Boils are usually caused by an infection that has affected a hair follicle and the tissues around the follicle. Scientifically referred to as furuncles, boils can be unpleasant to look at and may also cause pain and discomfort. If you suffer from boils, there are a number of home remedies that could help you. To answer your question – yes, tea tree oil is an effective boil treatment. Tea tree oil is distilled from the leaves of the tea tree and has long since been used among the Aboriginal Australians to treat a variety of different skin ailments such as ringworm and psoriasis. Due to its potent anti-fungal, antimicrobial and antibiotic properties, tea tree oil is also a popular treatment for boils.
For the best results, you should wash the boil and the skin around the boil carefully with warm water and soap. Now take a basin of hot water and add one cup of sea salt to the water. Soak a clean cloth or small towel in this salted water and use it as a warm compress on the boil. Repeat the process of soaking and compressing for ten minutes as this helps to reduce the boil’s size and decrease any inflammation. After drying the area, gently apply a few drops of tea tree oil on the boil. Rub all around the boil as well as the head of the boil. While in most cases, tea tree oil is used in its diluted form; many herbalists recommend the use of full strength tea tree oil when treating boils. Tea tree oil should never be taken internally as it is very toxic. Cover the boil with a gauze or bandage and leave to heal. Remember to wash your hands well after touching the boil to prevent the condition from spreading. You can repeat this treatment up to thrice a day or until the boil disappears. The tea tree oil helps kill off any bacteria in the boil and increase the healing process. If your skin gets irritated or you notice any redness around the boil or on the skin, stop using tea tree oil immediately. Also never ever lance or pop a boil as this can spread the infection and damage the skin permanently.
Other popular natural remedies for boils include:
- Vitamin A capsules, beta-carotene, vitamin B complex, and zinc supplements Astragalus tea can be drunk twice a day to help reduce recurring boils and skin infections.
- Calendula ointment applied to the boil may also help reduce the inflammation and prevent the infection from spreading.
- Garlic is a natural antibiotic and can be taken in raw or capsule form to help treat recurring boils and skin infections as well.
answered by M W