Image Source: Acne Assassins

A boil is basically a type of bacterial infection, which happens in the hair follicle. It initially starts as a small, red-colored, painful dot that grows in size gradually. It can often result in fever and severe pain.

However, it is definitely treatable, particularly through home remedies. Several home based treatments can ease the pain and provide some relief from the discomfort. These remedies basically soften the boil, which further aims at draining out the infection from the swollen area.

1. Neem

Neem or Indian lilac is known to possess antiseptic, anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties. That is why it is quite effective in treating several types of skin infections, particularly boils.

All you need to do is take a bunch of neem leaves and grind them to get a thick paste. Apply this paste on the boil.  Let it dry and then apply again after some time. You can rinse your boil with neem decoction. To make it, just boil a few neem leaves in water till it gets reduced to one-third level. Use this decoction for rinsing the affected area.

Neem is also helpful in treating acne breaks outs and other infections caused due to oily skin.

2. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil contains anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and antiseptic properties too. A regular application of this oil speeds up the healing process and further provides relief from the discomfort erupted due to a boil.

Just dip a cotton ball in this oil and then, dab it onto the affected area. Apply it a few times in a day. Since tea tree oil is quite strong, do not forget to do a patch test. If applied in excess can cause skin irritation too.

3. Garlic

Garlic is also known to be a universal healer. Owing to its anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, it helps in treating boils and other skin infections.

Just take a few fresh cloves of garlic and grind them to get a paste. Apply this on the affected area. Do it at least two times in a day for quick healing.

Try another remedy by heating one clove of garlic clove and placing it onto the boil. Do it for about 10 minutes a couple of times in a day. Besides, chewing a few raw garlic gloves can also initiate quick healing.

4. Turmeric

Turmeric is an age-old remedy to treat skin infections and wounds. It is considered to be a natural blood purifier and possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Bothe these qualities not only ensure quick healing of an infection but also prevent it from occurring any further.

To use it, boil one of turmeric powder in a glass of milk or water. Consume it around three times in a day till it gets healed completely. Alternately, make a paste by missing equal quantities of fresh ginger and turmeric. Apply it on the affected area and then cover with a piece of clean cloth.

5. Onion

Onions too has antiseptic chemicals, which work as anti-microbial when applied on a boil.

All you need to do is take a slice of onion and place it over the boil. Then wrap with a piece of cloth to take out the blood and heat accumulated inside. Do it at least four times in a day.

6. Black Seeds or Kalaungi

Black seeds are also one of the most common cures for several types of skin infections, particularly boils. Its medicinal properties speed up the healing process and also provide relief from the pain.

All you need to do is grind some black seeds to get a thick paste. Apply this thick paste on the boil for quick healing. Alternately, you can apply black seed oil on your boil as well.

Try another remedy by adding half a teaspoon of black seed oil in a cup of hot or cold drink. Consume this mixture at least two times in a day for a few days in continuity.