Hi Barbara. I started the turmeric thread on the "Skin disorder" page, and probably should have posted here, too.
I've been using the turmeric with lots of success for the past month. I've pretty much cleared up and new sinus tracks have been halted without errupting and the pain is gone. But of all, during the flare-up, the turmeric decreased the pain by 80-90% in my estimation.
I've been drinking a turmeric concoction of 1tsp of turmeric in 1/2 cup of warm water, 3x a day. Lots of people find this a little disgusting

and capsule turmeric is available, but I've heard it's a little expensive. (in contrast to a $4 bottle at the local super.) I've kept up the regime just to make sure the infection is gone, and then will probably decrease the dosage. I'll keep using it to maintain in the hopes it will prevent future flares. Check out the thread on the skin disorder page, and there are others who've found some relief.
Also, google "turmeric" and "boils". The first site at the top is the one I got my information from. You can read there for lots of testimonials about turmeric's effectiveness and properties. It's an anti-inflamatory and antibiotic, as well as a blood purifier. As you say, it's been used in centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to treat inflamations of all kinds. Best wishes.