Evidence supporting the use of: Magnesium
For the health condition: Carbuncles

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Magnesium, particularly in the form of "magnesium sulfate" (commonly known as Epsom salt), has a longstanding history of use in traditional medicine for the treatment of carbuncles and other skin infections. The practice primarily involves applying warm Epsom salt compresses to the affected area. Historically, it was believed that magnesium sulfate helped to "draw out" pus, reduce inflammation, and promote the drainage of boils and carbuncles. This approach is rooted in folk and traditional medical systems rather than in rigorous scientific studies.

The evidence supporting this use is mostly anecdotal or based on case reports. There is a plausible mechanism: soaking the skin in a warm Epsom salt solution may help to soften the skin and promote the natural drainage of pus from carbuncles. Magnesium sulfate is also known for its osmotic properties, which can draw fluids from tissues, potentially reducing swelling. However, high-quality clinical trials specifically evaluating magnesium (in any form) for the treatment of carbuncles are lacking.

In summary, the use of magnesium sulfate for carbuncles is largely traditional, passed down through generations and still recommended in some home remedies. While there is a reasonable theoretical basis and considerable anecdotal support, scientific validation is minimal, and modern medical guidance typically favors antibiotics and surgical drainage for severe cases.

More about magnesium
More about Carbuncles

Other health conditions supported by magnesium

Addictions (drugs)
Addictions (general remedies for)
Aging (prevention)
Alcoholism
Alkalosis
Alzheimer's Disease
Angina
Anorexia
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Apathy
Arrhythmia
Arteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Asthma
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Attention Deficit Disorder
Autism
Autoimmune Disorders
Backache
Bipolar Mood Disorder
Birth Control (countering side effects)
Body Building
Body Odor
Boils
Broken Bones
Bronchitis
Bulimia
Calcium Deficiency
Calcium Deposits
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Cardiac Arrest
Cardiovascular Disease
Chest Pain
Colon (atonic)
Dysmenorrhea
Emotional Sensitivity
Endurance (lack of)
Energy (lack of)
Epilepsy
Exercise
Fatigue
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Headache (cluster)
Headache (tension)
Hearing Loss
Heart (weakness)
Mental Illness
Migraine
Mood Swings
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Nerve Damage
Nervous Exhaustion
Nervousness
Neurosis
Numbness
Osteoporosis
Oxygen Deficiency
Pain (general remedies for)
Paralysis
Pets (supplements for)
PMS (general)
PMS Type A
PMS Type C
PMS Type D
PMS Type H
PMS Type P
Post Partum Depression
Post Partum Weakness
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Progesterone (low)
Psoriasis
Restless Leg Syndrome
Rhinitis
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seizures
Senility
Shock
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin Care (general)
Sleep (restless and disturbed)
Stress
Sugar Cravings
Surgery (healing from)
Surgery (preparation for)
Tachycardia
Tension
Testosterone (low)
Tetanus
Thinking (cloudy)
Tics
Tinnitus
TMJ
Tooth Decay
Toxemia
Triglycerides (high)
Twitching
Wasting
Wheezing
Worry
Wounds and Sores
Adrenal Fatigue
Abscesses
Allergies (respiratory)
Abdominal Pain
Acid Indigestion
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Constipation (adults)
Convulsions
Cramps (leg)
Cramps (menstrual)
Cramps and Spasms
Depression
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Heart Fibrillation or Palpitations
Hypertension
Insomnia