boil (your own or someone else’s)

Conclusion

You now have knowledge of a wide variety of useful home remedies that you can use to address the pain and inflammation of your boils.  Remember to see your doctor if the problem is persistent or becomes worse over time.

 

References

“Boils”, https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/boils#1

“Essential Oils for Skin Boil”, https://www.balancemebeautiful.com/essential-oils-skin-boil

“Best Essential Oils for Skin Boils and Cysts Studies”, https://www.essentialbazaar.com/best-essential-oils-for-skin-boils-and-cysts-studies-tips

“22 Home Remedies for Boils that Really Work”, https://homeremedyshop.com/22-home-remedies-for-boils-that-really-work

“15 Herbal Remedies for Boils”, https://www.rapidhomeremedies.com/herbal-remedies-for-boils.html

“Home Remedies for Boils”, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319939.php

“13 Effective Home Remedies to Get Rid of Boils on the Inner Thighs”, http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/home-remedies-on-how-to-get-rid-of-boils-on-the-inner-thighs/#gref

“Home Remedies for Boils”, https://www.livestrong.com/article/140536-old-folk-remedies-boils

“44 Simple and Effective Home Remedies to Get Rid of Boils”, https://www.homeremedyhacks.com/44-simple-and-effective-home-remedies-to-get-rid-of-boil