Fungal infections strike when the immune system responds inadequately or dysbiosis in the intestines invites bacterial invasion. Topical herbal applications destroy skin and nail infections. Oral herbs bolster the treatment for serious conditions. External fungal infections invite the misconception that the problem is restricted to the skin. Most skin rashes have a corresponding internal infection, according to acupuncturist and herbalist, Christopher Hobbs.
Cloves
Clove oil destroys fungal activity, according to a 2007 study by researchers from the Konyang Medical School in Korea. The researchers tested clove oil against Candida albicans and other common fungi. The direct application of clove essential oil strongly inhibited fungal proliferation.
Fennel
Fennel eradicates pathogenic fungi, according to a 2009 study by researchers at the University of Agriculture in Pakistan. The fennel essential oil demonstrated antimicrobial activity against particular strains of fungi. The study's researchers concluded the findings necessitated further trials to understand how fennel could be used as an anti-fungal agent.
Garlic
Garlic's active medicinal compound allicin eliminates fungal infections. Garlic ointments or salves help heal fungal skin disorders, such as Tinea corporis and Tinea cruris. Serious cases may require adding oral garlic treatments to the topical regimen. Garlic also improves the body's immune system response, which helps destroy opportunistic infections.
Pau D'Arco
Pau D'arco originated in South America where for thousands of years the herb provided medicinal benefits. Active constituents in the herb called lapachol and beta-lapachone kill fungal infections including athlete's foot, vaginal yeast infections, nail fungus and various fungal skin infections.
References
- "Mycobiology"; Antifungal Activity of Clove Essential Oil and its Volatile Vapour Against Dermatophytic Fungi
- "Flavour and Fragrance Journal": Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of essential oil and extracts of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) seeds from Pakistan
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Garlic
- "The Herb Companion": Case Study: Athlete's Foot
- MedlinePlus: Fungal Infection
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Pau D'Arco
