Ringworm Causes, Medicinal Herbs And Herbal Preparations
Ringworm is a common fungal infection that affects the skin, characterized by a circular, ring-shaped rash and often accompanied by itching, redness, and inflammation.
Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to treat ringworm due to their antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, offering a natural and effective alternative to conventional treatments.
Herbs such as tea tree oil, neem, turmeric, aloe vera, calendula, and lavender are commonly used to treat ringworm, as they possess antifungal compounds like terpinen-4-ol and carvacrol that help combat the fungal infection.
Herbal preparations like topical creams, ointments, and salves made from these herbs, as well as herbal teas and infusions, can be used to treat ringworm, providing a soothing and antifungal treatment that promotes healing and reduces inflammation.
What causes ringworm?
The primary causes of ringworm are fungal infections, specifically those caused by Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton species, which are usually spread through direct contact with infected skin, hair, or nails.
Secondary causes include poor hygiene, sharing personal care items, and coming into contact with contaminated surfaces or objects, as well as being in close proximity to an infected animal or person.
Lifestyles that increase the chances of developing ringworm include frequent swimming in public pools, sharing athletic equipment, and having a weakened immune system due to underlying health conditions or malnutrition, which can impair the body's ability to fight off the fungal infection.
Additionally, living in crowded or humid environments can also contribute to the spread of ringworm, as it thrives in warm and moist conditions.
What herbs heal ringworm?
The medicinal herbs used to treat ringworm are turmeric, aloe vera, and tea tree oil, which possess anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties that help alleviate symptoms and combat fungal infections.
Turmeric's curcumin exhibits potent antifungal activity against Trichophyton, the fungus responsible for ringworm, while aloe vera's gel contains salicylic acid, which helps to reduce inflammation and promote wound healing.
Tea tree oil's main bioactive compound, cineole, has been shown to inhibit the growth of fungi, including Trichophyton, thereby reducing the severity of ringworm symptoms.
Additionally, these herbs may also enhance the immune system's response to fungal infections, thereby promoting a faster recovery from ringworm.
What preparations treat ringworm?
The herbal preparations used to treat ringworm are topical infusions and teas that are applied directly to the affected area or taken orally to stimulate the body's natural healing process.
These preparations include decoctions, poultices, and salves that help to soothe and reduce the inflammation of the skin, while also promoting the growth of new skin cells to replace the damaged tissue.
Some herbal preparations also work by boosting the immune system, allowing the body to fight off the fungal infection more effectively, and others have antifungal properties that directly target the causative agent of the disease.
In addition, some herbal preparations can be used as a compress or a wash to help clean and disinfect the affected area, promoting a speedy recovery from ringworm.
The articles in the following links discuss in detail the best herbal preparation used to treat ringworm.