An abscess is an accumulation of pus on the skin or body.

It can happen almost anywhere. However, it is most common on the skin and gums. Abscesses are very tender to the touch and painful to deal with, as they can become inflamed, swollen, and red. For some, a fever also develops, showing signs of infection. While you can go to the doctor and get antibiotics to treat the abscess, some prefer to do things naturally. Below are a few home remedies that you can try out.

Tea for Skin Abscesses

You will need three drops of Echinacea tincture, six drops of yerba mania tincture, and a cup of warm water. Gather all of those ingredients together for a nice cup of tea. Drink tea about five times per day as a way to stimulate the immune system. This, in turn, will help eliminate the infection.

Topical Wash for Skin or Gum Abscesses

You will need two teaspoons of barberries, a tablespoon of white oak bark, a teaspoon of Echinacea root, a teaspoon of granulated Oregon grape root, and two cups of boiling water. Place all of the herbs into a glass container. Pour in the water and allow it to soak for about four hours. Strain and use the wash at least three times per day.

Home Remedies

Other options you could try for treating your abscesses are home remedies. Drinking at least 10 cups of water each day can work to flush your system and help the spot clear. Eating leafy green vegetables gives you the essential vitamins and minerals to heal correctly. Consuming pineapple, which has bromelain in it, can be great for reducing inflammation. Eliminating fried foods and foods with refined sugar can improve the time your body heals.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Many people swear by apple cider vinegar because of its cleansing attributes. You can try drinking apple cider vinegar daily until the abscess disappears. If it is a skin abscess, some have found that applying apple cider vinegar to the spot makes for a faster remedy for healing. If you drink it, mix it with juice or water, as apple cider vinegar has an acquired taste you might not be familiar with.

Warm Compresses

Treating skin abscesses such as taking a hot shower or bath could do the trick. The warmth helps to loosen up the skin, which could allow the abscess to drain on its own. If nothing else, the warm compress also provides a soothing sensation when the spot is swelling and causing pain.

If all else fails and you’ve had your abscess for a few days, you may need to skip the natural remedies and get to your doctor. Allowing a spot to sit for too long could result in it draining improperly or spreading and causing more infection throughout the body.

When trying home remedies, remember to practice cleanliness by discarding contaminated things and washing your hands.