Use hot compresses with essential oils of, tea tree or lavender to draw out the infection and speed healing. Once the boil has drained, apply 1 or 2 drops of tea tree oil 3 to 4 times a day until the wound has healed. An antiseptic, tea tree oil is effective in killing bacteria.

Ayurvedic Medicine

According to Ayruveda, boils could be caused by chronic constipation, a toxic liver, or diabetes. To heal a boil, an Ayurvedic practitioner may suggest applying a ginger turmeric paste. Be sure to cover the boil with a bandage; turmeric stains fabric and skin.

Herbal Therapy

To heal a boil, take a combination of tinctures of echinacea, cleavers, and yellow dock. Combine the tinctures in equal amounts and take 1 teaspoonful of the blend 3 times daily. Nettle tea is also beneficial. To make the tea, steep 1 to 2 teaspoons chopped fresh herb in 1 cup boiling water for 10 minutes; strain. Drink 2 cups a day.

Goldenseal may also be beneficial, as it helps cleanse the lymph glands. Take it as directed on the label, and consult your healthcare provider before using it if you have a history of diabetes, cardiovascular disease or glaucoma. Note: This herb should not be taken daily for more than 1 week, and should not be taken at all if pregnant.

You also might try adding raw garlic to your diet. Alternatively, you can take a garlic capsule 3 times daily.

An onion poultice may hasten healing. The onion should be wrapped in cloth before it is applied, and should not directly touch the boil.

Herbal products are available in health food stores and in some pharmacies and supermarkets. Follow package for specific directions.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic practitioners often recomend one of the following treatments for boils, depending on your symptoms: Silicea to help a boil come to a head; Belladonna if the boil is hot, red, and throbbing, but With very little pus; and Hepar sulphuris to help Your body reabsorb a boil before pus has formed.

Hydrotherapy

Use hot compresses for 15 minutes several times a day to help draw out the boil. Or use alternate hot and cold compresses; apply hot for 3 to 5 minutes, then cold for 30 seconds. Apply ice to the boil and a hot compress over the ice.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture Treatment for boils should be focused on the liver meridians.

Chinese Herbal Therapy Since boils and furuncles are usually caused by a staphylococcal infection and tend to recur in individuals with impaired immunity or those under extreme stress, TCM practitioners will typically prescribe herbs to fight the infection and strengthen the immune system.