5 Amazing Home Remedies for Fungal Infections

Introduction

Today fungal infection is recognized as a significant global health concern. A recent survey revealed that annually more than 6.5 million people develop life-threatening fungal infections which led to 3.7 million deaths approximately. People with weakened immune systems due to HIV, organ transplants, cancer treatment, etc. are at high risk of fungal infection. Along with this patients with diabetes, and COPD, contribute significantly to fungal infection.

Organizations like GAFFI (Global Action for Fungal Infections) do awareness and diagnostic improvement by addressing the challenges related to fungal infection. It is also being noticed that the incidence of fungal infections is increasing at an alarming rate, presenting an enormous challenge not only for sufferers but also for healthcare professionals. However, the good news is that some simple care and home remedies for fungal infections can help relieve the symptoms, which have been discussed in detail in this post.

Home Remedies for Fungal Infections

Home remedies for fungal infections have the potential for great results, especially when combined with the recommended precautions. The herbs for jock itch listed below are rich in anti-fungal and anti-bacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory characteristics, making them particularly useful for the Natural Treatment of Jock Itch:-

1. Holy Basil (Tulsi)

Ocimum sanctum or Ocimum tenuiflorum is famous for the name holy basil and Tulsi is the excellent anti-fungal herb of the Labiatae family. Due to its diverse chemical composition, Tulasi exhibits potent anti-fungal properties. Recent studies revealed that the active ingredients of Tulsi are its essential oil which consists of eugenol, linalool, methyl eugenol, flavonoids, caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, carvacrol, triterpenoids, apigenin, etc. which exhibit excellent antifungal activity. 

How Holy Basil Works on Fungal Infection?

The active compounds of the Tulsi like eugenol, linalool, etc. disrupt the fungal cell membranes and inhibit the growth. Some of the compounds like rosmarinic acid impair the fungal enzyme system and strengthen the cell wall against fungal invasion.

How to Use Tulsi for Fungal Infection?

1. Take fresh Tulasi leaves and crush them to make a paste (Lepa). After proper cleaning and drying, apply this paste to the affected area and leave it for 20 minutes for the best result.
2. Take 15- 20 grams of Tulsi leaves and boil them in water to make a decoction. Cool this decoction and use it to wash the affected area. This remedy is best to apply over scalp and feet fungal infection.
3. Holy basil can be taken orally. Prepare Tulsi tea by taking fresh leaves of the Tulsi. Drink this tea 2 cups per day to fight against fungal infections like Candida albicans (oral thrush).
4. Essential oil Tulsi can also be purchased from the market and its few drops with carrier oil like coconut, olive oil, etc. can be used over the affected area for 2 times a day after proper cleaning and drying.
5. Take Tulsi leaves to powder and make its paste with aloe vera gel to apply over the affected area to get potent results.

Also Read:- Ayurvedic Treatment for Fungal Infection

2. Coriander (Dhanyaka, Dhaniya)

Coriandrum sativum (coriander) , famous as Dhanyaka or Dhaniya is an excellent and easily available remedy for fungal infection. Recent research has proved that coriander has excellent anti-fungal properties, especially against Candida albicans. It consists of various chemical constituents as per Recent research like phenolic compounds which consist of caffeic acid, and chlorogenic acid, essential oils like Geraniol, camphor borneol, linalool, terpenes, quercetin, etc. which exhibit antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties which help to deal with fungal infections.

How Coriander Works on Fungal Infection?

The active ingredients present in coriander cause leakage of essential ions and metabolites by targeting fungal cell membranes, and inhibiting the fungal enzymes, and active ingredients like linalool give synergistic effect when combined with other anti-fungal herbs.

How to Use Coriander for Fungal Infection?

If you are allergic and have sensitive skin conduct a patch test to ensure no allergic reactions after using coriander home remedies.

1. Take 1- 2 teaspoons of Dhanyaka/ coriander seeds and boil them in a full cup of water approx. For 10 minutes. Cool this infusion (Fanta) and wash the fungal infection-affected area with it. This infusion is great to use in scalp and skin fungal infections. 
2. Take 1- 2 teaspoons of coriander powder and make a paste (Lepa) with yogurt (Dadhi) or water. Apply this paste over the affected area and leave until it is dry. Wash the area with lukewarm water.
3. Coriander essential oil is also available in the market. Take a few drops of coriander oil and mix it with a carrier oil like coconut oil and apply this mixture on the affected area at least two times a day for good results.
4. Fresh coriander leaves can also be used in fungal infections. Grind fresh leaves of coriander and mix coconut oil or aloe vera gel in it to get a synergistic effect. It can also be mixed with Tulsi leaves and applied on the affected area for 25- 30 minutes. Rinse the area and pat dry. Quercetin and caffeic acid present in fresh leaves are active compounds of coriander that act as antifungal.

3. Henna (Mehndi)

Lawsonia inermis (Henna tree) popular as the mehndi tree also acts as a great antifungal home remedy which is easily available. Recent research revealed that Henna consists of key antifungal chemical constituents like Lawsone, tannins, essential oil, flavonoids in which compounds like luteolin, and apigenin are present, gallic acid, etc. which exhibit antifungal properties and help to treat various types of anti-fungal infections.

How Henna Works on Fungal Infection?

Lawsone and tannins present in Mehndi lead to leakage of cellular contents of the fungal cell membranes, prevent the synthesis of the key ingredients required for fungal growth, and flavonoids present in Heena prevents protective biofilms formation which makes them more susceptible for anti-fungal treatment.

How to Use Henna for Fungal Infection?

If you are allergic and have sensitive skin conduct a patch test to ensure no allergic reactions after using Henna home remedies.

1. Take 1- 2 spoonfuls of Henna powder (Churna) and make its smooth paste with water. To get a synergistic effect few drops of Neem Oil, Coriander oil, and Tulsi oil, can be added. Apply the smooth paste on the fungal infection-affected area and leave it for 20 minutes. Use this paste daily until symptoms start subsiding.
2. Take a bowl full of fresh Henna leaves and boil them in water for 15 minutes. Strain the Henna water and allow it to cool. Use this water to rinse the fungal infection-affected areas like scalp or skin. Use two times a day for optimal results.
3. Paste formed with a mixture of Henna powder and aloe vera gel along with a few drops of coconut oil, also acts as the best remedy to treat fungal infection at home. Apply this paste on the affected area and let it dry for 20- 30 minutes and then rinse the area with Lukewarm water and pat dry.
4. Henna leaves are cooked in mustard oil until the leaves turn dark. Strain the oil and use it on fungal-infected skin twice daily.

4. Nutmeg (Jaiphal)

Myristica fragrans popularly known as Nutmeg (Jaiphala) act as an excellent home remedy for fungal infection. Recent research has proved that Nutmeg consists of Volatile oils like myristicin, elemicin, safrole, fixed oil, phenolic compounds, Lignans, resins, and tannins, etc due to which it exhibits excellent antifungal activity.

How Nutmeg Works on Fungal Infection?

Nutmeg disrupts the fungal cell wall by inhibiting the growth of hyphae and spores. Along with this Safrole, Myristicin, etc. present in nutmeg interferes with the critical component of the fungal cell membrane that is ergosterol.

How to Use Nutmeg for Fungal Infection?

If you are allergic and have sensitive skin conduct a patch test to ensure no allergic reactions after using Nutmeg home remedies.

1. Take 1 teaspoon of nutmeg powder and mix it with coconut oil and use this paste directly on the affected area for 25- 30 minutes and then rinse with warm water.
2. Essential oil of nutmeg can also be used by mixing it with carrier oil on the affected area twice a day.
3. If you are suffering from foot fungal infection, add nutmeg powder to the basin of warm water and soak your feet in that water for 20 minutes. Dry the area properly after soaking and repeat daily until symptoms are reduced.
4. Nutmeg powder in a pinch amount with warm milk taken orally reduces systemic fungal infection and also boosts immunity. Avoid use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

5. Dry Ginger (Shunthi)

Zingiber officinale known as dry ginger exhibits potent anti-fungal properties. Recent research revealed that dry ginger consists of Gingerols like Shogaols, zingiberene, curcumin, flavonoids, essential oil, etc. which enhance its antifungal properties.

How Dry ginger works on the fungal infection?

Dry ginger inhibits ergosterol synthesis, which is a key component of fungal cell membranes, active ingredients like shogaol, and gingerol damage fungal cell membranes, etc.

How to Use Dry Ginger for Fungal Infection?

If you are allergic and have sensitive skin conduct before patch test to ensure no allergic reactions after using Dry ginger home remedies.

1. Heat two spoonfuls of coconut oil on low flame and an equal quantity of dry ginger powder in it. Simmer for 5 minutes, let it cool and apply this infused oil on the affected fungal infection area two or three times a day for the best result.
2. Mix 1 teaspoon of dry ginger powder with an equal quantity of turmeric, add coconut oil or water it, and apply on the affected area for 30 minutes, wash off pat dry, and repeat twice a day.

Conclusion

Fungal infections can easily be managed by using easy-to-use home remedies. In some cases, fungal infection becomes severe, in this situation, a patient should consult a doctor. If you cannot source the home remedies mentioned above or are suffering from severe fungal infection, then feel free to contact the IAFA team for assistance. For more information and personalized treatment of fungal infections, you can also consult Dr. Sahil Gupta and the IAFA team for expert guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can the home remedies mentioned above effectively treat fungal infections?

Yes, as all research proved Ayurvedic herbs can treat mild to moderate cases of fungal infection effectively. However severe cases may require consulting the doctor.

2. What are the best home remedies for fungal infections?

The use of remedies mentioned above and along with this coconut oil, garlic, neem, turmeric, plain yogurt, etc. also provide the best result in treating fungal infection if used with precaution.

3. How often should I use home remedies for fungal infections?

Using the above-mentioned home remedies twice a day is essential to get the best results.

4. Is there any precaution for using the home remedies mentioned above?

Maintaining hygiene, patch tests, etc. are necessary to take before use especially in people with sensitive skin.

Reference

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• Singh NK, Sengar AS, Khuntia BB, Om Prakash. Successful Ayurvedic Management of Dermatophytosis case report. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2022 Jan-Mar;13 (1): 100491. doi: 10. 1016/ j. jaim. 2021. 07. 007. Epub 2021 Dec 24. PMID: 34961687; PMCID: PMC- 8728070.
• Martin KW, Ernst E. Herbal medicines for treatment of fungal infections: a systematic review of controlled clinical trials. Mycoses. 2004 Apr; 47 (3- 4): 87- 92. doi: 10. 1046/ j. 1439- 0507. 2003. 00951. x. PMID: 15078424.