HOME REMEDIES FOR FUNGAL INFECTIONS

Many people suffer from fungal infections at least once in their lifetime. Poor hygiene, warm climate and  humidity, are main possible causes of fungal infections. Diaper rash, athlete’s foot, jock itch, and oral thrush are some common examples of fungal infections. Many fungi causing these infections are already becoming resistant to more aggressive forms of medications.

CAUSES OF FUNGAL INFECTIONS

• Hot and humid climates, wearing clothes that are damp, sweating too much,  can result in the development of fungal infections.
• Decreased immunity due to some underlying diseases like diabetes, HIV, cancer etc. can cause fungal infections.
• Living in an unhealthy/polluted environment and not maintaining personal hygiene causes fungal infections.
• Wearing dirty clothes, unclean socks and innerwear can lead to fungal infections.
• Wearing too tight clothes can cause sweating, further resulting in the development of fungal infections.
• Obesity can lead to fungal infections. As moisture is be retained in skin folds, further giving a breeding ground to infection causing fungus.
• Stress can also compromise our immunity and can cause many diseases including fungal infections.
• Hormonal changes in pregnancy most of the times leads to vaginal infections.

REMEDIES

• YOGURT AND PROBIOTICS

Yogurt and other probiotics have an rich amount of good bacteria that help get rid of many fungal infections. Fermented foods are another excellent source of probiotics. If these foods are not helping, you can use probiotic supplements as they have more concentrated dosages of the good bacteria. 

• WASH WITH NEEM DECOCTION

Cleaning the affected area with Neem decoction twice daily before applying any home remedies or any other medication helps in treating fungal infections and prevents further spread of the disease. 

• APPLE CIDAR VINEGAR

Apple cider vinegar has great antifungal properties. Mix two tablespoons of APPLE CIDAR VINEGAR  in warm water and drink it up or you can dip a cotton ball in the mixture and dab all over your affected skin. Do this thrice a daily, it gives beneficial results. 

• TEA TREE OIL

Tea tree oil is naturally antifungal and antibacterial agent. Mix it with any other oil like coconut oil or olive oil and apply all over the infected area. Repeat it three to four times a day. This is one of the most effective home remedies to treat fungal infections.

• COCONUT OIL

Coconut oil in its unheated form works as a potent antifungal agent. Applying it over the skin gives relief from the infection and prevents ther further spread. As it is easy on the skin, it is also useful to treat scalp ringworm. Use it on the affected skin three times a day.

• TURMERIC

Turmeric is rich in antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Mix it with a little water or milk and apply over the infected area. To get benefits internally one can consume it too. Mix it with warm water or honey or have turmeric tea. You can also cook it with milk and drink the turmeric milk.

• ALOE VERA

It is one of the most time-tested natural remedies for any skin infection. Not only does it treats the infection but also soothes and repairs skin damage. 

• GARLIC

Garlic is one of the most potent antifungal and antimicrobial herbs. People who consume garlic regularly are less susceptible to fungal infections. Grind a couple of garlic with some olive oil and make a paste. Apply it on the infected area for about thirty minutes. 

• OREGANO OIL

It is yet another active antifungal agent. Mix a few drops of the oil with any other carrier oil(coconut or olive oil) and dab on the affected area. You canalso take oregano oil capsules orally.

• NEEM LEAVES

Neem leaves are rich in antifungal properties and are extremely good for the skin. Washing the infected area with neem water helps in treating fungal infections. To make neem water, boil neem leaves in water for 2 to 3 minutes. You can consume this decoction internally too get the best results.

• CONSUME FOOD RICH IN VITAMIN C

Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid ) boosts our immune system. It protects our body from various infections. A good immune system also helps to treat the various infections faster including fungal infections.

• GINGER

Gingerol present in ginger has potent antifungal properties. Adding ginger to our diet either in the form of ginger tea or consuming it as a spice with foods,  effectively helps to prevent and treat fungal infections like Candida. You can consume ginger powder with honey.