10 Best Herbal Creams For Fungal Skin Infection

Herbal creams for fungal skin infection are topical treatments that utilize plant extracts to combat fungal infections on the skin.

These creams help to inhibit the growth of fungi, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Examples of herbal creams include tea tree oil and aloe vera creams, which have been shown to effectively treat fungal infections such as athlete's foot and ringworm.

By using these creams, individuals can alleviate symptoms and improve their quality of life, reducing discomfort and preventing further infection.

The following article describes in detail the most important creams for fungal skin infection, 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 fungal skin infection because of its potent antimicrobial properties.

The cream's active compound, terpinen-4-ol, has been shown to inhibit the growth of fungi such as Candida and dermatophytes. This leads to a reduction in fungal load, alleviating symptoms like itching, redness, and inflammation. The cream's ability to penetrate deep into the skin allows for effective treatment of fungal infections, promoting a faster recovery and healthier skin.

It's a natural and effective solution for fungal skin infections.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Melaleuca alternifolia creams that help with fungal skin infection.

• Terpinen-4-ol: It helps combat fungal skin infections by disrupting the cell membrane of fungal organisms, ultimately leading to their death.
• Cineole: This constituent exhibits antifungal properties by inhibiting the growth of fungal cells and reducing the production of fungal toxins.
• Α-terpineol: It has been shown to exhibit antifungal activity by damaging the cell membrane of fungal organisms and preventing them from reproducing.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of tea tree used to make creams for fungal skin infection.

• Leaves: Rich in essential oils, particularly tea tree oil, which has antimicrobial properties that help combat fungal infections.
• Stems: Similar to leaves, stems also contain tea tree oil and other beneficial compounds that aid in fighting fungal infections.
• Buds: Buds are another source of tea tree oil, which is used to create creams that help soothe and heal fungal skin infections.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic tea tree for fungal skin infection.

1. Harvest 20-30 pounds of fresh melaleuca alternifolia leaves from mature plants in early morning.
2. Dry the leaves in a single layer at 100°f to 150°f for 24 to 48 hours.
3. Infuse 1 cup of dried leaves in 2 cups of carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil at 100°f to 150°f for 2 to 4 weeks.
4. Strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean container.
5. Mix 1 part of the infused oil with 1 part of beeswax and 1 part of distilled water in a double boiler to create a smooth cream.

2. Olea europaea

Olea europaea, also known as olive, creams helps with fungal skin infection because of its antimicrobial and antifungal properties.

The cream's active compounds, such as oleuropein, possess a potent ability to inhibit the growth of fungi and other microorganisms that cause skin infections. This makes Olea europaea creams an effective remedy for treating conditions like athlete's foot, ringworm, and other fungal skin infections, promoting healthy skin and reducing inflammation.

Its natural and non-irritating properties also make it a popular choice for sensitive skin.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Olea europaea creams that help with fungal skin infection.

• Oleuropein: This secoiridoid phenolic compound has been shown to possess antifungal properties, helping to inhibit the growth of fungal pathogens and alleviate symptoms of fungal skin infections.
• Vitamin e: As an antioxidant, vitamin E helps protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by fungal infections, promoting wound healing and reducing inflammation.
• Squalene: This triterpene has been found to exhibit antifungal activity, disrupting the cell membrane of fungal pathogens and preventing the spread of infection.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of olive used to make creams for fungal skin infection.

• Leaves: Olea europaea leaves are used due to their antifungal and antimicrobial properties, which help combat fungal infections.
• Fruits: Olea europaea fruits, also known as olives, contain compounds that exhibit antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, making them suitable for treating fungal skin infections.
• Barks: Olea europaea barks are used due to their rich antioxidant and antifungal content, which helps in soothing and treating fungal skin infections.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic olive for fungal skin infection.

1. Combine 100 grams of cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil with 50 grams of beeswax in a small saucepan.
2. Heat the mixture over low heat while gently stirring with a spatula for 10 minutes.
3. Add 20 grams of dried olea europaea leaves and 10 grams of dried olea europaea flowers to the mixture.
4. Continue heating the mixture for another 10 minutes while stirring occasionally with a spatula.
5. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a clean glass container to create the final cream.

3. Azadirachta indica

Azadirachta indica, also known as neem, creams helps with fungal skin infection because of its potent antifungal properties.

Neem has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of skin issues, including fungal infections. The active compounds present in neem, such as nimbin and nimandial, have been shown to inhibit the growth of fungi, thereby reducing the severity of the infection.

Additionally, neem creams have anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe and calm the affected skin.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Azadirachta indica creams that help with fungal skin infection.

• Azadirachtin: This triterpenoid acts as an antifungal agent by inhibiting the growth and development of fungal cells, thereby preventing the spread of fungal infections.
• Melanin: The melanin present in Azadirachta indica has antioxidant and antifungal properties, which help to reduce oxidative stress and inhibit the growth of fungal pathogens on the skin.
• Quercetin: This flavonoid acts as an antifungal and anti-inflammatory agent by inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators and preventing the adhesion of fungal cells to the skin surface.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of neem used to make creams for fungal skin infection.

• Seeds: Their oil, also known as neem oil, is commonly used due to its antifungal and antimicrobial properties.
• Leaves: They are used for their ability to combat fungal infections, thanks to their high concentration of neem's active compounds.
• Barks: The bark of Azadirachta indica contains compounds that have antifungal and antibacterial properties, making it effective in treating fungal skin infections.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic neem for fungal skin infection.

1. Harvest 500g of azadirachta indica leaves and flowers in the early morning when they are at their highest potency.
2. Dry the harvested leaves and flowers in a warm place for 3-5 days to prevent microbial growth.
3. Grind the dried leaves and flowers into a fine powder using a coffee grinder or spice grinder.
4. Mix 20g of the powder with 100g of coconut oil in a double boiler over low heat for 30 minutes.
5. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth and store the resulting azadirachta indica cream in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

4. Echinacea angustifolia

Echinacea angustifolia, also known as Kansas coneflower, creams helps with fungal skin infection because of its rich antifungal and antibacterial properties.

The herb is known to inhibit the growth of fungi and bacteria, which causes the infection. The cream's active compounds, such as echinacoside and alkylamides, work together to soothe and calm the affected skin, promoting a healthy environment for the skin to recover.

This natural remedy offers an effective alternative for treating fungal skin infections, providing relief and promoting skin healing.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea angustifolia creams that help with fungal skin infection.

• Iridoid glycosides: These compounds have been shown to exhibit antifungal activity, which can help combat fungal skin infections by inhibiting the growth and proliferation of fungal pathogens.
• Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids, such as caffeic acid and ferulic acid, possess antioxidant and antifungal properties that can help reduce oxidative stress and fungal growth on the skin, ultimately alleviating fungal skin infections.
• Alkylamides: These compounds have been found to exhibit antifungal activity by disrupting the cell membrane of fungal pathogens, thereby inhibiting their growth and proliferation on the skin.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of kansas coneflower used to make creams for fungal skin infection.

• Roots: They contain echinacoside, a compound that exhibits antimicrobial properties, helping to combat fungal infections.
• Rhyzomes: They have a higher concentration of alkylamides, which have been shown to have antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, making them effective in treating skin infections.
• Leaves: They contain various flavonoids and phenolic acids with potential antifungal and antioxidant properties, contributing to the effectiveness of creams for fungal skin infections.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic kansas coneflower for fungal skin infection.

1. Harvest fresh or dried echinacea angustifolia roots in late summer or early fall when roots are fully matured.
2. Dry the harvested echinacea roots in a single layer for 1-2 weeks to reduce moisture content.
3. Steep 1 cup of dried echinacea roots in 2 cups of boiling water for 5-10 minutes to create a strong infusion.
4. Strain the echinacea infusion and mix it with 1/2 cup of beeswax and 1/4 cup of coconut oil to create a base.
5. Whip the base mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy then pour it into a glass jar for storage.

5. Calendula officinalis

Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold, creams helps with fungal skin infection because of its potent antifungal and antimicrobial properties.

The active compounds in Calendula, such as triterpenoids and carotenoids, exhibit strong inhibitory effects against fungi like Candida and dermatophytes. These compounds also promote wound healing and reduce inflammation, creating an environment that is less conducive to fungal growth.

This makes Calendula creams an effective topical treatment for fungal skin infections, promoting a rapid recovery and alleviating symptoms.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Calendula officinalis creams that help with fungal skin infection.

• Triterpenoids: These compounds have been found to exhibit antifungal activity by inhibiting the growth of fungi and preventing them from penetrating the skin.
• Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids in Calendula officinalis have been shown to possess antimicrobial properties, which help in fighting fungal infections by preventing the spread of fungi and promoting wound healing.
• Nordihydroguaiaretic acid: NDGA is a phenolic compound that has been found to exhibit antifungal activity by interfering with the cell membrane of fungi, ultimately leading to their death and prevention of fungal skin infections.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of pot marigold used to make creams for fungal skin infection.

• Flowers: They are the most commonly used part due to their high concentration of bioactive compounds, including triterpenoids and carotenoids, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Leaves: They are used in combination with flowers to provide a more holistic approach to treating fungal skin infections, as they contain a different set of bioactive compounds that complement the effects of the flowers.
• Seeds: They are sometimes used in addition to flowers and leaves to enhance the effectiveness of the cream, as they contain a unique set of bioactive compounds that may have synergistic effects with the other plant parts.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic pot marigold for fungal skin infection.

1. Infuse 10 grams of dried calendula flowers in 200 ml of carrier oil like sweet almond oil for 2 hours at room temperature.
2. Strain the mixture using a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass container to discard solids.
3. Combine 20 grams of beeswax and 50 grams of coconut oil in a double boiler to melt the beeswax.
4. Mix 10 grams of the infused oil with 10 grams of shea butter and 20 grams of melted beeswax mixture.
5. Pour the final mixture into glass jars and let it cool and solidify completely at room temperature.

6. Pelargonium graveolens

Pelargonium graveolens, also known as geranium, creams helps with fungal skin infection because of its antifungal properties.

The active compounds in this plant, such as geraniol and linalool, possess potent antifungal activity that targets and inhibits the growth of fungal pathogens. These compounds work by disrupting the cell membrane of fungal cells, ultimately leading to their death.

This action helps in reducing the severity of fungal skin infections, including conditions like athlete's foot and ringworm, and promoting a healthy balance of skin microflora.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Pelargonium graveolens creams that help with fungal skin infection.

• Linalool: Linalool, a terpene, helps with fungal skin infections by exhibiting antifungal properties that inhibit the growth of fungal pathogens, such as Candida albicans.
• Geraniol: Geraniol, a terpene, helps with fungal skin infections by displaying antimicrobial activity, which reduces the fungal load and prevents further colonization.
• Rosmarinic acid: Rosmarinic acid, a phenolic compound, helps with fungal skin infections by exhibiting antioxidant and antifungal properties, which protect the skin from oxidative stress and inhibit fungal growth.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of geranium used to make creams for fungal skin infection.

• Leaves: Used due to their high concentration of geraniol, which has antifungal and antimicrobial properties.
• Flowers: Utilized for their essential oils, which contain geraniol and linalool, compounds with antifungal and antiseptic properties.
• Stems: Employed for their leaves' secondary growth and for the essential oils they produce, which have similar antifungal properties as the leaves and flowers.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic geranium for fungal skin infection.

1. Harvest 100g of dried pelargonium graveolens leaves and flowers at their peak potency for optimal aroma release.
2. Steep the dried herb in 500ml of carrier oil such as sweet almond oil at 60-70°c for 2 weeks.
3. Strain the oil mixture through a cheesecloth into a clean glass container to separate the solids from the liquid.
4. Add 50g of beeswax and 20g of shea butter to the infused oil mixture and heat it gently until the waxes melt.
5. Pour the warm mixture into tin containers and allow it to cool and solidify before use as a topical cream.

7. Thymus vulgaris

Thymus vulgaris, also known as thyme, creams helps with fungal skin infection because of its potent antifungal properties.

The active compounds in thyme, such as carvacrol and thymol, have been shown to inhibit the growth of fungi, reducing the severity of the infection. Thyme creams also promote a healthy skin environment, reducing inflammation and promoting the body's natural healing process. This makes thyme a popular natural remedy for fungal skin infections, providing relief and promoting recovery.

Its antifungal properties make it an effective solution.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Thymus vulgaris creams that help with fungal skin infection.

• Carvacrol: Carvacrol has antifungal properties that inhibit the growth of fungi by disrupting cell membrane integrity, thereby preventing fungal infections.
• Thymol: Thymol has antimicrobial and antifungal properties that help reduce fungal load and prevent infection by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, an essential component of fungal cell membranes.
• Rosmarinic acid: Rosmarinic acid has antioxidant and antifungal properties that help reduce oxidative stress and prevent fungal growth by inhibiting the production of fungal toxins and interfering with fungal cell membrane function.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of thyme used to make creams for fungal skin infection.

• Leaves: They are the primary source of thymol, a natural antifungal compound used to treat fungal infections.
• Buds: Containing essential oils, buds help to create a protective barrier against fungal growth and promote skin healing.
• Seeds: Rich in thymol and other bioactive compounds, seeds are used to develop creams that combat fungal infections effectively.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic thyme for fungal skin infection.

1. Harvest 1 cup of fresh thymus vulgaris leaves by cutting them just above the node using scissors.
2. Steam distill the leaves to extract the essential oil for 2 hours using a steam distillation apparatus.
3. Mix 100g of beeswax and 100g of shea butter in a double boiler to melt.
4. Combine the essential oil with 100ml of distilled water and 50ml of aloe vera gel in a bowl.
5. Blend the essential oil mixture with the melted beeswax mixture to create a uniform cream texture.

8. Lavandula angustifolia

Lavandula angustifolia, also known as English lavender, creams helps with fungal skin infection because of its antifungal and antibacterial properties.

The active compounds present in lavender, such as linalool and linalyl acetate, exhibit potent antifungal activity against a range of fungi, including those that cause athlete's foot and ringworm. Additionally, lavender's anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce redness, swelling, and itching associated with fungal skin infections, promoting a faster recovery and soothing relief.

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

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia creams that help with fungal skin infection.

• Linalool: It acts as an antifungal agent, inhibiting the growth of fungi such as Trichophyton and Candida, which are common causes of fungal skin infections.
• Lavandulol: This terpene has antimicrobial properties, helping to reduce the severity of fungal infections by inhibiting the development of fungal cells.
• Caffeic acid: It exhibits antifungal activity by disrupting the cell membrane of fungal cells, ultimately preventing the spread of fungal infections.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of english lavender used to make creams for fungal skin infection.

• Flowers: They contain essential oils with antimicrobial properties that help combat fungal infections.
• Leaves: They contain antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds that aid in soothing and healing fungal-infected skin.
• Stems: They contain flavonoids and other compounds with antifungal properties that help reduce fungal growth and inflammation.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic english lavender for fungal skin infection.

1. Harvest 1 pound of dried lavandula angustifolia flowers for use in cream production.
2. Combine 1 cup of distilled water with 1/4 cup of beeswax in a double boiler.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of dried lavandula angustifolia flowers to the double boiler mixture.
4. Remove from heat and let infuse for 2 hours then strain the mixture through a cheesecloth.
5. Whip 1/2 cup of shea butter with 1/4 cup of coconut oil to create a smooth cream.

9. Salvia officinalis

Salvia officinalis, also known as sage, creams helps with fungal skin infection because of its antimicrobial and antifungal properties.

The active compounds in sage, such as tannins and phenolic acids, have been shown to inhibit the growth of fungi and bacteria that cause skin infections. Additionally, sage's anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe and calm the skin, reducing redness and irritation.

Its antifungal properties help to combat fungal infections, such as athlete's foot and ringworm, by reducing the fungal load and promoting a healthy skin environment.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Salvia officinalis creams that help with fungal skin infection.

• Ursolic acid: A triterpenoid with potent antimicrobial properties, including antifungal activity, which helps inhibit the growth of fungal pathogens on the skin.
• Rosmarinic acid: A phenolic compound with strong antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, including antifungal effects, which can help reduce fungal growth and inflammation on the skin.
• Salvianolic acid a: A phenolic compound with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, including antifungal activity, which may help prevent the spread of fungal infections on the skin.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of sage used to make creams for fungal skin infection.

• Leaves: The leaves of Salvia officinalis are rich in antioxidants and possess antimicrobial properties, making them effective in combating fungal infections.
• Stems: The stems of Salvia officinalis contain rosmarinic acid, which has been shown to exhibit antifungal and antibacterial activities, helping to treat fungal skin infections.
• Barks: The bark of Salvia officinalis contains compounds like tannins and flavonoids, which have been found to possess antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful in treating fungal skin infections.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic sage for fungal skin infection.

1. Harvest fresh salvia officinalis leaves in the morning after the dew has evaporated and before the heat of the day sets in.
2. Steep 30 grams of fresh salvia officinalis leaves in 1 liter of distilled water at 80°c for 10 minutes.
3. Strain the liquid mixture through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass container to remove solids.
4. Combine the infused liquid with 200 grams of distilled water and 20 grams of beeswax in a double boiler setup.
5. Stir the mixture continuously until the beeswax has fully dissolved and the mixture has cooled to a temperature suitable for pouring into containers.

10. Zingiber officinale

Zingiber officinale, also known as ginger, creams helps with fungal skin infection because of its antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.

The active compounds in ginger, such as gingerol and shogaol, have been shown to inhibit the growth of fungi, including those that cause infections like athlete's foot and ringworm. Additionally, ginger's anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce redness, swelling, and pain associated with fungal skin infections, promoting faster healing and relief from discomfort.

This makes ginger creams a promising natural remedy for treating fungal skin infections.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale creams that help with fungal skin infection.

• Gingerols: Gingerols are a group of phenolic compounds that exhibit antifungal properties by inhibiting the growth of fungi, thereby reducing the severity of fungal skin infections.
• Shogaols: Shogaols, similar to gingerols, possess antifungal properties that help combat fungal skin infections by disrupting the fungal cell membrane and preventing the production of fungal toxins.
• Zingiberene: Zingiberene, a sesquiterpene, has been shown to have antifungal activity by reducing the expression of genes involved in fungal cell wall synthesis, ultimately inhibiting the growth of fungi and alleviating fungal skin infections.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of ginger used to make creams for fungal skin infection.

• Rhyzomes: The most used part of Zingiber officinale in creams for fungal skin infections is the Rhyzomes, as they contain high concentrations of gingerols and shogaols, which have antifungal properties.
• Roots: The Roots of Zingiber officinale are also used in creams for fungal skin infections due to their ability to inhibit the growth of fungi and promote healing of infected skin.
• Barks: The Barks of Zingiber officinale are sometimes used in creams for fungal skin infections, as they contain flavonoids and phenolic acids that exhibit antifungal and antimicrobial properties.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginger for fungal skin infection.

1. Harvest 20g of dried zingiber officinale root and grind it into a fine powder using a spice grinder.
2. Combine 20g of the powdered root with 10g of beeswax and 10g of coconut oil in a double boiler.
3. Heat the mixture over low heat for 10 minutes while stirring occasionally to ensure even melting.
4. Remove the double boiler from the heat and let the mixture cool to around 35°c before whipping it.
5. Whip the mixture for 5 minutes using a hand mixer until it thickens into a smooth cream.

What is the best combination of herbal creams to use for fungal skin infection?

The best combination of herbal creams that help with fungal skin infection is a blend of tea tree oil, aloe vera, and neem.

Tea tree oil has antifungal properties that combat the infection, while aloe vera soothes and calms the skin. Neem, rich in antimicrobial agents, helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing. This synergistic combination can effectively reduce fungal symptoms and promote a healthy recovery.

Regular application of this blend can lead to improved skin health and a reduced risk of fungal infection recurrence.

What ailments similar to fungal skin infection are treated with herbal creams?

Ailments similar to fungal skin infection that are treated with herbal creams are acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

Herbal creams containing ingredients like tea tree oil, chamomile, and aloe vera can help soothe and calm these conditions.

These creams may reduce inflammation, prevent bacterial growth, and promote healing, offering natural relief from symptoms such as redness, itching, and irritation.