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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.
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Massage Oil for Backache
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10 drops each of lavender, eucalyptus, and thyme essential oils
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5 drops juniper essential oil
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2 tablespoons of infused St. John's wort oil or infused comfrey oil
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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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