25 Ways to Get Rid of Boils at Home Naturally

What are boils? Nothing is as nastier and painful than a boil on the skin that seems to pop up from nowhere and for no apparent reason.

Categorized as skin infections, boils aka pimples are said to occur when a bacterial infection occurs in the hair follicles under the skin.

Usually starting as a small, reddish and rather painful nodule, the boil gradually increases in size and gets covered in pus after some time.

There are different kinds of boils out there, including cystic acne, pilonidal cyst and carbuncles, etc.

But one thing that is common with all these boils is the pain and irritation that you experience with them.

Common Causes for Boils

What causes boils? And where do boils come from?

For starters, boils come from underneath the skin. They are caused by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that enter the body via small cuts in the skin or the hair follicles.

Accordingly, here are some of the more common causes for the occurrence of boils.

• Improper hygiene
• Poor nutrition
• Blocked sweat glands
• Tight clothing that causes friction
• Exposure to chemicals found in soaps, creams, perfumes and makeup products
• Medications that weaken the immune system
• Alcoholism
• Diabetes
• Kidney failure
• Hypogammaglobulinemia and other conditions that can hinder antibody production in the body

Symptoms of a Boil

We all know what a boil looks like. Most important of all, we all know what a boil feels like us as well.

In addition to the swelling and pain caused by a boil, here are some other symptoms you need to look out for.

• Bump with whitish appearance on skin
• Itchiness in and around the boil
• Hardened skin around the boil
• Swollen lymph nodes near the boil
• Red streaks on skin
• Change in appetite, and
• Fever

The last two symptoms tend to occur when the boil does not subside after a week or so. If this is the case, you will probably need to consult a doctor for further treatment.

Effective Home Remedies for Boils

So the pertinent question here is how to get rid of boils fast? And how does one get rid of them naturally?

Boils usually occur on the face, head, back, underarm, scalp, groin, breast and buttocks. Although they are highly contagious, there are ways in which you can treat them effectively and prevent them from spreading further with the help of certain remedies you can find at home.

Here are some of these rather simple to make, but very effective home remedies for boils which you can try out.

1. Warm Compress

One of the simplest home remedies for boils involves using hot soaks or compresses to make the boil drain out quickly.

Applying a heat compress will also increase blood circulation in the area, thus promoting quick healing.

What you need:

• Warm Water – 1 cup
• Washcloth – 1

What you need to do:

• Dip the washcloth in the water and place it directly over the boil for 10 minutes or so.
• Repeat this ‘dip and place’ process every at least 3 to 4 times every day to get rid of the boil quickly.

[Also Read : Home Remedies for Pimples]

2. Indian Lilac aka Neem

Indian lilac aka neem is a great natural remedy for boils. It is particularly great if you tend to get rid of boils on face without harming the surrounding skin in the process. Here are two ways in which you can use neem to take care of boils.

Method I: Neem Paste

Neem contains natural antimicrobial properties that can get rid of the bacteria inhabiting the hair follicles beneath the skin

What you need:

• Neem Leaves – A handful
• Water – 2 to 4 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Dry the neem leaves and then grind them to form a coarse powder.
• Add 1 tbsp. of this powder to 2 tbsp. of water to create a thick paste.
• Apply this paste over the boil and the surrounding skin. Wait for 30 minutes and wash off the paste with cold water.
• Repeat this remedy every morning and night to get rid of the boil.

Method II: Neem Water Rinse

The anti-inflammatory properties of neem (1) ensure that the pain and swelling caused by the boil reduce quickly.

What you need:

• Neem Leaves – A handful
• Water – 1 cup

What you need to do:

• Boil the neem leaves in the water. Do this until the quantity of the water reduces to just 1/3 of the cup.
• Let the neem water cool down and strain it.
• Rinse the boil and the surrounding skin with this water twice every day to heal the boil.

Method III: Neem & Turmeric Paste

Neem also contains anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the swelling caused by the boil.

Turmeric contains antiseptic properties (2) that help the skin heal faster from the infection as well.

What you need:

• Neem Leaves – A handful
• Turmeric Powder – 1 tsp.
• Water – 1 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Grind the neem leaves and turmeric powder along with the water to create a paste.
• Apply this paste evenly on the boil and wait for 30 minutes.
• Wash off the paste with cold water afterwards. Repeat once every day until the boil disappears.

3. Black Seed

Wondering how to treat boils quickly and in a very short span of time? Simply trust some black seeds to come to your rescue.

This very popular cure for boils contains medicinal properties that care cure boils and treat the symptoms of the same with ease.

Method I: Black Seed Paste

This is a great home remedy for boils.  It is very easy to make as well and can take care of the pain and swelling caused by the boil effectively.

What you need:

• Black Seeds – A handful
• Water – 3 to 5 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Grind the black seeds and the water to form a paste.
• Apply this paste on the boil and leave it for 20 minutes.
• Wash off the paste with cold water. Do this once every night to get rid of the boil.

Method II: Black Seed Oil

Black seed oil is relatively easy to find in the market and can be brought from any store. Ensure that you buy an unaltered version of the oil for best results.

What you need:

• Black Seed Oil – 1 tsp.

What you need to do:

• Apply the oil evenly on the boil and the surrounding skin.
• Wait for 15 minutes and wipe off the oil with a clean, damp cloth. Apply once every morning and night to take care of the boil.

Note: You can also add 1 ½ tsp. of the black seed oil to any hot drink and drink a cup of the same at least twice a day for a week or so to get rid of the boil.

4. Homemade Black Salve

Ever heard of using black salve for boils? This exceptional home remedy is great for getting rid of boils on inner thigh, scalp, underarms and other sensitive areas of the body. Here is a way you can make homemade black salve to treat boils.

What you need:

• Olive Oil (infused with calendula flowers, comfrey leaves and plantain leaves) – 3 tbsp.
• Beeswax – 1 tbsp.
• Activated Charcoal – 2 tbsp.
• Bentonite Clay – 1 tbsp.
• Honey –1 tbsp.
• Coconut Oil – ½ tbsp.
• Shea Butter – ½ tbsp.
• Green Tea Powder – ½ tbsp.
• Vitamin E – 2 tsp.
• Rosemary Extract – 1 tsp.
• Tea Tree Oil – 1 tsp.
• Essential Oil – 1 tsp.

What you need to do:

• Strain the infused oil from the herbs and store separately.
• Melt the beeswax in a double boiler and add the coconut oil and shea butter to the mix. Stir nicely until all the ingredients melt and mix with each other. Remove the mix from the heat.
• Add the infused oil and the honey to the mix. Stir until they dissolve completely.
• Slowly add the Vitamin E, rosemary extract and the essential oils to the mix, stirring it nicely as you do so.
• Combine the activated charcoal, green tea powder and bentonite clay in a separate bowl. Add the wet mix to the bowl and whisk nicely to combine all the ingredients. Pour this mix into an airtight container and store in a cool place.
• Clean the area around the boil nicely. Apply some of this black salve on the boil and cover it with a bandage.
• Do this overnight and remove the bandage in the morning. Follow this remedy every night for a couple of days until the boil heals completely.

5. Bread Poultice

This boils treatment is as simple as it can get. All it requires for you to do is place a piece of soaked bread on the boil every day to get rid of the infection causing the boil.

What you need:

• Bread Piece – 1
• Warm Water – 1 cup

What you need to do:

• Soak the bread piece in the warm water.
• Place the soaked bread directly above the boil. Wait for about 15 minutes.
• Do this at least 3 to 4 times a day. This will cause the boil to come to a head, thus reducing the pain and inflammation caused by the same. The heat will also improve blood circulation to the area, thus healing the skin quickly.

Note: You can also use warm milk as a substitute for warm water.

6. Oils to Treat Boils

A variety of oils can help you treat boils effectively. Here are some oils that you can use when wondering how to get rid of boils overnight.

Method I: Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is known for its potent antibacterial and antiseptic properties (3). Using tea tree oil on the boil will provide immense relief from the pain and swelling caused by the boil in addition to getting rid of the infection causing it.

What you need:

• Tea Tree Oil – 2 tsp.
• Cotton Swab – 1

What you need to do:

• Dip the cotton ball in the tea tree oil and squeeze out the excess oil.
• Place the cotton swab directly on the boil for about 15 minutes. Do this at regular intervals throughout the day to get rid of the boils faster.

Note: Tea tree oil can cause irritation at times. So do a patch test on healthy skin first before applying on the boil.

( Also Read: Remedies Using Tea Tree Oil for Lice )

Method II: Castor Oil

This is another oil that you can use for boils. The antiseptic properties of castor oil ensure that the bacteria causing the boil are eradicated completely without harming the skin in the process.

What you need:

• Castor Oil – 2 tsp.
• Cotton Swab – 1

What you need to do:

• Dip the cotton in the oil and place it directly on the boil.
• Do this 3 to 4 times every day to get rid of the boil.

( Must Read: Castor Oil for Acne )

Method III: Eucalyptus Oil

The beneficial properties of eucalyptus oil are known to everyone. You can easily make use of the oil to get rid of painful boils in your body.

What you need:

• Eucalyptus Oil – 3 drops
• Slippery Elm – 25 gms.
• Hot Water – 3 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Powder the slippery elm and mix it with the oil.
• Add the water to the mix and make a paste.
• Apply this paste on the boil and wait for 15 minutes. Repeat once every day until the boil drains out and the swelling goes down.

7. Turmeric

There are innumerable ways you can make use of turmeric to treat boils on skin. Here are a few of the more common ones.

Method I: Turmeric & Milk Drink

This remedy is great if you don’t like pastes or creams. It will take care of the boil internally as well.

What you need:

• Turmeric Powder – 1 tsp.
• Milk – 1 cup

What you need to do:

• Bring the milk to a boil and add the turmeric powder to it.
• Simmer the milk in low heat for another 5 minutes. Wait for it to cool and drink the concoction.
• Do this every night for a week to get rid of the boil.

Method II: Turmeric Root Soak

This remedy will help bring the boil to a head quickly, thus allowing the pus to drain out and ease the pain caused by the boil.

What you need:

• Turmeric Root – 1 piece
• Hot Water – 1 cup
• Coarse Stone – 1

What you need to do:

• Soak the turmeric root in the water for 5 minutes.
• Rub the soaked root on the stone and collect the resultant paste.
• Apply this paste directly on the boil and leave it for 30 minutes. Rinse with cold water afterwards.
• Follow this treatment for boils at least once a day for a week or so.

Note: You can also use turmeric powder instead of turmeric root.

Method III: Turmeric & Ginger Paste

Loaded with antibiotic properties galore, both turmeric and ginger will do a great job of eradicating the bacteria causing the boils.

This will allow the boils to drain naturally within a few days without causing too much pain or swelling in the process.

What you need:

• Turmeric Powder – 1 tsp.
• Grated Ginger – 1 tsp.

What you need to do:

• Mix the turmeric powder and grated ginger nicely to form a paste.
• Apply this paste on the boil and leave it overnight. Wash it off with lukewarm water the next morning.
• Repeat every night for a couple of days for maximum benefits.

Method IV: Turmeric, Curd & Soap Mix

This remedy will allow you to remove the boil effectively while also ensuring that the surrounding skin does not get scarred in the process.

What you need:

• Turmeric Powder – 1 tsp.
• Curd – 1 tbsp.
• Lukewarm Water – 1 cup
• Mild Soap

What you need to do:

• Mix the turmeric powder and curd and set aside.
• Wash the skin surrounding the boil nicely and pat dry.
• Apply the turmeric, curd paste on the boils and allow it to dry (for about 20 minutes)
• Rinse the area with lukewarm water and a mild soap. Follow this remedy every morning and night to get rid of the boils.

Method V: Turmeric & Basil Leaves Paste

This is a great way to get rid of underarm boils in the easiest and most painless manner possible.

What you need:

• Turmeric Powder – 1 tsp.
• Basil Leaves – A handful
• Water – A few drops

What you need to do:

• Blend all the ingredients nicely and make a paste.
• Apply the paste on the boil and the surrounding skin. Rinse off with lukewarm water after 15 minutes.
• Do this at least 4 times a day to get rid of the boil within a week.

8. Onions for Boils

The antiseptic chemicals present in onions can help treat skin boils effectively. Here are some ways this is made possible.

Method I: Onion Slices

Perhaps simplest way to use onion to treat boils, this remedy will have you boil free in no time at all.

What you need:

• Onion – 1
• Bandage

What you need to do:

• Cut the onion into thick slices and place the slices above the boil.
• Cover the boil and the onion on top with a bandage, letting it sit for about 3 hours or so. Remove the slices and rinse the boil with lukewarm water afterwards. Do this several times a day for desirable results.

Method II: Onion Paste

Of course, you can always use onion paste to get rid of the boil as well.

What you need:

• Onion – 1
• Bandage

What you need to do:

• Blend the onion to make a paste. Apply this paste on the boil and cover it with a bandage.
• Rinse off the paste with lukewarm water after about 3 hours. Follow thrice a day to get rid of the boil.

Method III: Onion Water Rinse

Another remedy for boils using onion involves using it as a rinse as mentioned here.

What you need:

• Onion – 3
• Water – 1 cup

What you need to do:

• Chop the onions and boil them in the water until the quantity of the water reduces to 1/3 of the cup.
• Strain the solution and let it cool. Rinse the boil with this solution at least twice a day to get rid of the boil quickly.

Note: You can always replace onions with potatoes for both of these remedies if you don’t fancy the smell of onions. Potatoes can take care of boils as well, especially incessant boils under arm.

[Also Read: Home Remedies for Sweat Pimples]

9. Garlic for Boils

Some recommend garlic as a great natural remedy for boils. While chewing on a few cloves of garlic every day can help treat the boils from inside the body, here are two ways you can use it as topical treatment for a boil.

Method I: Garlic Paste

Following this remedy twice every day can make the boil heal faster while reducing the pain and swelling caused by it.

What you need:

• Garlic Cloves – 3 to 4

What you need to do:

• Grind the garlic cloves and apply the resultant paste on the boil.
• Rinse off the paste with lukewarm water afterwards.

Method II: Heated Garlic Clove

This remedy will bring the boil to a head very quickly, thus allowing it to drain properly. It will also improve blood circulation in the area, thus quickening the healing process.

What you need:

• Garlic Clove – 1

What you need to do:

• Heat the garlic clove until it is warm enough.
• Place the warm garlic clove directly on the boil for about 10 seconds. Repeat until the boil breaks and the pus starts draining out.

10. Milk to get rid of Boils

Milk can come to your rescue when you are wondering how to get rid of boils fast.

Method I: Milk Cream

In addition to giving you relief from the pain and inflammation, milk helps heal a boil faster.

What you need:

• Milk Cream – 1 tsp.
• Vinegar – 2 drops
• Turmeric Powder – 1 tsp.

What you need to do:

• Mix the milk cream, vinegar and turmeric powder to make a paste. Rub this paste directly on the boil and wait for 15 minutes.
• Wash the boil with cold water afterwards. Repeat this remedy twice every day for quick results.

Method II: Milk, Salt & Flour Paste

Applying this paste on the boil at regular intervals throughout the day can help heal the boil as well as the surrounding skin within a few days.

What you need:

• Milk – 1 cup
• Salt – 3 tsp.
• Flour – 1 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Heat the milk and add the salt to it. Stir nicely and add the flour to make a paste.
• Spread this paste evenly on the boil and the surrounding skin. Wash it off with lukewarm water after 15 minutes.

( Also Read: Home Remedies to Remove Boils on Butts )

11. Parsley Leaves

In addition to basil leaves, parsley leaves can also be used to treat boils naturally at home.

Parsley leaves can help the boil blast fast without spreading the infection. Here is a quick and effective home remedy recipe for the same.

What you need:

• Parsley Leaves – A handful
• Water – 1 cup

What you need to do:

• Boil the parsley leaves in the water for about minutes.
• Wrap the leaves in a cloth and tie the same over the boil. Leave it on for about an hour. You will notice the pus draining out of the boil after a few applications.

12. Jelly Jar Technique

This rather unconventional technique (called ‘cupping a boil’) has been used to treat skin boils for a long time. However, it needs to be practiced under careful supervision lest you end up burning your skin in the process.

What you need:

• Empty Jar – 1
• Water – 1 cup

What you need to do:

• Boil the water and place the jar in it for about 15 minutes.
• Remove the jar with the help of tongs and set it aside until it becomes just warm enough to be used on the skin without scalding the latter.
• Place the jar with upside down directly on the boil. Wait for it to cool down and repeat the same until the suction caused by the heat in the jar breaks the boil.

General Tips to Follow for Boils

Here are some general tips that will help you keep the infection at bay while treating boils on the skin.

Maintain Proper Hygiene: Keep the skin surrounding the boil clean. Blot out any pus that drains from it immediately to prevent the infection from spreading. Wash your hands to prevent the spread of infection as well.

Do not shave in the area: Shaving in the area can cause the infection to spread.

Do not break the boil soon: Never attempt to break the boil or prick it open while it is small and firm. You can try draining it only after it forms a head or becomes softer.

Use a cotton swab to drain the pus and wash the area with antibacterial soap. Apply a medicated ointment on the boil after patting it dry and cover the area with a bandage.

Avoid Fatty, Caffeine and Sugar Rich Foods: These can become fodders for the bacteria in the boil and cause it to grow, thus worsening the condition. So avoid these foods until the boil heals completely.

Wash clothes that come in contact with the boil: This will keep the infection from spreading to you as well as others in the family.

Call a doctor only if the boil persists for more than a week or becomes bigger and more painful.

Otherwise trust these home remedies and tips to help you deal with the boil naturally at home without any issues at all.