TurmericTurmeric has numerous health benefits, including antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It's also an effective antifungal that inhibits growth.
Read on to discover 11 natural treatments for fungal infections, such as ringworm:
- Garlic. Share on Pinterest Garlic paste may be used as a topical treatment, although no studies have been conducted on its use.
- Soapy water.
- Apple cider vinegar.
- Aloe vera.
- Coconut oil.
- Grapefruit seed extract.
- Turmeric.
- Powdered licorice.
Relieve Stress and AnxietyResearch shows that simply inhaling the aroma of rosemary essential oil can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in your blood. High cortisol levels are caused by stress, anxiety or any thought or event that puts your body in "fight-or-flight" mode.
Rosemary is a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which are thought to help boost the immune system and improve blood circulation. Rosemary is considered a cognitive stimulant and can help improve memory performance and quality. It is also known to boost alertness, intelligence, and focus.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a scientifically proven antifungal. Laboratory research shows that it can inhibit the growth of candida cultivating in a petri dish.
Peppermint shows potent antibacterial effects in vitro, as well as somewhat weaker antifungal effects. Peppermint is active against dermatophytic fungi, which causes athlete's foot and ringworm, in test tube studies. Peppermint also has antiviral effects in vitro, inhibiting the growth of influenza and herpes viruses.
Numerous studies have shown that Cinnamon has powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties. It's been found to help stop Candida albicans in its tracks and prevent it from spreading. It's also an effective circulatory booster, which can be highly beneficial to a Candida recovery plan.
It's perfect for sinks, bathrooms, and countertops, because rosemary and vinegar have antibacterial and antifungal properties—so not only does the cleaner have a lovely aroma, but it disinfects too.
Jojoba oil contains antimicrobial and antifungal properties. While lab tests found that jojoba oil doesn't kill all bacterial or fungal species, it does kill certain bacteria and fungi that can cause salmonella, an E. coli infection, and candida.
Tea tree oil has been used traditionally as a topical antiseptic and antifungal treatment. One study found that a dilution of tea tree oil worked as well as 5% benzoyl peroxide in controlling the symptoms of acne. It may be effective with toenail fungus and possibly athlete's foot.
Neem oil showed effective antifungal activity against different types of fungi. It has many medicinal properties such as healing abilities, antioxidant activity etc.
Antibacterial and antifungal propertiesResearch has shown that raw honey can kill unwanted bacteria and fungus. It naturally contains hydrogen peroxide, an antiseptic.
Topical eucalyptus oil is more effective as an antifungal treatment for fungal infected toenails without nail matrix infection.
Although designed for cough suppression, its active ingredients, camphor and eucalyptus oil, may help treat toenail fungus. A 2011 study found Vicks VapoRub had a “positive clinical effect” in the treatment of toenail fungus. To use, apply a small amount of Vicks VapoRub to the affected area at least once a day.
In many species, ginger was shown to have antifungal properties. A previous study revealed the antifungal effects of the protein in ginger rhizome and its inhibitory effect on some fungi, such as Fusarium oxysporum (18).
Filled with antimicrobials, apple cider vinegar is a well-known treatment for any kind of fungal infection. Drinking diluted apple cider vinegar may help kill off infections while preventing them from spreading, and increasing recovery time.
Vinegar is inexpensive, accessible, and effective in killing microbes, including bacteria and fungus. It can also be used as a safer alternative to bleach for some applications, such as cleaning.
Olive oil showed least antifungal activity.
Lavender essential oil is frequently used in traditional medicine [6] and its impact on reducing the amount of Candida albicans fungus has been shown in in vitro [7] and clinical studies [8]. On the other hand, one of the conventional chemical drugs to treat vaginal candidiasis is clotrimazole.
Here are six simple ways to treat ringworm.
- Apply a topical antifungal. Most cases of ringworm can be treated at home.
- Let it breathe.
- Wash bedding daily.
- Change wet underwear and socks.
- Use an antifungal shampoo.
- Take a prescription antifungal.
Six essential oils (from oregano, thyme, clove, lavender, clary sage, and arborvitae) exhibited different antibacterial and antifungal properties. Oregano, thyme, clove and arborvitae showed very strong antibacterial activity against all tested strains at both full strength and reduced concentrations.
It has antifungal propertiesAccording to a study from 1996, lemongrass oil was an effective deterrent against four types of fungi. One type causes athlete's foot, ringworm, and jock itch.
Proponents of these regimens claim that a yeast infection diet can help to cure or prevent yeast infections by eliminating:
- Foods containing simple sugars, including many fruits.
- White flour and other glutenous grains.
- Anything fermented with yeast, such as alcoholic drinks.
- Some dairy products, including whole milk.
The best essential oil for toenail fungusAlthough many essential oils have antifungal properties, one of the most popular and widely recommended is clove essential oil (Syzygium aromaticum). A 2007 study found that clove essential oil has antifungal properties and can destroy fungus.
Prized since ancient times for its valuable healing benefits, rosehip oil is loaded with skin-nourishing vitamins and essential fatty acids. It also contains phenols that have been shown to have antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.
While there are plenty of topical treatments on the market, vitamin supplements may be helpful in eliminating skin fungus. Specifically, vitamins B2, B5 and B9 are suitable for anti-fungal use, according to a 2018 study published in the Journal of Fungi.
Many spices—such as clove, oregano, thyme, cinnamon, and cumin—have been applied to treat infectious diseases or protect food because they were experimentally proved to possess antimicrobial activities against pathogenic and spoilage fungi and bacteria [10,13,14].
There are many natural antifungal supplements that can fight fungus in the body. Caprylic acid, olive leaf extract, apple cider vinegar, undecylenic acid, grapefruit seed extract and neem all contain antifungal properties. There also are supplements that incorporate one or more of these properties.
In more persistent or severe cases, your doctor may prescribe a stronger antifungal drug to help treat your infection. In addition to taking OTC or prescription antifungals, there are some things that you can do at home to help get rid of the fungal infection. These include: keeping the affected area clean and dry.
Some of the more effective natural topical remedies that may be used to treat a mild cutaneous Candida infection include apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, garlic, and tea tree oil. These are inexpensive, easy to use, and have minimal side effects.
What is the anti-fungal diet?
- Diet low in sugar, yeast, refined carbohydrates, and mold-containing foods.
- Probiotics from yogurt, fermented foods, or supplements.
- Non-prescription antifungals, such as oil of oregano, garlic, and grapefruit seed extract.
- Prescription anti-fungal medications (recommended by some practitioners, but not all).
Vitamin B's vaginal benefits: Supplementation boosts conventional yeast infection treatment, RCT finds. Adding vitamin B supplementation alongside conventional treatment can help treat cases of complicated vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), according to two studies.
