Fungal infections are widespread amongst the general population, present in the air, soil, on plants and in the water, according to MedlinePlus. Many fungi live in the human body, but only half are actually harmful. Treating fungal infections using home remedies can be less costly and sometimes provide comparable results to over-the-counter antifungal creams. Always consult a physician prior to use as many herbs lack adequate scientific data regarding their effectiveness.
Tea Tree Oil for Ringworm
Ringworm develops after exposure to the fungus tinea. It affects people of all ages, appears as a distinctive ring of scaly, raised red patches accompanied by itching, burning and blistering, says MedlinePlus. Applying tea tree essential oil fights the fungal infection due to its antifungal properties. It inhibits fungal growth and also prevents secondary bacterial infections that may arise due to scratching or exposure to impurities. Tea tree oil is extremely strong and requires dilution with a carrier oil such as olive oil. Although tea tree oil is a promising herbal remedy, there is not enough substantial evidence to support its effect on ringworm.
Lemongrass Oil for Athlete's Foot
Similar to ringworm, tinea is also the cause of athlete's foot. Fungi thrive in damp, moist areas such as between the toes. Although the condition is not serious, it can be quite uncomfortable causing itching, burning, cracking and scaling between the toes, reports MedlinePlus. If left untreated, athlete's foot can infect the toenails causing them to thicken and easily crumble. This exposes skin to further infection from both fungus and bacteria.
Lemongrass essential oil is not only a fungicide, but an analgesic as well, meaning it reduces pain and inflammation associated with athlete's foot. Its antiseptic qualities help ward off secondary infections and encourage healing, according to Organic Facts. Like tea tree oil, lemongrass requires a carrier oil for dilution purposes. There is no concrete evidence regarding the effect of lemongrass on fungal infections, however.
Plain Yogurt for Yeast Infection
Yeast infections can arise on the skin, in the oral cavity and in the vagina, according to Medline Plus. For infections of the mouth and esophagus, medical attention should be sought immediately as this can cause breathing trouble if not quickly controlled.
Skin yeast infections cause extreme itchiness in tandem with red rashes. For women, vaginal discharge, itchiness and pain occurs. In both instances, applying plain, unflavored yogurt to the areas of infection can help fight the proliferation of yeast, asserts the website Disabled World. Yogurt contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, which is a naturally occurring bacteria present in our body. Yeast quickly multiplies when the body experiences of depletion of "good" bacteria. By using yogurt, the body's natural bacterial balance re-establishes, according to the American Chronicle. Nevertheless, contact a doctor immediately should symptoms worsen or persist.
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