Fungal skin infections include athlete's foot, jock itch and ringworm. They're caused by dermatophytes, a type of fungus that lives on your skin cells. The parasite triggers your body's immune response, resulting in inflammation and itchy red patches in the infected areas. Topical medicines containing miconazole and clotrimazole are available, but these drugs can have unpleasant side effects. Oral herbal remedies, such as teas and tinctures, may relieve skin fungus naturally. Consult your health care provider before starting herbal treatment.
Herbal Actions
Oral herbal remedies for skin fungus work in several ways. Antifungal herbs contain chemicals that can directly kill or weaken fungi by destroying their cell membranes. Anti-inflammatory herbs may help reduce the itching and inflammation. Immune stimulants help your body fight the infection naturally. Check with a qualified practitioner for advice about usage, dosage and preparation of oral herbal remedies for fungal skin infections.
Garlic
Garlic, or Allium sativum, is an ancient herb with a range of medicinal applications. The cloves contain sulphur compounds, such as alliin and allicin. These chemicals affect lipids, like fats, waxes and steroids, which store energy and are an important part of cell membranes. In their 2009 book, "Medicinal Plants of the World," botanist Ben-Erik van Wyk and biologist Michael Wink explain that garlic inhibits the synthesis of lipids in fungi, thus damaging their cellular structure. Dr. Linda B. White and medicinal plant expert Steven Foster, in their 2000 book, "The Herbal Drugstore," recommend ingesting garlic for persistent fungal skin infections. Garlic may cause heartburn.
Pau d'Arco
Pau d'arco, or Tabebuia impetiginosa, is an evergreen tree that grows in Central and South America. Herbalists use the inner bark to treat fungal and bacterial infections. Van Wyk and Wink state that the active ingredient is a chemical called lapachol, which has antifungal, anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulating actions. In their 2000 book, "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," Dr. James F. Balch and Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, recommend pau d'arco tea for fungal skin infections. Do not use this herb if you are pregnant or nursing. High doses may cause nausea.
Guggul
Guggul, or Commiphora mukul, is a small tree native to India. It produces a gum resin that is rich in essential oil. Ayurvedic practitioners use guggul to treat malaria, skin diseases, indigestion and diabetes. In his 2001 book, "The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook," Ayurvedic practitioner Alan Keith Tillotson states that persistent fungal infections result from a condition of internal heat, or inflammation. He recommends guggul as a heat-removing herb for fungal skin infections. Guggul may cause stomach upset or diarrhea.
References
- "Medicinal Plants of the World"; Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink; 2009
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, M.D., Steven Foster; 2000
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, and James F. Balch, M.D.; 2000
- "The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook"; Alan Keith Tillotson, Ph.D., D.Ay.; 2001
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