Summary

see also Skin Lesions (Boils) and Toothache

An abscess is the result of an infection, bacterial, parasitical, or some type of object (sliver, etc) that causes white blood cells to accumulate as the body tries to protect itself.  The accumulation of white blood cells and other material forms the milky white substance pus. This accumulation of pus with the associated surrounding redness forms the abscess.

An abscess can form in any part of the body but the most common types are skin abscesses and tooth abscesses.  Boils and carbuncles are types of skin abscesses.  Other locations such as the brain, liver, rectum can be more difficult to diagnose and to treat.  Those with weakened immune systems may be more susceptible to having an abscess develop.

 

Abscess, cancer, cyst or tumor?

Here are some differences between terms used to describe “masses” or “lumps” that may form in the body.  Common terms are abscess, cancer, cyst, and tumor. 

•  Tumor – a mass of tissue or abnormal cellular growth. They may be cancerous (malignant), or not (benign).

•  Cancer – a rapid cellular growth that may spread from one part of the body to another.

•  Cyst – a closed sac filled with gas, liquid, or a semi solid. They are usually not cancerous.

•  Abscess – similar to a cyst but is filled with pus.

Oils, blends & products recommended:

Oils & Blends:  Clove, frankincense, lavender, melaleuca, OnGuard, oregano, Roman chamomile

Essential oils based products: 

Also consider: Helichrysum, Purify

Suggested protocols:

Topical application to the affected area with OnGuard, oregano, or other antibacterial oils as often as every 1/2 to 1 hour.  Oregano and other oils may need to be diluted to lessen burning.  Some also suggest mixing lemon with oregano to reduce burning.

Experiences and Testimonials of others

Jessica - Does anyone have any ideas for a throat abscess for a 9 year old? Apparently, it is a localized accumulation of pus that may occur around the tonsils or in the back of the pharynx.  It's basically an acute form of tonsillitis.  I am thinking oregano and lemon.  But after the first swallow I don't think he'll do it because of oregano's caustic taste.  Has anyone had success in this with kids?

Rob - Get him to gargle it for as long as possible, then spit or swallow.  Have him set a goal like 15 seconds.  Follow up with some juice or milk and a cracker with peanut butter. The oregano will not be too bad to swallow, but if even a micro drop gets on his lips, it is very hot... and water will not help.  That's why swallowing is sometimes better, when you spit - it has a good chance of getting on the lips.   It doesn't taste great, but that doesn't last long.

We have our kids use a shot glass with the drops in a couple tablespoons of water. 4-5 drops of OnGuard is the next best or 2 drops oregano with 3 drops lemon.  The clove suggestion is good too.  Clove will help the pain a lot. The lemon added to oregano takes away some of the caustic edge to the oregano. Frequency is the key.  IF he will do this every 1/2 hour or hour 6 -8 times... There is a fair chance it will be gone. (in my experience.)

Pat - Yes, I helped a nine-year-old girl, we put three drops of oregano in a spoonful of applesauce and she took it every hour for 1/2 a day. It made a huge difference. You can even use lemon with the protocol and it will lessen the burn, in case they get some on their lips.

Kirsten - My son (19) came home with a severely infected throat recently and on the eve of an important event, which he didn't want to miss.  He could barely swallow - he felt like he had a throat full of razor blades! He gargled every 30 minutes with 5 drops of OnGuard dropped into water with one drop of oregano and one drop of rosemary (rugged, but effective).  Plus we diffused OnGuard and gently massaged OnGuard blended with fractionated coconut oil all over his throat and up to the jaw line in between gargling because I was concerned the infection might spread up to the ears.  He slept well that night and woke up raring to go.  You know something good has happened when your previously sick child gets up in the morning and heads straight to the pantry....

Protocols folks recommend for children

 

 

Diet and Nutritional complements to essential oils

Help from Julia's Natural Kitchen

Abscesses are nature's way of purifying the body, by bringing toxins and waste materials all to one place, so that it can easily be drawn out. Pus is formed by the loss of organic sulfur from the cells, therefore herbs that contain organic sulfur, such a garlic, can be used to rebuild and prevent this condition.

In general, the brighter and tighter the redness, the smaller the abscess; the softer feeling and darker colored, the larger the abscess. A thick yellow pus is considered healthy, where a thin watery greenish pus is considered infected and unhealthy.

 

Abscesses heal when the discharge stops and the cavity of the abscess begins to close.

According to Dr. J. Christopher “The basic cause of all abscesses, tumors, cysts, etc., stems back to an impure bloodstream, with its major cause being improper food intake. This condition causes poor action of liver and bowels, a faulty digestion, or disturbances in the lymphatic glands are generally responsible for the accumulation of impurities in the blood.”

Poultices will bring the abscess to a head and clean it out.

A poultice made of 1 part Lobelia and 3 parts Mullein is very effective in drawing out the toxins as well as relieving pain

· A poultice made of hot onions put directly over the abscessed area

Add a few drops of an essential oil of choice to the poultice for added effect.

 

How to make a poultice:

Dried Herb Poultice

Grind dried herbs into a powder with a mortar and pestle,and add enough warm water to make a paste. The paste should be thick enough to be applied to the affected area, but it shouldn't be stiff.

Spread the herbal mixture over a piece of gauze, cotton or muslin that is large enough for the affected area. Clean the affected area before placing the poultice on it, and wrap the poultice with a towel or plastic wrap and secure it into place. Keep the poultice on for anywhere from 1 to 24 hours depending applying a fresh poultice as needed.

 

Fresh Herb Poultice

Chop up about 1/2 cup of the fresh herb and mix with 1 cup of water in a saucepan. Simmer herbs and water for about 2 minutes. Squeeze out excess moisture, but don't drain. Spread the herbal mixture over a piece of gauze, cotton or muslin that is large enough for the affected area. Clean the affected area before placing the poultice on it. Wrap the poultice with a towel or plastic wrap and secure it into place.

Keep the poultice on for anywhere from 1 to 24 hours depending applying a fresh poultice as needed.

Once the abscess has burst and pus has drained off, apply a poultice of comfrey leaves or root.

 

Dr. Mom the Kitchen:

Garlic Tea

1 small garlic clove minced and mashed with a ½ tablespoon of honey

Juice of ¼ lemon with 2-3 drops of CPTG Lemon Essential Oil

1 teaspoon of mint or sage

½ teaspoons minced parsely

Let steep for at least 10 minutes and strain. Drink the same day if using mint, however, if using sage it can be kept in the refrigerator and will be good for two days.

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