By Leen Randell
Updated: Jul 19, 2024
10 Best Herbal Creams For Ringworm
Herbal creams for ringworm are topical treatments made from natural herbs and plants that help soothe and heal the affected skin.
These creams work by reducing inflammation, promoting skin regeneration, and preventing the spread of the fungus. Examples of herbal creams that help with ringworm include tea tree oil, aloe vera, and calendula.
By using these creams, individuals can effectively manage ringworm, reducing symptoms and improving their quality of life.
The following article describes in detail the most important creams for ringworm, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
- 1. Melaleuca alternifolia
- 2. Aloe vera
- 3. Azadirachta indica
- 4. Calendula officinalis
- 5. Glycyrrhiza glabra
- 6. Olea europaea
- 7. Allium sativum
- 8. Zingiber officinale
- 9. Echinacea angustifolia
- 10. Curcuma longa
- What is the best combination of herbal creams to use for ringworm?
- What ailments similar to ringworm are treated with herbal creams?
1. Melaleuca alternifolia
Melaleuca alternifolia, also known as tea tree, creams helps with ringworm because of its potent antifungal properties.
The active compound, terpinen-4-ol, has been shown to effectively combat fungal infections, including ringworm. When applied topically, tea tree oil cream can help to reduce inflammation, soothe skin irritation, and inhibit the growth of the fungus that causes ringworm. Its antibacterial properties also help to prevent secondary infections, promoting a faster recovery and reducing the risk of scarring.
As a result, tea tree oil cream has become a popular natural remedy for ringworm treatment.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Melaleuca alternifolia creams that help with ringworm.
- Cineole: This terpene has antimicrobial and antifungal properties that help to inhibit the growth of fungi causing ringworm, thereby promoting its healing.
- Cymene: This monoterpene exhibits antifungal activity, which aids in the reduction of fungal infections and the resolution of symptoms associated with ringworm.
- Terpinen-4-ol: This terpene has potent antifungal properties that help to inhibit the proliferation of fungi, facilitate the healing process, and reduce inflammation associated with ringworm.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of tea tree used to make creams for ringworm.
- Leaves: They are rich in tea tree oil, which has antifungal properties that help combat ringworm.
- Seeds: Not much information is known about the seeds, however seeds are sometimes used in herbal remedies.
- Roots: The roots of Melaleuca alternifolia contain compounds that have antifungal and antibacterial properties, which can aid in treating ringworm.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic tea tree for ringworm.
- Harvest 100g of fresh leaves of melaleuca alternifolia at peak oil content and dry them using a food dehydrator at 40°c for 8 hours.
- Weigh 20g of the dried leaves and grind them into a fine powder using a coffee grinder.
- Combine 50g of beeswax, 20g of candelilla wax, and 10g of coconut oil in a double boiler and melt at 60-70°c for 30 minutes.
- Add the ground plant material to the melted wax mixture and stir well to combine, then remove from heat.
- Allow the mixture to cool and solidify at room temperature for 2 hours before whipping it into a smooth cream using an electric mixer.
2. Aloe vera
Aloe vera, also known as aloe, creams helps with ringworm because of its antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
The gel extracted from the aloe plant contains compounds like aloin and aloe-emodin, which have been shown to inhibit the growth of fungal infections, including ringworm. Additionally, aloe vera's soothing and moisturizing effects help to reduce redness, itching, and discomfort associated with ringworm, promoting a faster recovery and healing process.
This natural remedy has been used for centuries to treat various skin conditions, including ringworm.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Aloe vera creams that help with ringworm.
- Aloe-emodin: Aloe-emodin, a anthraquinone compound, has been shown to exhibit antifungal properties, which can help inhibit the growth of fungal pathogens that cause ringworm.
- Saponins: Saponins, a type of triterpenoid glycoside, possess antimicrobial and antifungal properties, allowing them to help combat fungal infections such as ringworm by disrupting the fungal cell membrane.
- Vitamins e and c: Vitamins E and C, antioxidants present in Aloe vera, can help reduce inflammation and promote wound healing, which can aid in the recovery from ringworm infections.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of aloe used to make creams for ringworm.
- Leaves: The leaves contain a high concentration of aloe vera's active compounds, including glycerin, vitamins, and minerals, which soothe and heal skin irritations.
- Gel from leaves: The gel extracted from the leaves has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that help to reduce inflammation and prevent infection in ringworm.
- Sap from leaves: The sap or juice of the Aloe vera leaves contains a combination of enzymes, vitamins, and minerals that promote skin healing and reduce redness associated with ringworm.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic aloe for ringworm.
- Sterilize your equipment and workspace by washing with soap and water then sanitizing with alcohol for 5 minutes.
- Combine 100 grams of aloe vera gel with 50 grams of coconut oil and 10 grams of beeswax in a double boiler.
- Heat the mixture over low heat for 10 minutes or until the beeswax has melted and the mixture is well combined.
- Remove the mixture from the heat and add 10 grams of vitamin e oil and 5 grams of preservative then mix well.
- Pour the mixture into sterile jars and allow it to cool and set for at least 30 minutes before use.
3. Azadirachta indica
Azadirachta indica, also known as neem, creams helps with ringworm because of its potent antifungal and antiseptic properties.
The active compounds in neem, such as azadirachtin and nimbin, have been shown to inhibit the growth of fungal pathogens that cause ringworm. These compounds also promote healing and reduce inflammation, making neem creams an effective natural remedy for treating ringworm.
Additionally, neem's ability to boost the immune system helps the body fight off the infection, leading to faster recovery and reduced risk of recurrence.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Azadirachta indica creams that help with ringworm.
- Sesquiterpenes: These compounds have potent antifungal properties, which help to inhibit the growth of ringworm-causing fungi such as Trichophyton and Microsporum.
- Azadirachtin: This alkaloid has antifungal, antibacterial, and antiparasitic properties, making it effective in treating ringworm by preventing fungal spore germination and suppressing fungal growth.
- Quercetin: This flavonoid has anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, which help to reduce inflammation, itching, and redness associated with ringworm, while also inhibiting the growth of ringworm-causing fungi.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of neem used to make creams for ringworm.
- Seeds: They are used due to their high concentration of azadirachtin, a compound that exhibits antifungal properties.
- Leaves: They are used due to their content of limonoids and terpenoids, which have been shown to have antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Barks: They are used due to their content of flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids that exhibit antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic neem for ringworm.
- Extract 20 grams of azadirachta indica leaves and 10 grams of its roots using 500 ml of neutral oil for 2 hours.
- Filter the oil extract through a coffee filter to remove impurities and sediment for 30 minutes.
- Combine the filtered oil extract with 20 grams of beeswax and 10 grams of emulsifying wax in a double boiler.
- Heat the mixture at 70-80 degrees celsius for 30 minutes to melt the waxes and blend the ingredients.
- Pour the hot mixture into a mold and let it set at room temperature for 2 hours.
4. Calendula officinalis
Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold, creams helps with ringworm because of its potent anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties.
The cream's active compounds, such as triterpenoids and sesquiterpenes, have been shown to inhibit the growth of fungal pathogens, including those that cause ringworm. Calendula's natural soothing properties also help to reduce itching, redness, and inflammation, promoting a healthy and balanced environment for skin healing.
As a result, the cream can aid in the effective treatment and management of ringworm infections.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Calendula officinalis creams that help with ringworm.
- Carotenoids: These pigments have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce fungal infection and alleviate symptoms associated with ringworm.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids in Calendula officinalis have been shown to possess antifungal properties, inhibiting the growth of fungi that cause ringworm and promoting a healthy environment for skin recovery.
- Nascent oxygen: Released from the action of saponins in Calendula officinalis, nascent oxygen helps to kill fungal spores and bacteria that cause ringworm, promoting a clean and healthy environment for skin regeneration.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of pot marigold used to make creams for ringworm.
- Flowers: They are used to make creams for ringworm due to their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
- Leaves: They are used to make creams for ringworm due to their antimicrobial properties.
- Seeds: They are used to make creams for ringworm due to their antifungal properties, which help combat fungal infections like ringworm.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic pot marigold for ringworm.
- Harvest 1 pound of fresh calendula flowers on a sunny day when in full bloom.
- Infuse 2 cups of calendula flowers in 4 cups of carrier oil like sweet almond oil at 6 hours.
- Strain the infused mixture through cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean container at 30 minutes.
- Mix 1/2 cup of the infused oil with 1/4 cup of beeswax and 2 tablespoons of shea butter at 10 minutes.
- Whisk the mixture until it thickens and pour it into a tin container for storage at 20 minutes.
5. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice, creams helps with ringworm because of its antifungal properties.
The active compounds in Glycyrrhiza glabra, such as glycyrrhizin and saponins, inhibit the growth of fungal pathogens that cause ringworm. These compounds also have anti-inflammatory and soothing effects, which help to reduce itching, redness, and skin irritation associated with ringworm.
By applying Glycyrrhiza glabra creams to the affected area, individuals can experience relief from ringworm symptoms and promote faster healing.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra creams that help with ringworm.
- Liquiritin apioside: This triterpenoid saponin has antifungal properties, which help to inhibit the growth of fungal pathogens that cause ringworm.
- Glycyrrhizin: This triterpenoid saponin has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which help to soothe and heal the skin affected by ringworm, as well as prevent further infection.
- Flavonoids: These polyphenolic compounds have antifungal and antioxidant properties, which help to protect the skin from oxidative stress and fungal infections that cause ringworm.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make creams for ringworm.
- Roots: They are used due to their high content of glycyrrhizin, which has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Leaves: They are used as they possess antifungal properties that help combat ringworm infection.
- Barks: They are used because of their antimicrobial properties, which aid in preventing the growth of the fungus causing ringworm.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for ringworm.
- Harvest 50g of glycyrrhiza glabra roots dried in a cool dark place for 14 days.
- Grind the dried roots into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle for 10 minutes.
- Mix 100g of powdered glycyrrhiza glabra with 500g of beeswax and 200g of coconut oil in a double boiler.
- Heat the mixture in the double boiler for 30 minutes or until the beeswax and coconut oil melt.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a clean container and let it cool to room temperature.
6. Olea europaea
Olea europaea, also known as olive, creams helps with ringworm because of its antifungal properties, which combat the fungal infections that cause the condition.
The active compounds in olive oil, such as oleuropein, possess potent antibacterial and antifungal agents that effectively reduce inflammation and promote healing. Additionally, olive oil's moisturizing properties soothe and calm the affected skin, creating a favorable environment for the skin to recover from the infection.
This makes olive cream an effective remedy for ringworm treatment.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Olea europaea creams that help with ringworm.
- Oleanolic acid: A triterpenoid saponin that has been shown to exhibit antifungal activity, which can help combat the fungal infections associated with ringworm.
- Tyrosol: A phenolic compound with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, which could help reduce oxidative stress and inhibit the growth of fungal pathogens causing ringworm.
- Oleuropein: A secoiridoid glycoside with antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe skin irritation, reduce inflammation, and inhibit the growth of fungal pathogens causing ringworm.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of olive used to make creams for ringworm.
- Leaves: Used due to their antifungal properties, which help combat ringworm infection.
- Seeds: Utilized because they contain squalene, a natural compound with antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties that aid in ringworm treatment.
- Barks: Employed for their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe and heal the affected skin area.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic olive for ringworm.
- Harvest 50g of olea europaea leaves and 20g of olea europaea flowers on a sunny day at 10 am.
- Infuse 50g of olea europaea leaves and 20g of olea europaea flowers in 500ml of hot water for 30 minutes.
- Strain the infusion through a cheesecloth and discard the solids in a compost bin immediately.
- Combine 150g of beeswax and 100g of olive oil in a double boiler and heat for 20 minutes.
- Mix the infused liquid with 200g of aloe vera gel and 50g of the melted beeswax mixture thoroughly.
7. Allium sativum
Allium sativum, also known as garlic, creams helps with ringworm because of its antifungal properties.
The active compounds in garlic, such as allicin, have been shown to inhibit the growth of fungal infections, including ringworm. The cream's antifungal properties help to reduce the severity of symptoms and promote healing. Additionally, garlic's antibacterial properties help to prevent secondary infections, making it a popular natural remedy for ringworm.
Its effectiveness and safety make it a preferred option for treating ringworm.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Allium sativum creams that help with ringworm.
- Allicin: It exhibits antifungal and antibacterial properties, which help to inhibit the growth of fungal pathogens that cause ringworm.
- Allixin: This compound has been shown to possess antifungal and antiviral activities, contributing to its effectiveness against ringworm-causing fungi.
- Sulfur-containing compounds: These compounds, including methyl allyl disulfide and diallyl trisulfide, have been found to have antifungal properties, which help to combat ringworm infections.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of garlic used to make creams for ringworm.
- Rhyzomes: Rhyzomes are used as they contain compounds with antifungal properties, which help combat ringworm infections.
- Leaves: Leaves are used due to their antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which help in treating and preventing the spread of ringworm.
- Buds: Buds are used as they contain compounds with antiseptic and antifungal properties, which aid in treating and reducing the severity of ringworm infections.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic garlic for ringworm.
- Harvest fresh allium sativum bulbs and wash them thoroughly in cold running water for 5 minutes.
- Chop the bulbs into small pieces using a sharp knife and weigh out 10 grams.
- Combine the chopped allium sativum with 20 grams of beeswax and 10 milliliters of coconut oil in a double boiler.
- Heat the mixture over low heat for 30 minutes stirring occasionally until the beeswax has melted.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a clean container and store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
8. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale, also known as ginger, creams helps with ringworm because of its antifungal properties.
The active compounds in ginger, such as gingerol and shogaol, have been shown to inhibit the growth of fungi that cause ringworm. The cream's soothing and anti-inflammatory properties also help to reduce itching and discomfort associated with ringworm, promoting a faster healing process. This makes ginger creams a popular natural remedy for treating ringworm, particularly in children and individuals with sensitive skin.
Regular application can lead to improved symptoms and faster recovery.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale creams that help with ringworm.
- Gingerols: These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, which help reduce inflammation and combat fungal infections associated with ringworm.
- Zingiberene: As a sesquiterpene compound, zingiberene exhibits antifungal and antimicrobial activities, which can inhibit the growth of fungi causing ringworm, thus promoting healing and recovery.
- Gingerol-6 and gingerol-8: These compounds possess potent antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, which help in reducing the severity of ringworm symptoms and promoting the healing of affected skin areas.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of ginger used to make creams for ringworm.
- Rhyzomes: Rhyzomes are the most commonly used part due to their high concentration of compounds like gingerols and shogaols, which have anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties.
- Roots: Roots are another commonly used part, as they also contain gingerols and shogaols, which help to soothe and heal the skin affected by ringworm.
- Barks: Barks are sometimes used in traditional medicine, and in the case of Zingiber officinale, they may be used to make creams for ringworm due to their potential antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginger for ringworm.
- Harvest 2-3 ounces of fresh zingiber officinale rhizomes and wash them thoroughly under running cold water.
- Grind 1 tablespoon of the washed zingiber officinale into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle for 2 minutes.
- Combine 1 tablespoon of the powdered zingiber officinale with 2 tablespoons of beeswax and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a double boiler.
- Heat the mixture over low heat for 10-15 minutes or until the beeswax and coconut oil have fully melted.
- Stir the mixture well and let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container for storage.
9. Echinacea angustifolia
Echinacea angustifolia, also known as Kansas coneflower, creams helps with ringworm because of its anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties.
The root of the plant contains compounds that inhibit the growth of fungal infections, such as ringworm, and reduce inflammation and itching associated with the condition. The cream can be applied topically to the affected area, allowing the Echinacea angustifolia to directly target the infection and promote healing.
This natural remedy offers 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 ringworm.
- Iridoid glycosides: Help to inhibit the growth of fungi and other microorganisms that cause ringworm by disrupting their cell membranes and interfering with their metabolic processes.
- Tannins: Contribute to the antifungal and antimicrobial properties of Echinacea angustifolia by binding to and inactivating enzymes and proteins essential for fungal growth and survival.
- Alkylphenol glycosides: Possess antifungal and antimicrobial properties that may help to reduce the severity and duration of ringworm by inhibiting the growth of fungi and other microorganisms that cause the infection.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of kansas coneflower used to make creams for ringworm.
- Roots: They contain a high concentration of compounds with antifungal and antibacterial properties, making them effective against ringworm.
- Leaves: They have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe and calm the skin affected by ringworm.
- Roots: They also contain echinacoside, a compound with antifungal properties that can help combat ringworm.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic kansas coneflower for ringworm.
- Gather 100g of dried echinacea angustifolia root and 50g of beeswax for the herbal infusion.
- Combine 200ml of distilled water and 50g of dried echinacea angustifolia root in a saucepan.
- Simmer the mixture over low heat for 30 minutes to release the herbal properties.
- Add 50g of beeswax and 20g of coconut oil to the herbal infusion and stir until melted.
- Pour the cooled mixture into a container and store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
10. Curcuma longa
Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric, creams helps with ringworm because of its potent anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties.
The active compound curcumin in turmeric cream has been shown to inhibit the growth of fungal pathogens that cause ringworm, such as Trichophyton rubrum. Additionally, turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce redness, itching, and swelling associated with ringworm, promoting faster healing and reducing the risk of infection spreading.
Its natural and gentle properties make it a popular choice for treating ringworm.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Curcuma longa creams that help with ringworm.
- Curcuminoids: These polyphenolic compounds in Curcuma longa have potent antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to combat fungal infections like ringworm.
- Tumerones: Tumerones, a type of sesquiterpene, have been shown to exhibit antifungal activity against various fungi, including those responsible for ringworm, by inhibiting their growth and proliferation.
- Demethoxycurcumin: As a curcuminoid, DMC possesses antifungal properties that help to reduce fungal loads and alleviate symptoms associated with ringworm.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of turmeric used to make creams for ringworm.
- Rhyzomes: They contain active compounds like curcumin, which have antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Roots: They contain curcumin, which is effective against fungal infections, such as ringworm.
- Leaves: They have antifungal properties, which can help in treating ringworm when used in creams.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic turmeric for ringworm.
- Harvest 2 pounds of fresh rhizomes of curcuma longa roots for making herbal creams.
- Boil 2 cups of water and add the harvested rhizomes to extract their medicinal properties for 30 minutes.
- Strain the liquid mixture through cheesecloth and discard the solids to get a pure extract.
- Mix 1 cup of coconut oil with 1 cup of beeswax and 1 tablespoon of the pure extract.
- Heat the mixture in a double boiler at 180-190 fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes to create a smooth cream.
What is the best combination of herbal creams to use for ringworm?
The best combination of herbal creams that help with ringworm is a blend of Tea Tree oil, Neem oil, and Aloe Vera gel.
Tea Tree oil's antifungal properties combat the fungal infection, while Neem oil's antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties reduce itching and promote healing. Aloe Vera gel soothes and moisturizes the affected area, preventing further irritation.
Apply a mixture of equal parts Tea Tree oil and Neem oil to the affected area, followed by a layer of Aloe Vera gel for optimal healing and comfort.
What ailments similar to ringworm are treated with herbal creams?
Ailments similar to ringworm/creams.html">ringworm/creams.html">ringworm that are treated with herbal creams are fungal infections such as athlete's foot, jock itch, and pityriasis versicolor.
These conditions are caused by different species of fungi but share similar symptoms like redness, itching, and scaly rashes.
Herbal creams containing ingredients like tea tree oil, aloe vera, and lavender oil have been found to be effective in treating these fungal infections, providing relief from itching and inflammation while promoting skin healing.