10 Best Herbal Creams For Athlete'S Foot

Herbal creams for athlete's foot are topical treatments containing plant-based ingredients that help alleviate symptoms of this fungal infection.

They work by reducing inflammation, fighting fungal growth, and promoting a healthy environment for the skin. Examples of herbal creams include tea tree oil, aloe vera, and neem oil, which have antifungal and antibacterial properties.

By using these creams, individuals can find relief from itchy, cracked skin and enjoy improved mobility, reduced discomfort, and a better quality of life.

The following article describes in detail the most important creams for athlete's foot, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.

1. Melaleuca alternifolia

Melaleuca alternifolia, also known as tea tree, creams helps with athlete's foot because of its antimicrobial properties, which effectively combat fungal infections.

The active compound, terpinen-4-ol, has been shown to inhibit the growth of fungi, including those that cause athlete's foot. Additionally, tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce redness, itching, and discomfort associated with the condition.

By applying tea tree oil cream to the affected area, individuals can promote faster healing and reduce the risk of future outbreaks.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Melaleuca alternifolia creams that help with athlete's foot.

• Cineole: Acts as an antifungal and antibacterial agent, helping to eliminate fungal and bacterial infections that cause athlete's foot.
• Methyl eugenol: Possesses antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe and calm the affected skin, reducing redness and itching associated with athlete's foot.
• Terpinen-4-ol: Exhibits potent antifungal activity, inhibiting the growth of fungi that cause athlete's foot, while also promoting the healing of skin lesions and reducing inflammation.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of tea tree used to make creams for athlete's foot.

• Leaves: The leaves are the most commonly used part due to their high oil content, particularly terpinen-4-ol, which has antifungal properties.
• Barks: The barks are used for their antimicrobial properties, which help to prevent the growth of fungi that cause athlete's foot.
• Stems: The stems are also used for their oil content, including terpinen-4-ol, which contributes to the antimicrobial and antifungal properties of the creams.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic tea tree for athlete's foot.

1. Harvest 20-30g of dried melaleuca alternifolia leaves from a trusted supplier or grow them yourself in a controlled environment.
2. Combine the dried leaves with 100ml of carrier oil such as coconut or sweet almond oil in a double boiler.
3. Steep the mixture for 2-3 hours or overnight to allow the herbal properties to infuse into the oil.
4. Strain the oil through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean container to remove the solids.
5. Mix the infused oil with 20-30% beeswax and 10-20% emulsifier to create a smooth and stable cream.

2. Aloe vera

Aloe vera, also known as aloe, creams helps with athlete's foot because of its antifungal and antibacterial properties.

The cream's soothing and moisturizing effects help to calm and soften the skin, reducing irritation and inflammation caused by fungal infections. Additionally, aloe vera's natural compounds, such as aloin and aloe-emodin, have been shown to inhibit the growth of fungal cells, thereby helping to combat the symptoms of athlete's foot and promote healing.

This makes aloe vera a popular and effective remedy for this common condition.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Aloe vera creams that help with athlete's foot.

• Aloe-emodin: Aloe-emodin, a lignan, has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce fungal growth and alleviate symptoms associated with athlete's foot.
• Cinnamaldehyde: Cinnamaldehyde, a phenolic compound, possesses antifungal properties that can inhibit the growth of fungi responsible for athlete's foot, such as Trichophyton and Epidermophyton.
• Aloe-β-sitosterol: Aloe-β-sitosterol, a phytosterol, has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which may help to soothe and protect the skin from further irritation caused by athlete's foot.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of aloe used to make creams for athlete's foot.

• Leaves: Aloe vera gel, extracted from the leaves, is used in creams for athlete's foot due to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Gel (from leaves): The gel is used in creams for athlete's foot as it has antifungal properties that help combat fungal infections.
• Juice (from leaves): The juice is used in creams for athlete's foot due to its antiseptic and antibacterial properties that aid in wound healing and infection prevention.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic aloe for athlete's foot.

1. Gather 2 ounces of fresh aloe vera gel and 2 tablespoons of shea butter in a mixing bowl.
2. Blend 2 ounces of beeswax and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a separate saucepan over low heat.
3. Combine the blended mixture with the aloe vera gel and shea butter in the mixing bowl.
4. Add 2 teaspoons of vitamin e oil and 10 drops of lavender essential oil to the mixture.
5. Pour the mixture into a glass jar and refrigerate for 30 minutes before applying.

3. Calendula officinalis

Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold, creams helps with athlete's foot because of its antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.

The active compounds in Calendula officinalis, such as triterpenoids and flavonoids, work together to reduce fungal growth and soothe irritated skin. Calendula cream creates a barrier on the skin's surface, preventing the fungus from entering and causing further infection.

This natural remedy also helps to reduce inflammation, itchiness, and discomfort associated with athlete's foot, making it a popular alternative treatment for this common condition.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Calendula officinalis creams that help with athlete's foot.

• Triterpenoids: These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help to reduce inflammation, prevent the growth of fungi, and promote healing of the affected skin.
• Phenolic acids: These acids exhibit antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, which inhibit the growth of fungi and bacteria, reduce oxidative stress, and promote tissue repair.
• Flavonoids: These compounds possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help to reduce inflammation, prevent the growth of fungi, and promote wound healing and tissue repair.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of pot marigold used to make creams for athlete's foot.

• Flowers: They are primarily used due to their high content of triterpenoid saponins and flavonoids, which have anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties beneficial for treating athlete's foot.
• Leaves: Leaves are used for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help in soothing and treating fungal infections such as athlete's foot.
• Seeds : Seeds are not used frequently for athlete's foot treatment, however, seeds of Calendula officinalis are used in some herbal remedies and creams.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic pot marigold for athlete's foot.

1. Harvest 20-30 calendula flowers at peak bloom for optimal potency and effectiveness in your herbal cream.
2. Infuse 1 cup of dried calendula flowers in 2 cups of carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil for 2-3 weeks.
3. Strain the infused oil through cheesecloth and discard the solids to obtain a clear oil extract.
4. Mix the calendula oil extract with beeswax and shea butter in a ratio of 1 part calendula to 2 parts wax and butter.
5. Pour the mixture into a double boiler and heat until the beeswax is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.

4. Echinacea angustifolia

Echinacea angustifolia, also known as Kansas coneflower, creams helps with athlete's foot because of its antifungal properties, which combat the fungal infections that cause the condition.

The cream's antimicrobial properties also help to reduce inflammation and promote a healthy environment for the skin to recover. By applying the cream directly to the affected area, individuals can experience relief from the itching, burning, and discomfort associated with athlete's foot.

This natural remedy provides a safe and effective alternative to conventional treatments.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea angustifolia creams that help with athlete's foot.

• Iridoid glycosides: These compounds exhibit antifungal properties, which help combat fungal infections such as athlete's foot by inhibiting the growth of pathogens.
• Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids, particularly caffeic acid and ferulic acid, have been shown to possess antifungal and antibacterial activities, which can aid in controlling the spread of athlete's foot.
• Triterpenoids: Triterpenoids in Echinacea angustifolia may have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate symptoms such as redness, itching, and irritation associated with athlete's foot.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of kansas coneflower used to make creams for athlete's foot.

• Roots: The roots of Echinacea angustifolia are used to make creams for athlete's foot due to their antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Leaves: The leaves of Echinacea angustifolia are used to make creams for athlete's foot due to their antiseptic and antimicrobial properties that help combat fungal infections.
• Rhyzomes: The rhyzomes of Echinacea angustifolia are used to make creams for athlete's foot due to their ability to reduce inflammation and promote wound healing.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic kansas coneflower for athlete's foot.

1. Harvest a sufficient quantity of echinacea angustifolia roots with clean gardening tools in late summer or early fall.
2. Dry the roots in a warm dry place with good air circulation for 7 to 10 days.
3. Grind the dried roots into a fine powder using a coffee grinder or mortar and pestle.
4. Combine the powder with a carrier oil such as coconut oil in a 1:4 ratio by weight and heat the mixture to 150 degrees fahrenheit for 30 minutes.
5. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve and transfer the resulting cream to a glass jar for storage.

5. Glycyrrhiza glabra

Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice, creams helps with athlete's foot because of its antifungal properties.

The active compound, glycyrrhizin, has been shown to inhibit the growth of fungi that cause athlete's foot, such as Trichophyton and Epidermophyton. Additionally, licorice cream has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe and calm irritated skin.

By addressing the fungal infection and reducing inflammation, licorice creams can provide effective relief from the symptoms of athlete's foot, promoting a healthy and comfortable skin environment.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra creams that help with athlete's foot.

• Saponins: These compounds help to reduce fungal growth and inhibit the spread of athlete's foot by creating an environment that is not favorable for fungal proliferation.
• Flavonoids: Flavonoids present in Glycyrrhiza glabra creams have anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties that help to soothe and calm the affected skin, reducing redness and discomfort associated with athlete's foot.
• Glycyrrhizin: This triterpenoid saponin has anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties that help to reduce the severity of athlete's foot symptoms, including itching and scaling, by inhibiting the growth of fungi and reducing inflammation.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make creams for athlete's foot.

• Roots: They contain glycyrrhizin, a compound that has anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, which helps to soothe and heal athlete's foot.
• Leaves: They contain flavonoids and triterpenoids, which have antifungal and antibacterial properties that help to combat fungal infections causing athlete's foot.
• Barks: They contain glycosides and flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties that help to reduce itching and inflammation associated with athlete's foot.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for athlete's foot.

1. Harvest 100 grams of dried glycyrrhiza glabra roots from a reputable source.
2. Infuse 20 grams of the dried roots in 500 milliliters of boiling water for 15 minutes.
3. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth into a clean bowl and discard the solids.
4. Mix 20 grams of beeswax and 10 grams of coconut oil in a double boiler over low heat.
5. Combine the cooled infusion with the melted wax and oil mixture and whip until smooth.

6. Taraxacum officinale

Taraxacum officinale, also known as dandelion, creams helps with athlete's foot because of its potent anti-fungal properties.

The herb's active compounds, such as taraxasterol and inulin, have been shown to inhibit the growth of fungal cells that cause the infection. Additionally, dandelion's antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe and calm the affected skin, reducing redness and discomfort.

As a result, Taraxacum officinale creams can provide effective relief from the symptoms of athlete's foot, promoting healthy skin and preventing the spread of infection.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Taraxacum officinale creams that help with athlete's foot.

• Luteolin: As a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, luteolin helps to reduce inflammation and combat fungal infections that cause athlete's foot.
• Taraxasterol: This triterpenoid saponin has antifungal properties, which help to inhibit the growth of fungi that cause athlete's foot, reducing the severity of the condition.
• Apigenin: This flavonoid has anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, which help to reduce inflammation and combat fungal infections that cause athlete's foot, promoting healing and recovery.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of dandelion used to make creams for athlete's foot.

• Leaves: They contain the highest concentration of saponins, which have antifungal properties that help combat athlete's foot.
• Roots: They are rich in inulin, a polysaccharide that has anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, making them effective in treating athlete's foot.
• Seeds: They contain a high amount of saponins and other bioactive compounds that help reduce fungal infections and soothe skin irritation associated with athlete's foot.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic dandelion for athlete's foot.

1. Harvest 1 cup of fresh taraxacum officinale leaves and flowers from a pesticide-free area for 30 minutes.
2. Combine 1/2 cup of the harvested taraxacum officinale with 1/2 cup of distilled water in a saucepan.
3. Simmer the mixture over low heat for 10 minutes while reducing to 1/4 cup for 20 minutes.
4. Strain the liquid and discard the solids then add 1/4 cup of beeswax and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.
5. Stir the mixture until the beeswax is fully melted and the cream has cooled to room temperature for 30 minutes.

7. Matricaria chamomilla

Matricaria chamomilla, also known as chamomile, creams helps with athlete's foot because of its soothing and antifungal properties.

The active compounds in chamomile, such as apigenin and luteolin, have been shown to inhibit the growth of fungi that cause athlete's foot, including Trichophyton and Epidermophyton species. Additionally, chamomile's anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce redness, itching, and discomfort associated with the condition.

This natural remedy provides a gentle and effective way to alleviate symptoms and promote healing of affected skin.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Matricaria chamomilla creams that help with athlete's foot.

• Apigenin: This flavonoid constituent has anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, which help to soothe and calm the skin affected by athlete's foot, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
• Matricine: This sesquiterpene lactone has antifungal properties, which help to inhibit the growth of fungal pathogens such as Trichophyton rubrum that cause athlete's foot, thereby preventing the spread of the infection.
• Α-bisabolol: This sesquiterpene alcohol has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help to reduce inflammation, prevent bacterial and fungal infections, and promote wound healing in athlete's foot affected skin.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of chamomile used to make creams for athlete's foot.

• Flowers: They are used due to their anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, which help soothe and treat athlete's foot.
• Seeds: They are used due to their antifungal and antiseptic properties, which help combat fungal infections and prevent further growth.
• Leaves: They are used due to their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which help reduce redness and itching associated with athlete's foot.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile for athlete's foot.

1. Harvest 250g of dried matricaria chamomilla flowers in the morning after the dew has evaporated completely.
2. Steep 100g of the dried flowers in 1l of boiling water for 5-7 minutes to make a strong infusion.
3. Strain the infusion through a cheesecloth and discard the solids to obtain a clear liquid.
4. Combine 500ml of the clear liquid with 50g of beeswax and 20g of emulsifying wax in a heat-proof bowl.
5. Heat the mixture over low heat for 10-15 minutes to achieve a smooth and consistent cream texture.

8. Centella asiatica

Centella asiatica, also known as asiatic pennywort, creams helps with athlete's foot because of its potent antifungal and antibacterial properties.

The active compounds in Centella asiatica, such as asiatic acid and madecassic acid, have been shown to inhibit the growth of fungi and bacteria that cause athlete's foot. These compounds also possess anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe and calm irritated skin, reducing discomfort and promoting healthy skin regeneration.

This makes Centella asiatica creams a popular natural remedy for treating and preventing athlete's foot.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Centella asiatica creams that help with athlete's foot.

• Triterpenoids: Triterpenoids, particularly asiatic acid and madecassic acid, have antifungal properties that help combat fungal infections that cause athlete's foot.
• Phenolic compounds: Phenolic compounds in Centella asiatica, such as asiaticoside and madecasoside, exhibit anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that aid in reducing redness, itching, and inflammation associated with athlete's foot.
• Saponins: Saponins, like asiaticoside and centellol, have been shown to exhibit antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects, helping to soothe and heal skin affected by athlete's foot.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of asiatic pennywort used to make creams for athlete's foot.

• Leaves: Used due to their high content of triterpenoid saponins, which have anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties to help combat athlete's foot.
• Stems: Utilized for their triterpenoid saponin content, which aids in reducing inflammation and promoting a healthy environment for skin to recover from athlete's foot.
• Roots: Employed for their rich triterpenoid saponin content, which exhibits antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties to alleviate symptoms of athlete's foot.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic asiatic pennywort for athlete's foot.

1. Harvest 100g of fresh centella asiatica leaves and flowers at dawn or late afternoon to ensure highest potency.
2. Dry the harvested centella asiatica in a cool dark place for 3-5 days to remove excess moisture.
3. Combine 50g of dried centella asiatica with 100g of coconut oil and 20g of beeswax in a double boiler.
4. Heat the mixture over low heat for 30-40 minutes or until it reaches 160-180°f to melt the beeswax.
5. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth and fill into a clean container for storage.

9. Urtica dioica

Urtica dioica, also known as stinging nettle, creams helps with athlete's foot because of its antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.

The cream's active ingredients, such as beta-sitosterol, help to soothe and calm the affected skin, reducing itching and discomfort. Additionally, the cream's antifungal properties work to eliminate the underlying fungal infection, promoting healthy skin growth and reducing the risk of further infection.

This makes Urtica dioica cream a natural and effective treatment option for athlete's foot.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Urtica dioica creams that help with athlete's foot.

• Alkaloids: Alkaloids present in Urtica dioica, specifically stachydrine and protopine, possess antifungal properties that help combat the fungal infections causing athlete's foot.
• Polyphenols: Polyphenols, a type of phenolic compound found in Urtica dioica, exhibit anti-inflammatory and antifungal activities that aid in soothing and healing athlete's foot symptoms.
• Saponins: Saponins, a group of triterpene glycosides in Urtica dioica, display antifungal and antimicrobial properties that help inhibit the growth of fungi and bacteria contributing to athlete's foot.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of stinging nettle used to make creams for athlete's foot.

• Leaves: The leaves are the most commonly used part, due to their high concentration of urtic acid and other bioactive compounds that help combat fungal infections.
• Stems: The stems are also used, as they contain similar compounds to the leaves, making them a suitable alternative for creating athlete's foot creams.
• Roots: The roots are used for their anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, which can help soothe and treat athlete's foot symptoms.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic stinging nettle for athlete's foot.

1. Harvest 30-40 fresh urtica dioica leaves and stems for their medicinal properties in late spring or early summer.
2. Clean the harvested urtica dioica thoroughly with distilled water and filter out any debris or dirt.
3. Steam distill 100g of the cleaned urtica dioica leaves and stems for 30 minutes to release their essential oils.
4. Mix 20g of the obtained urtica dioica essential oil with 80g of a carrier oil such as coconut oil or olive oil.
5. Combine the urtica dioica oil mixture with 100g of a moisturizing base such as shea butter or beeswax and 20g of a preservative.

10. Vaccinium macrocarpon

Vaccinium macrocarpon, also known as highbush cranberry, creams helps with athlete's foot because it contains antifungal properties that target the underlying causes of the infection.

The active compounds in Vaccinium macrocarpon, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, inhibit the growth of fungi like Trichophyton, the primary cause of athlete's foot.

As a result, the cream creates an environment that is less conducive to fungal growth, promoting healing and reducing symptoms of athlete's foot, including itching, burning, and scaling.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Vaccinium macrocarpon creams that help with athlete's foot.

• Anthocyanins: These powerful antioxidants help to reduce inflammation and prevent fungal growth, thereby alleviating symptoms of athlete's foot.
• Quercetin: This flavonoid has antifungal properties that inhibit the growth of fungi causing athlete's foot, such as Trichophyton rubrum and Epidermophyton floccosum.
• Proanthocyanidins: These complex tannins have antifungal and antimicrobial properties that help to combat fungal infections and soothe irritated skin, reducing the severity of athlete's foot symptoms.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of highbush cranberry used to make creams for athlete's foot.

• Leaves: They are used in creams for athlete's foot due to their antimicrobial properties.
• Roots: They are used in creams for athlete's foot due to their antifungal properties.
• Barks: They are used in creams for athlete's foot due to their antifungal properties.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic highbush cranberry for athlete's foot.

1. Harvest 1 cup of vaccinium macrocarpon berries when they are ripe and in season.
2. Dry the berries in a low-temperature oven at 150°f for 6 hours to preserve their properties.
3. Steep 1 tablespoon of dried vaccinium macrocarpon in 1 cup of hot water for 5 minutes.
4. Mix 2 tablespoons of the vaccinium macrocarpon infusion with 2 ounces of beeswax and 2 ounces of coconut oil.
5. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until the beeswax is fully incorporated and melted.

What is the best combination of herbal creams to use for athlete's foot?

The best combination of herbal creams that help with athlete's foot is a blend of Tea Tree Oil, Aloe Vera, and Calendula.

Tea Tree Oil has antifungal properties that combat fungal infections, while Aloe Vera soothes and calms irritated skin. Calendula, rich in anti-inflammatory compounds, accelerates the healing process and reduces redness. This trio works together to provide long-lasting relief and promote a healthy, fungus-free environment for the skin to recover.

Regular application can lead to significant improvement in athlete's foot symptoms.

What ailments similar to athlete's foot are treated with herbal creams?

Ailments similar to athlete's foot that are treated with herbal creams are fungal infections such as ringworm, jock itch, and toenail fungus.

These conditions are caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments, just like athlete's foot.

Herbal creams containing ingredients like tea tree oil, aloe vera, and lavender oil have antifungal properties that help combat these infections, providing relief from itching, redness, and irritation.