Pilonidal Disease - Drawing Infection from Cysts
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Cynthia
Posted on: February 27, 2007

I have been diagnosed with pilonidal disease. In short, I develop small to medium sized cysts which are extremely painful. Doctors do not know the cause, and everytime I get one they just cut it open to drain, and give me antibiotics. I was hoping that you would be so kind as to suggest some common herbs that help fight infections. I think my diet might be playing a part in this disease I have developed and would appreciate any suggestions as to which herbs help keep the immune system strong, fight bacteria, and help with the healing of wounds. Also is there any herb that can draw out or suck out matter? I ask because I was told by my doctor to use a paste called Iodex to draw out pus, and other matter in a small cyst before it got badly infected. I wanted to know if there is anything natural that would achieve the same effect. I’m tired of all the antibiotics and chemicals being used on my body, that only make minor difference in my severe discomfort.

Pilonidal disease is a chronic skin infection above the crease of the buttocks. The infection develops into cysts.

Iodex cream is iodine in an ointment base (often petroleum). You can make a natural "Iodex" ointment by adding iodine to a natural base ointment (available at health food stores). Your current product or your pharmacist can tell you the amount of iodine to add to the natural ointment.

Drawing agents draw infection and debris out from wounds. Honey is a good drawing, antibiotic and healing agent. Apply directly to cysts. Cover with bandage or gauze to keep in place.

Marshmallow root and slippery elm bark powder can be used as a drawing agent: Simmer powdered marshmallow root in a little water for 5 minutes. Cool. Add powdered slippery elm bark powder to make a paste to apply to your cysts.

Clay also effectively draws out infection and debris . Please see the item "Herbs to Draw out Infection" on the Q&A section of our website www.richters.com :

http://richters.com/show.cgi?page=./QandA/Medicinal/20050524-2.html



Taking antibiotics internally will impair your ability to fight infection, particularly because the antibiotics kill all the "good" bacteria in your gut. The majority of the immune system resides in the gut. If you need to take antibiotics, replace the good gut bacteria by taking probiotics (e.g. Lactobacillus acidophilus, bifidobacteria) 3 times a day, at least 2 hours after taking your antibiotic. If you are not taking antibiotics internally, improve your resistance to infection by taking probiotics 3 times a day after meals. Ask your health food store for a good brand. Probiotics must be kept refrigerated.

In the diet, include lots of antioxidant fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid sugar, which decreases immunity. Foods high in essential fatty acids, such as fish oils, beans, lentils, sunflower seeds and nuts will promote the health of the body cells.

For herbs that support the immune system, please see other answers to similar questions on the Q&A section of our website www.richters.com . Enter "immune" for the Q&A search.

Back to Medicinal Herbs and Their Uses | Q & A Index

Copyright © 1997-2024 Otto Richter and Sons Limited. All rights reserved.