Essential oils are a natural and effective way to treat fungal infections safely. Fungal infections can be uncomfortable, embarrassing, and even dangerous if left untreated.
Essential oils offer an alternative to traditional treatments that may come with unwanted side effects or require long-term use of medications.
The most commonly used essential oil for treating fungal infections is tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia).
Tea tree oil has antiseptic properties which make it highly effective in fighting bacteria and fungi such as Candida albicans, the fungus responsible for many types of yeast infection including thrush.
Studies have shown that tea tree oil can be just as effective at treating skin conditions caused by fungi when compared to conventional medicines like clotrimazole or miconazole nitrate cream without any adverse reactions or drug interactions [1].
Other essential oils have also been found to possess anti-fungal properties such as lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
peppermint (Mentha piperita), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), oregano(Origanum vulgare)
thyme(Thymus vulgaris), geranium(Pelargonium graveolens )and rosemary(Rosmarinus officinalis)[2].
These essential oils should never be applied directly onto the skin but rather diluted in a carrier like jojoba or coconut oil before application[3].
The concentration should not exceed 5% so if you’re using 10mls of carrier then no more than 0.5mls of pure essentialoilshouldbeused[4].
This helps reduce potential irritation from undiluted concentrations while still ensuring maximum effectiveness against the fungus causing your infection.
For best results apply two times daily until symptoms subside; however, always consult your doctor first before self-medicating with any kind of essential oil treatment.[5]