Boils & Abscesses


A homeopathic remedy for localised infections of a festering nature e.g. boils & abscesses, whitlows, deep-seated acne pustules (note: acne might get worse before it gets better).
It helps to bring to a head any morbid matter such as pus and to localise the infection,preventing spread to other tissue.
Silica, known as ‘the homeopathic surgeon’ can help to push splinters out of the body.

For leg ulcers, this remedy in conjunction with anti-virabac 200c can be very helpful.
In this case, alternate the dosing of the 2 remedies.
See Dosing Guidelines for guidelines on dosing more than one remedy.

Not for use in individuals with pacemakers or prostheses such as screws or wires within the body, as they could be rejected. This remedy should also not be used where a middle ear infection is suspected as it could cause rupture of the eardrum.


Remedy Symptoms covered by specific remedy
Gunpowder 6c Holds and localises infection, preventing spread to deeper tissue.
Hepar sulphuris 6c In low potency, useful for suppuration and aids in removal of foreign bodies. Thick, sour-smelling pus, abscesses and putrid ulcers.
Myristica sebifera 6c This remedy has a marked antiseptic action and hastens suppuration. Useful for ulcerative inflammation, fistulas and carbuncles.
Silicea 6c Silica, known as the homeopathic surgeon will help to push splinters out of the body.


In acute conditions: dose every hour for 3 doses then every 2 hours for 3 doses. Thereafter dose 3-4 times daily until the boil has resolved or come to a head and if necessary can be lanced.

For leg ulcers: dose 3-4 times daily for 5 days. Thereafter if required, dose once daily for 2 weeks.
If there is a positive response and further treatment is indicated, dose once daily for a further 2-4 weeks.

However, if the condition is not responding, consult your homeopath or health practitioner.
Note this is an exceptional case where one would dose longer than the recommended 3-5 days.

See Dosing Guidelines for further details.

Other than for leg ulcers as stated above, do not dose continuously for longer than 3-5 days. If further treatment is required, consult a homeopath or health practitioner. If any new symptoms develop that were not present initially, stop the remedy and consult a homeopath.

Useful Points:

Do not press or squeeze boils and be careful with boils on the face. Boils that don’t come to a head may need lancing.
If boils present with a high fever or there is a red line running from the boil to a lymph gland, consult a medical doctor or homeopath.