6 very effective antifungal plants

exist fungal infections or mycoses of various nature.

Fungus yeast typesuch as candida fungi mold typewhich produce dermatophytosis or what is commonly known as ringworm, such as athlete’s foot or onychomycosis or nail infections.

most of conventional treatments are based on topical or systemic antifungals (miconazole, ketoconazole or econazole, among others), which inhibit the growth of fungi or eliminate them, but it is long and continuous treatments.

Some people show resistance to these treatments: up to 20% in the case of ringworm of the feet and groin and even more in candida, and for this reason they have no other remedy than look for alternatives.

One possibility is prevent and combat fungi with medicinal plants antiseptic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, emollient and healing, which also favor theto skin regeneration.

Natural Treatments for Candida Infections

The responsible fungus is yeast. Candida albicans.

The infection is associated with low defenses and usually manifests as a dermatitis in the babyor in hot and humid areas such as genitalia and mouth in adults. In this case it is known as oral thrush.

For the thrush we can use various phytotherapy remedies:

He propolis is used in the thrushin solutions with a minimum of 30% propolina. myrrh tincture is recommended for the vaginal candida. They are applied mixed with water in mouthwash for rinsing.Echinacea. It is taken with water, about 50 drops three times a day, as support of medicinal creams.

Dermatophytosis or ringworm

Is about fungal infections caused by Trichophyton and Epidermophyton fungi that affect the skin – on the toes, scalp, groin or nails – but also on other parts of the body.

mushrooms they spread in a circular fashion and the skin at the end flakes off or lift. They are itchy and may ooze.in which case you should go to the dermatologist without fail.

In Phytotherapy are recommended various options for ringwormwhich can be applied alone or in combination.

Lycopodium to prevent foot and groin fungus

The propitiatory element of many ringworms in these areas is humidity. Not drying off well after a shower, using other people’s towels, walking on the wet floor of swimming pools and solariums favors contagion.

Clubmode (Lycopodium clavatum) it is an excellent protector. Inhibits moisture and prevents the development of fungus.

It is especially indicated for infections in the groin, between the toes and in the folds of the skin.

It is applied in powders, on dry skin, in feet and English, once or twice a day. It should not be applied to open wounds. It has a preventive effect.

tea tree for athlete’s foot

He tea tree oil (melaleuca alternifolia) is considered antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral. It is indicated as alternative in people who show resistance to treatments with conventional antifungals such as flucozanol.

Result relatively effective in athlete’s foot and onychomycosisbut in solutions with a high concentration of this oil, between 25 and 50%, and treatments of about four weeksas it is ineffective in short treatments.

How does it apply:

always topically, a teaspoon of oil per cup of water. It is diluted in the water and a piece of cotton is soaked, with which the affected area is touched. Or in creams and ointments that contain it.

Precautions:

May cause contact dermatitis on sensitive skin, especially if applied undiluted or in concentrations greater than 10%. Treatment should be stopped immediately.

Walnut and plantain, a powerful antifungal duo

He plantain (plantago major) is astringent, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and emollient. He walnut (Juglans regia) is considered antiperspirant, emollient and healing. Combined they offer an effective remedy against fungus.

How they apply: in a warm foot bath or in compresses soaked with the decoction. In equal parts, 20 grams of the mixture per liter of water.

Oil of each for tinea versicolor

of the fruits of each (Juniperus oxycedrus) an antiparasitic, antifungal, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic oil is extracted.

It is effective on yeast-like fungi that manifest with brown, white or pink spots or plaques on the torso, arms or shoulders and that prevent the skin from tanning evenly.

How does it apply:

Dilutes in a base oil such as almonds and is applied with a massage on the affected area. It is part of lotions, ointments and ointments.

Precautions:

has to be used always diluted, to avoid irritation, and should not be taken during pregnancy, lactation or given to children under 3 years of age. is expressly Contraindicated by oral and inhalation routes, as it is potentially abortifacient and nephrotoxic.

Garlic as a complement to treatment for fungi

Garlic is a not inconsiderable resource against dermatomycosis. Allicin is attributed a antifungal effect on various fungi, from dermatophytes to candida, aspergillus and malassezia.

Could be useful against onychomycosis or nail infections. These are difficult to eradicate, and often require drug treatment. Phytotherapy can help as a long-term supplement.

How does it apply:

Boil 5 or 6 cloves of garlic and pour the water into a basin, where the affected fingernails or toenails are submerged for a few minutes. When the water feels cold, we dry off well. It is repeated about 15 or 20 days.

Take probiotics to prevent yeast

Regularly taking probiotic supplements helps to recover the intestinal flora and strengthens the immune system. Also, probiotics are useful in onychomycosis and yeast infections like vaginal candida.

How they are taken:

In capsules, at a rate of 2 a day on an empty stomach, in periods of 15 days; or promoting the consumption of foods that contain them, such as yogurts and kefires.

They advise: JM Teixé, from The Wellspring of Healthand Dr. María José Alonso, from the Col·legi de Pharmacèutics of Barcelona