Herb
Treatment Support
antibacterial
Application
capsules, tincture, tea
Abscess
Abscesses are bacterial infections surrounded by inflammed tissues where pus collects. Here we are primarily concerned with abscesses of the skin or teeth. For internal abscesses of tissues or organs, consult a physician or qualified herbalist.
Treatment Plan for Abscess
Apply a flax seed poultice (grind seeds to a powder, add water to form a paste); change frequently until it drains. Apply fresh plantain pulp or reconstituted dried powder, or calendula flowers powdered and reconstituted. Apply a cotton pad soaked with echinacea tincture. Change all poultices 3-5 times a day; keep using until abscess has drained and mostly healed.
For abscesses that won’t heal, try applying an escharotic herb such as bloodroot in liquid extract form (apply to a sterile cotton pad and fix in place for a period of time), which will help remove the dead and stagnant tissue. Be cautious with these herbs, for they can damage healthy tissue if left on too long. Consult a qualified herbalist if in doubt. After the abscess is cleaned out, apply a healing, immune-stimulating herb such as echinacea. Saturate a sterile cotton ball with the tincture and apply directly to the abscess. Change several times daily.
Take echinacea or baptisia (false indigo root) internally for 7-10 days.
If the abcess persists, see your doctor or qualified health care practitioner.
Herbal Remedies for Abscess
Herb
Treatment Support
Application
Herb
Treatment Support
immune stimulant
Application
apply cotton pad soaked with tincture; take internally
Herb
Treatment Support
anti-inflammatory, soothing
Application
apply moistened ground seeds as a poultice
Herb
Treatment Support
anti-inflammatory
Application
tea as a wash
Herb
Treatment Support
soothing antimicrobial
Application
apply reconstituted leaf powder as a poultice
Related Abscess conditions
Additional Ailment
Herb
Application
No additional ailments found.
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
