Fungal infections are extremely common around the world. These types of infections are likely to affect the skin, nails, and/or lung health.
While antifungal drugs are commonly used, a variety of antifungal herbs have also proven to be highly effective. Herbs are also typically much more accessible for most individuals.
Using natural herbs for fungal infections may help reduce to reduce fungal growth and/or prevent infection altogether.
This article summarizes some of the most significant scientific research behind the best herbs for fungal infections.
Table of Contents
Overview:
Fungal infection occurs when a fungal strain invades the outer layers of skin, hair, or nails. It is most commonly characterized by irritated and itchy skin, broken hair, and discolored and thickened nails.
Fungal infections are most likely to grow in dark, warm, and moist areas of the body.
These infections are most commonly caused by two fungi species, dermatophyte (i.e. ringworm) and Candida albicans.
Dermatophytes, or ringworms, are considered “filamentous fungi” that thrive off of keratinized tissue of the skin, hair, and nails. This species of fungi are transmitted through animals, soil, or via other infected people. Types of infections that dermatophytes manifest include tinea corporis, tinea capitis, tinea unguium, tinea pedis, and tinea faciei.
Candida albicans is technically a species of yeast that is prevalent in the human microbiome, particularly the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts. These colonies provide beneficial support to healthy individuals, however, stress, compromised immune systems, and other factors can cause Candida overgrowth. Types of Candida infections include oral thrush, vaginal candidiasis, oropharyngeal candidiasis, paronychia, candidiasis, and chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis.
Approximately, 20% of the world population has reported having suffered a fungal infection, with tropical areas having the most prevalent cases. Common causes of fungal infections are poor hygiene, close proximity to animals, and living in a warm, humid climate.
Herbs and natural antifungal remedies may have the ability to prevent the spread of fungal infections and reduce symptoms.
The Best Antifungal Herbs:
Below are the best herbs for managing and treating fungal infections. These herbs have been known to prevent fungal infections and decrease symptoms of infection.
1. Garlic
Clinical data shows that garlic is a promising antifungal herb.
In a comparative clinical trial observing participants with chronic oral candidiasis, researchers discovered that garlic has antifungal properties similar to antimicrobial drugs. Subjects noticed significant recoveries in both the garlic and drug groups, however, participants mentioned greater satisfaction when given the garlic therapy.
Researchers found that an isolated constituent of garlic, ajoene, had a 100% efficacy rate for treating athlete’s foot, a fungal infection of the foot. Applied topically in a gel, the ajoene prevented recurrence of the fungal infection 60-days after treatment.
Another comparison clinical trial observing 110 women with Candida vaginitis found that garlic tablets (Garcin®) were as effective in treating fungal infections as antifungal pharmaceutical drugs. After 7 days of therapy, the Garcin® group improved by 60%, and the pharmaceutical group improved by 73%.
Finally, a study found that ajoene is an effective short-term therapy for participants with tinea pedis, or athlete’s foot. Subjects achieved complete eradication of the fungal infection after 14 days of taking ajoene.
Summary:
Research indicates that garlic may be a beneficial herb for treating and preventing fungal infections, especailly athlete’s foot.
2. Turmeric
Turmeric, along with its primary constituent curcumin, is thought to be one of the best antifungal herbs.
In a comparison trial involving 50 adults with oral candidiasis (an oral fungal infection), curcumin ointment was found to reduce fungal colony size. Topical treatment with curcumin was just as effective as the antifungal pharmaceutical, clotrimazole.
An in vitro trial involving turmeric discovered that it has inhibiting effects on four different fungal strains. This study shows that turmeric has promising antifungal ability against various Candida albicans strains. It’s thought that turmeric may be one of the best herbs for Candida.
Another in vitro study observed turmeric to be highly effective against Candida fungal strains. It should be noted that the effects were in combination with common antifungal drugs, but that the combination of curcumin with azoles and polyenes was more effective in elimin