Fungal Skin Infections

Fungi are plantlike organisms that can grow on our bodies and live off the dead tissue or hair, nails and skin. These show up as athlete's foot, jock itch and ringworm, which more commonly shows up on the scalp, beard and feet. These rashes are itchy, scaly and very irritating, not to mention mildly contagious so keep those itching fingers clean and be careful. If you can't clear the infection at home within 2-4 weeks it might not be a bad idea to have a Dr. check it out.      *Information comes from The Herbal Drugstore. 

Prevention Practices

• Keep skin clean and dry

• Don't share combs, brushes, hats, towels, socks or shoes with others.

• Change into clean, dry socks if your feet become sweaty and if possible wear shoe that are breathable like sandals.

• Disinfect tubs and showers weekly. Use one of the multipurpose sprays with herbs or essential oils below.

• Change into dry clothing after exercising and wear clothing that breathes.

• Herbal honey

• Garlic oil made with coconut oil

• Coconut oil

• Grapefruit seed extract - apply three times a day until the infection clears, then two time a day for another week for good measure.

• First Aid liniments - apply with a cotton pad several times a day until infection clears.  

• Vinegar (white or apple cider) - apply to area daily or soak the area for two minutes. Continue daily until the infection is gone.

• Redmond Clay gel - apply a thick amount of clay to area and cover with plastic wrap or gauze, change the clay a couple of times per day and keep on over night.  

Make an infusion or decoction with the herbs, soak affected area, take an herbal bath or use as a compress.  Can also take these herbs internally.

• Antifungal herbs

• Echinacea

• Garlic

• Goldenseal

• Oregon Grape Root

• Plantain

• Jewelweed

• Cinnamon

• Clove

Apply to feet diluted with distilled water or coconut oil, a fungus can feed on vegetable protein carrier oils such as almond, olive, or grapeseed so be sure to avoid those.  I would apply essential oil both in the morning and the evening until the infection clears, then follow the precautions above.

• Geranium

• Melaleuca - tea tree

• Oregano

• Patchouli

• Cypress

• Eucalyptus citriodora

• Peppermint

• Spearmint

• Thyme

• Lavender

• Myrrh

Recipe from Reference Guide for Essential Oils for ringworm:

2 drops lavender

2 drops melaleuca

2 drops thyme 

Apply 1 drop of blend on ringworm 3 times a day for 10 days. Then mix 30 drops of melaleuca (or antifungal blend I like REVIVE Fresh) with 2 Tbsp coconut oil* and use daily until ringworm is gone.