Athlete's foot is one of the most common types of fungal infection. The Foot Health Facts website notes that athlete's foot, also called tinea pedis, is a fungal skin infection. Fungal infections of your feet are common if you wear shoes, as fungus thrives in moist, warm and dark environments. Consider using herbal remedies to help treat your athlete's foot. Before taking herbs, however, meet with your doctor to discuss procedures, alternatives and risks.
Athlete's Foot
MayoClinic.com states that athlete's foot usually develops on the skin between your toes, although it can arise on other parts of your foot too. Athlete's foot is closely related to other fungal infections, such as jock itch and ringworm. Some of the most common signs and symptoms associated with athlete's foot are itching, stinging and burning in the affected region, cracking and peeling skin and excessive skin dryness on various parts of your feet.
Helpful Herbal Remedies
According to Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," the fungus causing athlete's foot spreads quickly when antibiotics and drugs eliminate beneficial bacteria. Balch also notes that athlete's foot more commonly affects people with compromised immune systems. Herbal remedies for athlete's foot include pau d'arco, garlic, tea tree oil, myrrh, lavender and olive leaf extract. Paracress, usnea, Oregon grape, thyme and lomatium may also help treat athlete's foot.
A Commonly Used Herb
Pau d'arco is one of the most commonly used herbs in treating athlete's foot. Pau d'arco, notes the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, has traditionally been used to treat fungal, viral and bacterial infections. Pau d'arco has also been used to help treat cancer. Pau d'arco, which can be taken orally or applied topically, has anti-fungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties. Pau d'arco is a large shrub or tree indigenous to certain parts of North, South and Central America. The bark of the tree is used in herbal preparations.
Disclaimer
Herbal remedies should be taken under the guidance and supervision of a health care professional such as a naturopathic physician or a medical doctor who has extensive training in botanical medicine. Herbal remedies contain active ingredients that may cause undesirable side effects when taken by some individuals. Discuss the risks and potential side effects of herbal remedies with your doctor before using herbs to help treat your ailments. The use of herbs, although often effective, does not guarantee a beneficial result.
References
- Foot Health Facts: Athlete's Foot
- MayoClinic.com: Athlete's Foot
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Pau D'Arco
