Herbal Action: Antifungal

Herbs that fight fungal infection

Antifungal herbs aid the body in destroying or limiting the growth of fungi.

What they do:

• Directly destroy fungal cells or inhibit their growth

• Disrupt fungal cell walls or membranes

• Interfere with the fungus's metabolic processes

• Break down protective biofilms that allow fungal infections to persist and resist treatment

How they're used:

Antifungal herbs are most commonly used externally, applied topically to the affected area. They can also be used internally for fungal infections of the GI tract or urinary tract.

Conditions they're used for:

• Vaginal yeast infections

• Athlete's foot

• Ringworm

When to consider them:

Whenever a fungal infection is present such as vaginal yeast infections, thrush, athlete's foot and ringworm, or internally for fungal overgrowth affecting the gut or urinary tract.

Herbs

• Black walnut

• Calendula

• Cardamom

• Spilanthes

• Wormwood

• Alfalfa

• Goldenseal

• Echinacea

• Grapefruit seed extract

• Garlic

• Oregano (or oregano oil)

• Oregon grape root

• Bayberry

• Barberry

• Pau d'Arco

• Cinnamon

• Clove

• Turmeric

• Tulsi (holy basil)

• Lemongrass

• Cat's claw

• Neem

Resources for Further Study

• Immune System - details on viruses and how to treat them

• Herbal Antivirals by Stephen Harrod Buhner

• Antifungal Recipes - Dr. Axe