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Page 60
| A relaxing soak in a hot bath can also help. Add up to 5 drops of essential oils of eucalyptus, juniper, lavender, rosemary, or thyme to the bath water. Massage rubs are also helpful, especially if you have a friend or partner who can help with the massage. |
| Massage Oil for Backache |
| 10 drops each of lavender, eucalyptus, and thyme essential oils |
| 5 drops juniper essential oil |
| 2 tablespoons of infused St. John's wort oil or infused comfrey oil |
| Mix all the oils together and store in a small dark glass bottle. Shake well before use and massage about 1/2 teaspoon of oil into the affected areas night and morning. If you do not have the infused oils, use almond or wheat-germ oil instead. |
| Boils and Carbuncles |
| A boil is a tender inflamed area of skin containing pus that is generally caused by a staphylococcal infection of a hair follicle or a break in the skin. A cluster of boils is known as a carbuncle. |
| Boils are usually a sign of reduced resistance to infection, perhaps because of general debility, chronic illness, exhaustion, or overwork. There could also be some deep-seated septic focus, such as a dental abscess, adding to the overall toxicity. Frequent outbreaks of boils can suggest a more serious underlying cause, possibly diabetes or kidney disease. |
| Traditionally, poultices or drawing ointments are used to encourage the boil to discharge. Use commercially available slippery elm or chickweed ointments or a homemade hot infused oil of either herb. Alternatively, make a slippery elm poultice by mixing a teaspoon of the powdered herb with just enough hot water or hot marigold infusion to make a thick paste. Apply this to the boil. Follow the instructions on p. 55 for applying poultices. Echinacea cream is also effective: apply the cream and cover with a Band-Aid. |
| Combine external treatment with herbs taken internally to boost the immune system and combat bacterial infections; take two 200-mg capsules of either garlic or echinacea two times a day or add plenty of garlic to your cooking. |
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