There are many anti-fungal herbs for athlete’s foot that work as well as over the counter medication. Athlete’s foot is an infectious fungal infection of the skin that develops in the areas between the toes and on other parts of the foot. The condition causes the skin to itch, burn, flake off, and become scaly. Also called tinea pedis, ringworm of the foot, moccasin foot, and tinea pedum, athlete’s foot transmission rates are high in moist public areas.
Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot
- Itching, burning and stinging between the toes
- Itching and burning on the soles of the feet
- Blisters
- Peeling skin between the toes and on the soles of the feet
- Excessive skin dryness
- Thickened and discolored toenails
Herbs for Athlete’s Foot
Garlic is very effective in treating athlete’s foot. The best way to do this is by soaking the infected feet in a tub filled with warm water and several cloves of crushed garlic, and a splash of rubbing alcohol. One should soak the feet for at least half an hour. Another way of using garlic to treat athlete’s foot is by applying garlic oil to the infected areas of the foot. A simple way of preparing garlic oil is by mincing a few cloves of garlic, adding olive oil, and allowing the mixture to sit for three days. After this, one should then strain the garlic cloves from the mixture and apply the oil to the infected areas using a cotton ball.
Ginger root is another effective home remedy for athlete’s foot. It contains caprylic acid, which is very effective against fungal infections. To prepare the ginger remedy, boil an ounce of crushed ginger in a cup of water for twenty minutes, and then apply the liquid to the affected areas twice a day.
Licorice is one of the most effective home remedies for athlete’s foot, containing 25 anti-fungal compounds. Add about seven teaspoons of the dried herb to a cup of water, boil the mixture and let it simmer for 20 minutes. When the mixture is cool, apply it to the infected areas using a cotton ball. To prepare an even stronger brew, add it to a garlic footbath.
Tea tree oil, an antiseptic, diluted in equal amounts of vegetable oil or water, is an effective athlete’s foot treatment. Other herbs that people use to fight athlete’s foot include chamomile, Echinacea, goldenseal, lemongrass, and tomato and herb sauce. Apart from herbs, raw honey is also a very effective remedy for athlete’s foot. One should apply the honey to the infected areas before bed, and then wear clean socks.
Finally, if you suspect that you have athlete’s foot, you should seek help immediately. If left untreated, it can lead to other toenail infections such as toenail fungus.
