Fungus

Fungal infections of the skin are very common and include athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, and yeast infections like Candida or Thrush.

Yeast infections can affect your mouth, throat, and digestive system. They can cause diaper rash and vaginal yeast infections.

Natural Remedies for Fungus

Since there are many types of fungus, there are many different home remedies that can be used to treat this disease.

Often the remedies are topical and meant to be applied directly to the fungus. There are some treatments that are effective on all fungus types and those are listed below.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has anti-fungal properties and is used to treat all types of fungus growth.

  • Apply with a cotton swab or cotton ball directly on the area affected with fungus.
  • Repeat the application three or four times during the day.

For instance if it is a nail fungus, apply to the nail, if it is a foot fungus you have, add several drops of tea tree oil to a very simple lotion and rub into the foot or adding to a hot water soak would be effective.

Bitter Orange

This can effectively treat infections caused by a fungus. Mix together 8 drops bitter orange essential oil and 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil. Apply topically to the infected area of the skin.

Vinegar Soak

Vinegar is slightly acidic, versatile for many things and it's an anti-fungal. For mild foot fungus, soak feet for 10 to 15 minutes daily in white vinegar.

Garlic Oil

Garlic oil is also an effective natural cure for external fungus conditions. Apply to the area several times a day.

Toenail or Fingernail Fungus

  • This type of fungus can be treated by coating the infected nail with Vicks VapoRub. The effectiveness of Vicks is due to the blend of eucalyptus, menthol and camphor oils in the blend and its ability to cut off oxygen to the fungus.
  • Fingernail and toenail fungus can’t thrive in an acidic environment. If you have nail fungus it is recommended that you increase your intake of acidic foods and oils. This includes adding ingredients like apple cider vinegar, distilled vinegar, lavender essential oil, olive oil, or the juice from onions, or garlic to your diet. These same things ingredients can be used in an acidic foot or hand soak.
  • A daily foot or hand soak can be made from one part vinegar and two parts water. The acid in the vinegar will stunt bacteria growth. You can also make a spray of vinegar and spray on the area several times a day. Make sure you continue daily treatments as the vinegar will kill the fungus, allowing new nail growth, but if you skip a day the fungus will spread to the new nail. Keep treating at least twice a day until the entire fungus-affected nail has grown completely out.
  • Hydrogen peroxide may also be an effective treatment against nail fungus. Use a cotton ball or cotton swab to apply several times a day.