An abscess is a pocket of pus that can form anywhere in the body as a defensive reaction to a bacterial infection, injury, wound, or the presence of foreign matter such as splinters. Abscesses can occur in the lungs, kidneys, tonsils, brain, etc. Skin abscesses, called boils, most often appear on the hands, legs, fingers and toes, under the armpits, and in the groin/rectal area.
Abscesses are different from other infections. It is impossible to cure one with antibiotics alone. To get rid of it completely, an abscess must be opened and drained.
Dental abscesses are particularly common and cause a lot of pain and suffering if left untreated. They are caused by bacteria, which grow in pre-existing cavities and become embedded in the soft tissue of the mouth. The best immediate way to relieve pain and discomfort associated with an abscessed tooth is to treat it with a mild grapefruit seed extract solution. Unless the abscess is just beginning to form, this won’t cure it, but being such a strong antiseptic, grapefruit seed extract will at least make it tolerable for a while, until one can go to the dentist and treat it surgically. Although there is no scientific research on the subject, there is anecdotal evidence of people who have contained their tooth abscesses for weeks and months using grapefruit seed extract. To use the extract, mix about 20 drops in a cup of water and start rinsing the abscess with it. Make sure that each time you take a sip, the mixture stays in your mouth for several minutes. The remedy is extremely bitter, but if you can handle a cup, the pain should lessen considerably.
To get the infection out and get the abscess to open up, a poultice made from plantain (Plantago Major) can be used. Just crush some fresh leaves and apply the pack to the abscess. Aloe leaves also work. Cut a larger leaf from the plant, cut it lengthwise, and crush it into a poultice. Apply to the affected area and replace daily. Another green remedy for the same problem is cabbage leaves. Use them in the same way as aloe.
Onions are also great for clearing up the infection. Bake an onion in the oven and apply half to the abscess while the onion is still hot. Keep it in place for about 3-4 hours, and then replace it with a fresh batch.
Figs have been used to treat abscesses since time immemorial. In fact, they are mentioned in the Bible as a treatment used by Hezekiah to cure a boil. Figs can also be used to treat gum and tooth abscesses. Make a warm fig poultice by cutting up a fig and crushing the insides into a pulp. Put the pulp on a piece of gauze and apply it to the skin in the affected area. Change four times a day.