Boils or carbuncles are swellings of the skin, which often develop around the hair follicles. Sometimes there is just one, but often there are more. It is a painful condition and arising from toxins in the bloodstream, again mostly due to the wrong foods. In these cases the best course is often a revision of the diet, and frequently I also advise a period of fasting, as this allows the body to detoxify itself. I can assure you that any patient who suffers from boils or carbuncles with regularity, will be more than willing to co-operate. As always, proper elimination is necessary for good health. When the nervous system is confused by a misunderstanding of our physical ailments and our anatomy, the circulation of the blood is always interfered with and this, in turn, causes constipation. The framework of the body must be seen in its entirety and it is not only the bowels, the lymph glands, the nerves, the arteries or the veins that need help. It is possible, and even likely, that there are more than one or two factors that require attention.This is also the case with varicose veins which result from blockage of the ventricles (or veins) that return the blood to the kidneys and heart. A circulatory system with abscesses, varicose veins or haemorrhoids, is usually a sign of an inefficient bowel function and diminished elimination. Some people tell me in all sincerity that they have no bowel problems, yet, when quizzed, they tell me that they have a bowel movement every second or third day. Nevertheless they don’t consider this unusual. One of the basic rules of good health is that whatever is imported, ought to be exported within a period of twenty-four hours. Abscesses, boils, carbuncles, etc. cannot be expected to disappear unless the toxicity problem has been resolved.*31\147\2*

There is a very close relationship between what goes on in the mind and the state of the skin. There are a number of possible reasons for this, the first being the fact that in the embryo stage, the skin is formed from the same substance as the brain—the ectoderm. The skin and the brain are probably the most fascinating and complicated organs of the body. Like the brain, the skin is still to be fully explored and understood.

Secondly, the bond between the skin and the mind may well be related to the fact that there are more nerve pathways leading to the brain from the skin than from any other organ. These can relay messages to and from the brain faster than the speed of light, instantly recording pleasure, pain, touch, temperature or irritation. It is estimated that in just one square centimetre of skin you will find approximately 100 sweat glands, 10 hairs, one metre of blood vessels, four metres of nerve fibres, hundreds of nerve endings programmed to record pain, 25 pressure receptors sensitive to tactile stimuli, two sensory receptors to record cold, 12 sensory receptors to record heat, countless lymph vessels, and 15 sebaceous glands.

The skin also acts as an important erogenous zone. It is apparent how important in infants the effect of stroking, and caressing, is for satisfactory emotional development. Similarly, the skin has important sexual connotations, as well as being of great psychological importance to us with respect to our external appearance.

There is nothing at all that happens in our minds that does not affect our bodies, and the reverse is also true. The skin is paramount among all the body organs as an instrument of expression. Everyone knows that blushing signifies embarrassment, that anger provokes flushing, that fear is expressed in blanching, that sweating is a response to excessive emotional excitement. Presumably such reactions were, in ancient times, appropriate to some emergency, preparing our ancestors for some form of useful defence. In modem society these reactions have lost their functional aspect because of social disapproval of the expression of primitive instinctual drives; for us blushing, pallor and sweating are cutaneous signs by which the inhibited instincts are betrayed. The manifestation of emotions in the skin are brought about chiefly by neural discharges within the autonomic nervous system and changes in hormones from the endocrine system. There is a very dose association between both these systems and the skin.

Obviously, then, the mind will most definitely influence the type and timing of various skin disorders, and conversely, these disorders will affect the mind. Some doctors will deny that the psyche has any other than a superficial relationship to skin disorders, insisting upon organic causes in every case. Others may see the psyche lurking behind every pimple. It is a clinical fact that patients often react more strongly emotionally to skin diseases which are freely visible than to far more serious internal, and consequently hidden, disorders. The skin occupies a special place in the human psyche, being a kind of outermost representative of the ego. The slightest blemish may call forth deep hidden fears. A small patch of alopecia (hair loss) is not in itself a very serious symptom, but if the patient privately believes that it signifies loss of virility, his or her anxiety over the symptom may not seem so disproportionate. This then poses a special problem for the person making diagnoses. It is often quite difficult to know whether anxiety is causative or reactive, that is, whether the emotional distress caused the akin disease or the skin disease caused the anxiety. Often, of course, both factors are present in a viscious cycle. It may be true that skin diseases are not, on the whole, fatal, but it is also true that many of these disorders ruin life emotionally, even though they spare it physically.

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Rose Moroc: (rosaceae) mature skin, promotes cell renewal, ideal for all skin care, broken capillaries, inflammation, menstruation, vomiting, flatulence, nerves, depression, circulation, aphrodisiac, insomnia.

Rosemary: (rosmarinus officinalis) acne and congested skin, is well known for its ability to leave one feeling invigorated. Used to stimulate hair growth. Also used as a remedy for headache due to gastric disturbance, to stimulate the liver’s bile production, muscular pain, rheumatic pain, colds, headache, memory, circulation, lice, hair tonic, obesity, cellulite, air purifier.

Caution: Oil should not to be used in pregnancy, high blood pressure, epilepsy and early stages of cancer.

Sage: (salvia officinalis) acne and oily skin, cuts, dermatitis, dandruff, gingivitis, gum infections, sores, asthma, antiseptic, eczema, gastric disorders, constipation, depression, diuretic, menopause, vertigo, flatulence, stimulant, leucorrhea and rheumatism, relieves itching, reduces sweating. Caution: Oil should not be used with alcohol; avoid with high blood pressure, epilepsy, early stages of cancer and stops milk in breast feeding mothers.

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Plants were used for thousands of years in the most ancient healing practices of mankind.

There is evidence of the use of essential oils in the archaeological discoveries of ancient cultures such as Egypt, China, India, Babylon and Greece. The evidence suggests that the oils were part of sacred ceremonies, not only for embalming but also fur treating mania, depression and nervousness.

Modem Aromatherapy was fathered by the French chemist Dr Rene-Maurice Gattefosse. He discovered the healing properties of Lavender oil, when he burnt his hand on a burner and thrust it into a vat of lavender oil. He immediately felt relief from the pain and the bum healed quickly with no scarring.

Dr Jean Valnet took the discoveries further and used oils in the treatment of war injuries and disease during World War 2. As far back as the fourth century BC, Hippocrates, the father of medicine, said that…..”the way to health is to have an aromatic bath and scented massage every day”. He noted then the burning of certain aromatic substances offered protection against contagious diseases.

“Aromatherapy is a natural practice which touches our soul with the scented energies of the earth. It is an aged old art, only now resurfacing in these trying times, offering hope in the use of our plants in the form of essential oils”.

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How to Make Ointments

Bee’s Wax 20 g, Oil 100 mis, Wheatgerm Oil 25mls, Essential Oils 1.5 mis Heat the oil and wax together, in a double saucepan. When the mixture melts take off the heat.

Before the mixture solidifies add essential oils and pour into jars. To speed up the cooling process place jars into a cold water bath. Then label and store in a cool place.

Optional – ltbsp., honey or 5 mis of vinegar can be added to ointments. Ointments to have in your medicine chest -

Papaya Ointment: can be used for age spots, boils, bums, eczema, psoriasis, skin disorders, sore nipples, wounds, insect bites, nappy rash. Guava ointment: arthritis, bums, eczema, gout, psoriasis, impetigo, itching, joint and muscular pain, rheumatism, scabies and wounds. Other beneficial ointments are arnica, calendula, thuja and St. John’s wort, (see herbs).

Creams

Creams are sometimes preferred to ointments as they are absorbed more readily into the skin. Where large areas of the skin are treated, creams are decidedly more convenient especially for sunburnt skin.

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Oatmeal is soothing and healing as a facial cleanser, mask, softener and nourisher. . Oatmeal facial masks are used for excessively oily skin, cysts, black-heads and blemishes. Mix 3 tbsp. of cooked oatmeal with honey and stiffly beaten egg whites to a smooth paste and apply all over the face and leave on for 1/2 hour before being washed off. Oatmeal is used as a substitute for soap use in the bath to relieve psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis. Oatmeal foot baths are a real treat for tired aching feet. Cook up a large quantity of oatmeal to a soupy consistency, pour into a large bowl and soak up to 1/2 hour.

Wheat-Germ Oil

This is rich in vitamin E, is beneficial for healing of damaged skin and as a natural preservative.

Witch Hazel Lotion

Is astringent and styptic (a substance that stops bleeding). It is used as a skin astringent and ideal for oily skin. It is also used as an underarm deodorant.

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Almond Meal

Sweet almonds are ground up into a meal which can be used as a facial mask, for oily or blemished skin.

Almond Oil: has long been known as a reliable beautifier. Used for all skin types, it helps to reduce red veins in sensitive skin, making it appear thicker and creamier.

Apple Cider Vinegar

This has been used in cosmetic preparations since ancient times for it restores the acid mantle (pH level) of the skin keeping it in a healthy condition. Apple cider vinegar balances oily skin and dry skin. Added to the final rinse after shampooing , it leaves the hair soft and shining. It is also beneficial for dandruff when applied to the affected areas. Before applying to the skin dilute 1 part vinegar to 8 parts water. Apple cider vinegar is used to alleviate pain and help reduce sprains, muscles soreness, bums, and to reduce temperatures. It eliminates body odour, athletes foot and relieves itchiness when rubbed onto insect bites.

Rejuvenating Facial Massage: Add 125 ml of apple cider vinegar to a small hand basin of warm water. Dip hands into the solution then apply to face and neck and massage well into the skin. Repeat as often as you feel, then rinse well with cold water.

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