Boils

What is Neem good for, its uses and benefits

Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a fast growing tropical tree that is native to East India and Burma and also grows in widespread areas of Southeast Asia and West Africa. Neem trees survive in harsh conditions and favor environments that receive as few as 18 inches of rain per year and where temperatures can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit. People in India and other parts of the world where this tree grows have used it over the centuries for many purposes. Although other parts of the neem tree, such as the seeds and bark, have important uses, neem leaf is often found in Ayurvedic medical products designed to treat a large number of ailments and diseases.

Health Benefits of Neem

- Skin Care : Skin care products made from neem have been reported to help soothe irritated skin, lighten the color of scars, moisturize dry skin and heal infections and destroy parasites.
- Neem leaves, fruits, flowers and Bark contains antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antinflammatory and also acts as a contraceptive agent.
- Sitala can often be seen suspended from a neem branch where she guards against small pox.
- Neem is used in pyrexia, diabetes, urinary problems, filarial worms, respiratory disorders, dermatological disorders, gynecological disorders and by way of external use for eyes, piles and fistula, wounds, hair, dental hygiene and as fertility regulatory material and in addition to its uses in ophthalmic problems.
- Neem leaves help in the treatment of neuromuscular pains.
- Neem leaves are also reported to remove toxins, purify blood and prevent damage caused by free radical in the body by neutralizing them.
- Neem leaves are reported to be beneficial in eye disorders and/insect bite poisons.
- Neem bark is cool, bitter, astringent, acrid and refrigerant. It is useful in tiredness, cough, fever, loss of appetite, worm infestation.
- Both neem oil and neem leaf are fantastic skin care ingredients.
- Neem relieves dry skin.
- It soothes itchines, redness and irritation.
- It improves general skin health and immunity, combating bacterial infections, as in acne, boils and ulcers.
- One of the top neem benefits is that it lets you avoid harsh chemicals and nasty insecticides when treating conditions like psoriasis, eczema,
scabies, head lice and more.
- Used as hair oil neem promotes shiny, healthy hair, combats dryness, prevents premature graying and may even help with some forms of hair loss.
- Neem is said to be a very effective medicine for people suffering from diabetes and helps to control blood sugar levels to a great extent.
- Eating neem will help get rid of intestinal worms, thus performing its role as a de-worming agent and will help restore healthy functioning of the intestines.
- Neem oil can be used to massage muscle aches and joints and can be used to relieve pain from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, Osteoarthritis, lower back pain, etc.
- Ingesting neem is beneficial in many ways as it helps to restore the taste of mouth, cures constipation and relieves of indigestion. It also eliminated the problem of acidity.
- In short, neem is just about anti-everything : anti-bacterial, anti-viral
anti-septic, anti-diabetic, anti-fungal, blood-purifying, spermicidal.

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Boils : Natural Home Remedy

Boil is a localized collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue in the skin. It starts off as reddened tender area and over a period of time, the area around it becomes firm and hard. The center of the boil full of pus is soft and is filled with infection fighting white blood cells, bacteria and proteins that eradicate the infection. Finally the pus forms a head, which can be surgically opened or drained out through the surface of the skin. One can not pinpoint the reason for the occurrence of boils. They can be caused by ingrown hair, any splinter or foreign object lodged in the skin or clogged sweat glands that become infected to name a few.

What Causes Boils ?
The main cause of this painful disease is growth of staphylococcus germs. These germs enter into the body through sweat glands. Another reason for boils is increase in level of toxic substance in blood. This can be due to improper bowel movement, unhealthy food style, excess alcohol consumption, or due to some chronic diseases.

What are the symptoms of boils ?
The main symptom of boils is small red balls appear on the skin. Slowly, these red balls become big with a small mouth at the center, where puss accumulates. With the passage of time these balls become stiff, and the surrounded area also become hard and red. Patient may also suffer from fever because of severe pain.

Natural Home Remedies For Boils :
- Garlic and Onion : The juice of garlic or onion may be applied externally on boils to help ripen them, break them, and evacuate the pus.
- Bitter Gourd : A cupful of fresh juice of this vegetable, mixed with a teaspoon of lime juice, should be taken, sip by sip, on an empty stomach daily for a few months to treat this condition.
- Sandalwood paste : Sandal is good in softening the skin and it also provides much needed coolness.
- Milk Cream : One teaspoon of milk cream, mixed with half a teaspoon of vinegar, and a pinch of turmeric powder, makes an excellent poultice.
- Betel Leaves : A leaf is gently warmed till it becomes soft. It is then coated with a layer of castor oil. The oiled leaf should be spread over the inflamed part. It should be replaced every few hours. After a few applications, the boil will rupture, draining out all the purulent matter.
- Cumin Seeds : The seeds should be ground in water and made into a paste. This paste can be applied to boils with beneficial results.
- Margosa Leaves : They can be used as a poultice, decoction, or liniment with beneficial results. To make the decoction, 15 gm of margosa leaves should be boiled in 500 ml of water till it is reduced by one-third.
- Bread : On boiling water, put a piece of regular bread. Remove it when it is soft. Apply it to the boil on a temperature tolerable to the skin. This will bring out the head of the boil faster.
- Carrot and wheat germ : On a 1 tbsp of wheat germ oil, mix a grated raw carrot and apply it on the affected area.
- Honey : There are several ways to prepare honey as a home remedy for boil. One is to mix honey with oil. Two is to soak in to honey fresh figs. Three is to combine wheat germ and honey. And four is plain warm honey. Apply one of these on the affected area and the boil will come to its head.
- Herbs : Wild pansy, catnip, dock, chickweed, burdock, or yarrow. The leaves of these herbs are effective healing treatment for boil. Soften any of these leaves by steaming. Make sure you get it from clean source. Apply it on the boil.

Are Boils Contagious?
Yes, boils and carbuncles are contagious. The pus that drains when a boil opens can contaminate nearby skin, causing new boils to occur, or can enter the bloodstream and may cause other body parts also to infect. A carbuncle is a cluster of boils that occurs when the infection spreads and other boils are formed. The formation of a carbuncle may be an indication of immune depression.

DIETARY CONSIDERATIONS :
Balanced diet is very important to keep your body healthy and disease free. Patient suffering from boils should take special care about their diet. Patient suffering from boils should stay on orange juice for 7-8 days. During this period they should only take diluted orange juice 4-5 times a day. Once this orange-juice diet is over, they should be given green leafy vegetables, fresh juicy fruits, cereals, grams, etc. Patient however, should stay away from fried, oily junk foods and sweets and chocolates. They should not take caffeine and hard or soft drinks as well.