Definition

A circumscribed collection of pus appearing in acute or chronic, localized infection, and associated with tissue destruction and, frequently, swelling. May be a cavity formed by liquefaction necrosis within solid tissue. Can affect any tissue of the body. Bones, tooth root, appendix, brain, gums, lungs, abdominal wall, gastrointestinal tract, ears, tonsils, sinuses, breasts, kidneys, prostate gland, almost any organ or tissue. A felon is a painful abscess, usually found on the end of a finger, thumb, or toe, near the nail.
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Causes

The abscess may be located internally or externally, possibly due to lowered resistance to infection that often leads to bacterial contamination or from an injury. The infections are the most common human disease and are produced by bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. A felon is usually caused by some type of blow or injury that becomes infected.
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Symptoms

Pain, redness, swelling and usually some fever.
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Treatment

Some abscesses need to be surgically treated, but most require only antibiotics, which destroy the B vitamins as well as the bacteria. The diet must be supplemented with "friendly" bacteria containing products such as acidophilus and yogurt. The abscess may require bed rest. Drink plenty of fluids and either apply ice packs or take hot baths to relieve the pain. In the case of a felon, warm some kerosene and immerse the affected part in it 4-5 times a day, keeping it in the kerosene from 10 to 15 minutes or longer each time. This alone will cure a felon or stop one that has just started. This treatment is also good for ringworm on the end of the finger. A good poultice is made of equal parts of slippery elm, lady's slipper, and lobelia herb. Granulated herbs can be used if the powdered herbs are not available. To relieve pain, cut a small hole in the end of a lemon and stick the finger in it. If an abscess of an external nature, slice the lemon and bandage a thick slice of it over the area. This helps relieve pain, but will often cure the abscess.
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Nutrients

Zinc, 80 mg. daily in divided doses. Use the lozenge form for effective absorption. Zinc is a powerful immune system stimulant and is necessary to T-lymphocyte function, which is needed to fight infection. Garlic capsules, take 2 capsules 3 times daily, it acts as a natural antibiotic and stimulates the immune system. Vitamin A emulsion, begin with 100,000 IU for 5 days, decrease to 50,000 IU for next 5 days, then 25,000 IU. By strengthening the cell walls, Vitamin A protects them from invasion by bacteria. Essential to the immune system. Vitamin E, 400-600 IU, is important in circulation and tissue oxygenation and enhances the immune system. Vitamin C with bioflavonoids, 6,000-10,000 mg. in daily divided doses, is essential in immune function and tissue repair. Germanium, 100 mg. daily, enhances the immune system. Multivitamin and mineral complex, taken as directed on label, needed for healing. Proteolytic enzymes, 2 tablets between meals, aids in clean up of the abscess. Raw Thymus extract, 2 tablets before meals, stimulates the production of T-cells and protects against further infection.
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Herbs

• Arnica
• Bayberry
• Birch
• Bittersweet
• Burdock, great
• Carrot, wild (poultice)
• Castor bean
• Cayenne
• Chaparral
• Charcoal
• Chickweed
• Clover, red
• Comfrey
• Dandelion root
• Echinacea
• Elm, slippery
• Eucalyptus
• Figwort
• Forsythia
• Golden seal
• Hound's tongue
• Indigo, wild
• Ironwood
• Ivy, American
• Jack-in-the-pulpit
• Kelp
• Labrador tea
• Lady's slipper
• Linden
• Lobelia
• Mallow, common or high
• Motherwort
• Mugwort
• Mullein
• Onion
• Peppermint
• Plantain
• Poke root
• Potato (poultice)
• Pyrola
• St. John's Wort
• Sanicle
• Sarsaparilla
• Sorrel
• Strawberry, Indian
• Suma
• Tamarack
• White pine
• Wormwood
• Yarrow
• Yellow dock root

Recommendations

Liquid fast using fresh juices for 24-72 hrs. Consume distilled water with fresh lemon juice and three cups of echinacea, goldenseal, and suma tea. Apply honey to the affected area. To cleanse, apply chlorophyll liquid mixed with water to the area several times a day. Eat kelp, which is rich in vitamins and minerals.
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Bibliography

• Back to Eden, by Jethro Kloss; pgs., 74, 233, 234, 240, 276-277, 337.
• The Complete Medicinal Herbal, by Penelope Ody, pgs., 134-135.
• Indian Herbalogy, by Alma R. Hutchens, pgs., 17, 29, 38, 62-64, 71, 88, 93, 113, 114, 122, 134, 159, 164, 165, 172, 182, 191, 201, 203, 208, 210, 221, 224, 229, 235, 240, 242, 253, 255, 259, 278, 296, 298, 300, 301.
• The Old Herb Doctor, by Joseph E. Meyer, pg., 29.
• The Yoga of Herbs, by Dr. David Frawley & Dr. Vasant Lad, pgs., 115, 152.
• Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants, by Steven Foster and James A. Duke., pgs., 22, 42, 44, 54, 60, 62, 82, 88, 94, 96, 102, 108, 118, 120, 140, 142, 146, 152, 156, 166, 170, 174, 178, 182, 192, 202, 204, 220, 222, 234, 238, 240, 260, 276, 284, 288, 296, 298, 312.
• Prescription for Nutritional Healing, by James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., pg. 64.

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