Currently, the main essential oils studied for their antifungal activity are thyme oil, rich in thymol and carvacrol, tea tree oil rich in terpenes, and peppermint or clove oil [19], although many others have also been shown to be effective against fungi.
Lemongrass, eucalyptus, peppermint and orange oils were effective against all the 22 bacterial strains. Aegle and palmarosa oils inhibited 21 bacteria; patchouli and ageratum oils inhibited 20 bacteria and citronella and geranium oils were inhibitory to 15 and 12 bacterial strains, respectively.
Frankincense is also antimicrobial and antifungal. One type of frankincense in particular is able to kill Candida albicans, the yeast we know and hate from yeast infections or thrush.
Eucalyptus oil possesses a wide spectrum of biological activity, including anti-microbial, fungicidal, herbicidal, acaricidal and nematicidal properties.
Several of the oils found in thieves oil have antimicrobial properties. This means they may help kill bacteria, fungi, or viruses when people use them topically on the skin or small cuts and wounds.
Citronella, geranium, lemongrass, eucalyptus, and peppermint, among others, have been tested specifically against fungi and found to be effective antimicrobials for that purpose. Tea tree oil is another essential oil that has demonstrated antifungal capabilities.
Antifungal medications work to treat fungal infections. They can either kill fungi directly or prevent them from growing and thriving. Antifungal drugs are available as OTC treatments or prescription medications, and come in a variety of forms, including: creams or ointments.
Essential oils of peppermint, orange or lemongrass kill most strains of fungal and bacterial infections.
Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca oil, is an essential oil that comes from steaming the leaves of the Australian tea tree. When used topically, tea tree oil is believed to be antibacterial. Tea tree oil is commonly used to treat acne, athlete's foot, lice, nail fungus and insect bites.
Owing to the presence of bioactive constituents like Alpha Cedrene, Beta Cedrene, Thujopsene, Cedrol, Widdrol, along with a group of Sesquiterpenes, cedarwood essential oil exhibits antiseptic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, diuretic, and insecticidal properties.
A moist environment, humid climate, wearing synthetic clothes, sweating excessively, or certain personal habits may make you prone to an occasional superficial fungal infection.
Rosemary oil is used as a food seasoning [29], due to its chemical compound constituents responsible for the antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant properties.
The antioxidant properties are gained from oral use, however, as a for moisture, healing, and antibacterial purposes, frankincense can be used topically. It is easily absorbed through the skin, but pure frankincense should be watered down with a carrier oil such as citrus oils or olive oil before applying to the skin.
Lemongrass oil
In one study , researchers found that can be lemongrass extract was effective against Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus cereus, and it could be used to create antimicrobial drugs for treating bacterial infections.
Lavender oil is a powerful antifungal that fights skin conditions, Candida .
Most notably, the oils of oregano, tea tree, eucalyptus, and peppermint have been found to contain the strongest antibacterial and antifungal properties. Other studies have found that lemongrass and orange are also among the oils effective against bacterial strains.
A third double-blind study looked at 100% tea tree oil compared with a topical antifungal, clotrimazole, in 112 people with fungal infections of the toenails. The tea tree oil was as effective as the antifungal.
Essential oils of oregano are widely recognized for their antimicrobial activity, as well as their antiviral and antifungal properties. Nevertheless, recent investigations have demonstrated that these compounds are also potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and cancer suppressor agents.
4. Coconut oil. Coconut oil has both microbial and antifungal properties that can help treat ringworm infections. It's an extremely effective topical home remedy for ringworm and infections with other fungi, like candida.
Use Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is naturally antifungal and antibacterial. Mix it with any carrier oil like coconut oil or olive oil and dab over the infected area about three to four times a day. This is one of the most effective home remedies to treat fungal infections.
Vinegar is inexpensive, accessible, and effective in killing microbes, including bacteria and fungus. It can also be used as a safer alternative to bleach for some applications, such as cleaning.
CARD9 deficiency is a genetic immune disorder characterized by susceptibility to fungal infections like candidiasis, which is caused by the yeast fungus Candida.
Butenafine may be more effective at treating fungal infections than other antifungals that prevent the fungus from growing (e.g., clotrimazole). That's because it kills the fungus.
To help the immune system fight off infection, it is important to not smoke, exercise with regularity, drink in moderation, eat a balanced diet and get plenty of rest.