Fungal Skin Infections (athlete's foot, ringworm, jock itch, etc.)
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
- 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. A great way to do this is fill an 8 oz. spray bottle with water and add 20-30 drops of one or more of the essential oils listed below. Spray tubs and showers down after bathing.
- Change into dry clothing after exercising and wear clothing that breathes.
Home Remedies
- 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.
- Kloss Liniment - 1 oz. each of echinacea powder, goldenseal powder (or oregon grape root) and myrrh gum powder, 1/4 oz. cayenne powder - place in a quart jar and pour 1 pint of Vodka, rubbing alcohol, witch hazel or vinegar (alcohol will give you the longest shelf life) over the top. Keep in a warm spot for 4 weeks, shaking daily. Strain and store in a glass container - label for external use only. Apply with a cotton pad several times a day until infection clears. This recipe comes from Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs.
- 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.
Herbs
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.
Essential Oils
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.
Singles
geranium
melaleuca
oregano
patchouli
cypress
Eucalyptus citriodora
peppermint
spearmint
thyme
lavender
myrrh
geranium
melaleuca
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 Melrose or melaleuca with 2 Tbsp. coconut oil* and use daily until ringworm is gone.
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 Melrose or melaleuca with 2 Tbsp. coconut oil* and use daily until ringworm is gone.