In this article, we’ll find and discuss the best essential oils for boils.
Many people seek remedies they can perform at home, or they prefer a holistic approach to common ailments.
Boils cause discomfort and, sometimes, intense pain.
Many will eventually heal and disappear on their own, but the process can take weeks to months for the boil to develop a head, let alone drain on its own.
Plus, without additional care, you can risk reinfection or spreading the bacteria.
Essential oils are renowned natural paths used by holistic healthcare professionals as an alternative to conventional medicines.
The practice is nothing new, though oils are now more readily available than in the past and so is the information surrounding them.
Before deciding on the right essential oils to cure boil, be sure to read our guide so that you’ll learn how to choose the right one for you.
A Boil or a Pimple?
With a boil, the infection is in the hair follicle; the clinical name for a boil is deep folliculitis. Boils can be singular or form a cluster, or carbuncles, and these can develop in any hair follicle on your body.
Boils are generally larger and more painful than pimples. The surrounding skin can appear deep red and even purple.
Pimples can appear anywhere on your body because they form in from trapped dirt, oils, and bacteria in your pores. For most of us, they appear on our face, but they can sprout up in strange places.
They can also vary in size and they develop in similar areas, which might lead you to believe it’s a boil.
How can you tell the difference? Sometimes you can’t, but essential oil treatments are similar enough that except for the worst cases, it likely won’t matter.
The only real differences are almost microscopic, right down to the Staphylococcus aureus (bacteria) that causes boils. Source: healthline
Are Essential Oils Safe and Effective?
While there is scientific evidence to support using pure essential oils, the FDA doesn’t consider essential oils as medicine or medical based treatments; they do not go through their rigorous trials and approvals like conventional drugs do.
However, this doesn’t mean essential oils haven’t been tested or subjected to scientific and clinical trials. Source: Wiley Online Library
What people call alternative medicine has contributed to 40% of all pharmaceuticals used in Western medicine, according to the medical professionals and medical researchers in “Botanical Medicine in Clinical Practice.”
Essential oils are generally safe as long as it is not synthetic and make sure to get them from reputable brands and sellers.
How to Buy a Quality Essential Oil
Essential oils aren’t created equally. Many essential oils are synthetic fakes, diluted but sold as pure, or they haven’t been tested for safety or quality. Source: Prevention.com
Signs of a Quality Essential Oil
- Third party tested and verified—label varies on the third party
- USDA Certified Organic seal
- Wild-crafted labeling—for wild harvested plants
- Steam distilled—the proper way to make an essential oil
Consider your carrier oil too. You’ll want to choose one that will work with your skin type and one that is suitable for treating boils.
Carrot oil is a personal favorite because of its rich vitamin complex and natural SPF. Do you know the difference between carrier oils and essential oils?
Essential Oils for Treating Bacterial Infections
Choosing the right essential oils for boils is simple once you understand which oils have been scientifically proven to have an effect on bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus. Source: Wiley Online Library
In the case of boils and bacterial infections in general, you might consider a blend of oils to apply to the affected area over a single ingredient variety.
Making your own blend is more beneficial than purchasing an already blended product because you control the quantities of each oil.
Application Methods
- Combining oils with a carrier oil
- Making a salve/ointment with oils
- Detox clay with oils
- Cooling mist/wash with witch hazel and oils
You will want to make sure your chosen oils won’t interfere or lead to adverse side effects with any medications you’re currently taking. You can research your medicines online, but asking your doctor, a naturopath, dietician, or pharmacist is a better option.
Vitamin E oil makes a beneficial addition to any oil or salve applied and left on the skin, and it prolongs the shelf life. You’ll want to add 500 IUs for each 8 oz. carrier oil. Source: Wikipedia
Carrier oils can be simple organic varieties of extra virgin olive oil, virgin coconut oil, or jojoba oil works well too. This is not an extensive list, but these three oils are the most common in households. Add 20-25 drops of essential oils or blend to 1 c. of carrier oil.
If you’re making a salve, you will need 1 oz. of beeswax or carnauba wax (vegan) to emulsify with your chosen oil(s), 1 cup of olive oil, and vitamin E oil. You should choose dark, short, and wide containers for storage. They make it easier to get your fingers inside and remove the cooled salve.
You can also add 2 oz. dried herbs or 4 oz. fresh herbs in addition to 20-25 drops of essential oil or blend.
Non-video recipe: Mother Earth Living – How to Make a Healing Salve
Detox clays require 1 tsp. of bentonite clay, 1 tsp. of baking soda, and enough water to make a firm but spreadable paste. You will add approximately four drops of your essential oil or blend. Apply the oils to your boil and the surrounding area where there is redness or pain. Let sit for 15-20 minutes before gently rinsing and patting dry.
For a cooling mist, you will need 8 oz. of water, 1/2c witch hazel, your choice of oils, 25 drops of your chosen oils or essential oil blend, and a small spray bottle. The witch hazel will prevent spoiling and provide a soothing effect. It’s also anti-fungal, anti-microbial, and anti-bacterial. Apply to your boil and let it air dry or blot with paper towels.
Do not attempt to drain, lance, or pop your boil with force. It is entirely possible that once you’ve begun using your essential oils that it will drain on its own, but lancing yourself can lead to introducing new bacteria and not only make your infection worse, but you are risking infecting the surrounding area too.
Recommended Best Essential Oils for Boils
Any of the following oils can be beneficial for use and to heal boils and infections. You will notice most of the oils are the same varieties used in the study against bacteria and fungi. Unless otherwise noted by the manufacturer, you should always dilute essential oils in a carrier.
Please note that we originally had the Lavender essential oil, thyme essential oil, lemon essential oil, and Frankincense essential oil in our draft list but our team decided to review only up to 7 essential oils to treat boils.
1. ReThinkOil Oregano Essential Oil
Oregano essential oil for boils is a natural remedy that may help fight the bacteria that cause skin infections. This wild-crafted Mediterranean Turkish oil uses the Minutiflorum variety of Oregano that only grows wild in the Western Taurus Mountains. Oregano oil for boils is derived from the same plant, but it is more concentrated and potent. Oregano might also be useful for treating other infections, and upper respiratory conditions, regulating periods, promoting digestion, and weight loss.
- Steam distilled
- 3rd Party Certified Organic
- Properties include antiviral, this oil has antibacterial, antifungal, antibiotic, anti-parasitic, and antibiofilm.
- Possible uses include a household cleaner, natural pesticide, aromatherapy, and topical.
Pros
- Strong scent
Cons
- Can’t be diluted in water
- Can sting a bit, even when diluted properly
2. Handcraft Tea Tree Essential Oil
Drops of tea tree oil are known for their clean scent. It might be useful for dandruff, bacterial and fungal infections, bad breath, skin care, teeth, and gum problems.
Tea tree and lavender oils are widely used essential oils. Tea tree is also one of the best essential oils to treat skin.
- Distilled
- Naturally grown and harvested
- USDA Certified Organic
- Properties include antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory
- Possible uses include flea repellant, air freshener, topical use, and mouth rinse (diluted)
Pros
- Piney scent
Cons
- Keep away from cats
3. Zongle Cinnamon (Leaf) Essential Oil
Cinnamon leaf oil (Cinnamomum Zeylanicum) is another multiple purpose oil that belongs in everyone’s essential oil collection. Its warm scent lends well in multiple applications. Cinnamon leaf essential oil might be useful for colds, flu, bacterial infections, skin infections, and menstrual problems.
- Steam distilled
- Edible when diluted in food substances!
- USDA Certified Organic
- Properties: antioxidant, antibacterial, antiseptic, antiviral, anti-clotting
- Possible uses include disinfectant, kills head lice, mouthwash, topical, and food flavoring
Pros
- Multipurpose oil
- Warm scent
Cons
- Pregnant women cannot ingest
- Can cause skin issues in some people, especially children
4. Plant Therapy Clove Bud Essential Oil
Many people use clove essential oil for toothaches and infections to reduce pain. Because of the numbing properties of clove oil has, it might be a beneficial addition to a blend clove oil for boils or other painful skin conditions.
- Distilled
- USDA Certified Organic and 3rd party certified
- Properties include antiseptic and antifungal
- Possible uses aromatherapy, topical, perfume, pest repellant, food flavoring
Pros
- Can numb areas and reduce pain
Cons
- Has a unique scent that might clash with other oils
5. Plant Therapy Citronella Essential Oil
Citronella can help inhibit bacterial and fungal growth, which makes it beneficial alone or in combination with another essential oil. It might be useful in fighting inflammation, menstrual cramps, depression, and body odor.
- Steam Distilled
- USDA Certified Organic
- Properties: antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial
- Possible uses: topical, insect repellant, food flavoring, aromatherapy, tonic
Pros
- Well-rounded lemon scent
Cons
- Scent might clash or overpower other oils
6. Plant Therapy Germ Fighter Synergy Essential Oil
This pre-blend combines five popular multipurpose oils to create a nicely scented, power-packed, germ and bacteria fighting punch. Germ Fighter might be useful for fighting colds, flus, viruses, and an array of infections.
- Steam Distilled
- USDA Certified Organic
- Pre-blended but needs carrier oil—pre-diluted variety is also available
- Contains: lemon, clove, eucalyptus, cinnamon cassia, and rosemary essential oils
- Properties: antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal
- Possible uses: topical, mouth rinse, diffuser, disinfectant
Pros
- No worrying about picking individual oils
- No extra oils to use up before they expire
- Comes in a variety of sizes, including pre-diluted and roll-on
Cons
- •You don’t control the quantities of each oil
7. Plant Therapy Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary essential oil might be useful for toothaches, dandruff, bacterial and fungal infections, clarity, headaches, memory, cough, and pain relief.
- Steam distilled
- USDA Certified Organic
- Properties antifungal, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial
- Possible uses: topical, diffuser, spray, shampoo/conditioner, mouth rinse, pet safe, and aromatherapy
Pros
- Pet safe
Cons
- Overpowering scent
Benefits Of Essential Oils
The benefits of essential oils are numerous and varied thanks to the many properties of essential oils. One specific use is that essential oils can be used to treat boils with essential oils. This is because certain essential oils are known to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can effectively alleviate infections such as boils. Each essential oil has several benefits that can do wonders for both your physical and mental health, from boosting your mood to facilitating healing. Besides treating infections, essential oils can also be used for a number of other health-related issues such as stress, insomnia, and digestive problems. Incorporating these oils into your daily routine can lead to significant improvements in your overall well-being.
Using Essential Oils For Boils
After you’ve treated your boil, and hopefully you’re on the mend, you should consider taking steps to prevent the next occurrence. Remember the Staphylococcus aureus lives on your skin. Hygiene and exfoliation of your trouble spots can help to reduce your chances of another boil. Using essential oils that combat bacteria might help too, so do consider making anti-bacterial essential oil use a part of your daily routine as essential oil is one of the best natural choices for treating boils.
READ: our latest post about the 5 best essential oils for itching: