Fungal Infection: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

A fungal infection, medically known as mycosis, is a condition caused by fungi that invade the human body, often leading to skin, nail, or internal organ damage.

Typically caused by exposure to contaminated soil, water, or poor hygiene, fungal infections can be triggered by weakened immune systems, certain medications, or underlying health conditions. If left untreated, fungal infections can lead to serious health complications, including organ failure and even death. Herbal remedies like tea tree oil, aloe vera, and turmeric have been used to combat fungal infections, often in the form of topical creams, ointments, or supplements.

However, it's essential to note that while these herbs can be beneficial, they should only be used under medical supervision, as they may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of fungal infection, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of fungal infection?

The main causes of fungal infection are overgrowth of fungal populations, often due to weakened immune systems, which can be caused by factors such as diabetes, immunodeficiency disorders, and prolonged use of antibiotics, corticosteroids, and other immunosuppressive medications.

Additionally, skin injuries, such as cuts, scratches, and burns, can provide entry points for fungal spores. Poor hygiene, excessive sweating, and warm, moist environments also contribute to the growth and spread of fungi. Furthermore, people who work in industries that involve exposure to fungal spores, such as farming, gardening, and construction, are at higher risk of developing fungal infections.

The use of tight, synthetic clothing and lack of air circulation can also exacerbate fungal infections by creating an ideal environment for fungal growth.

• Warmth: Warmth and moisture in the environment facilitate the growth of fungi, allowing infections to develop and spread.
• Poor Hygiene: Inadequate washing of the skin and failure to dry it properly after bathing or swimming create an ideal environment for fungi to thrive and cause infections.
• Weakened Immune System: A compromised immune system, often due to underlying medical conditions or the use of immunosuppressive medications, renders the body unable to defend against fungal pathogens, leading to infections.
• Contact with Contaminated Soil: Touching or walking barefoot on contaminated soil can transfer fungal spores to the feet, causing infections such as athlete's foot and other dermatophyte-related conditions.
• Use of Steroids: The long-term use of topical or inhaled corticosteroids can suppress the immune system, increasing the risk of fungal infections, particularly in the respiratory tract.
• Poor Air Quality: Inadequate ventilation and exposure to pollutants in the air can contribute to the development of fungal infections, especially in individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Inadequate nutrition, particularly a lack of essential vitamins and minerals, can impair the immune system's ability to fight off fungal infections.
• Genetic predisposition: Some individuals may be born with a genetic predisposition to develop fungal infections, which can be triggered by various factors, including environmental exposures and underlying medical conditions.
• Hormonal Imbalance: Hormonal imbalances, such as those experienced during pregnancy or menopause, can lead to changes in the body's pH levels, creating an environment conducive to fungal growth and infection.
• Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes can damage nerves and reduce blood flow, making it easier for fungi to infect the body, particularly the feet and legs.
• Smoking: Smoking can compromise lung function and reduce the body's ability to fight off infections, including fungal pathogens.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for fungal infection?

The main medicinal herbs used for fungal infection are Aloe vera, Melaleuca alternifolia, Allium sativum, Curcuma longa, Origanum vulgare, Ginkgo biloba, Calendula officinalis, Eucalyptus globulus, Zingiber officinale, Salvia officinalis.

Aloe vera possesses antifungal properties that help in reducing fungal growth, while Melaleuca alternifolia, also known as tea tree oil, exhibits broad-spectrum antifungal activity against various fungal species. Allium sativum, commonly known as garlic, has been found to inhibit fungal growth and reduce inflammation. Curcuma longa, or turmeric, contains curcumin, a bioactive compound with potent antifungal properties, which helps in preventing fungal infections.

Additionally, the essential oils of Origanum vulgare, Ginkgo biloba, Calendula officinalis, Eucalyptus globulus, Zingiber officinale, and Salvia officinalis have been reported to exhibit antifungal activity, making them useful in treating fungal infections.

• Aloe vera: Aloe vera contains compounds such as aloin and aloe-emodin that exhibit antifungal properties, inhibiting the growth of fungal cells and reducing the severity of fungal infections.
• Melaleuca alternifolia: Melaleuca alternifolia contains terpinen-4-ol, a compound that has been shown to exhibit antifungal activity against various fungal strains, including Candida albicans.
• Allium sativum: Allium sativum contains compounds such as allicin that exhibit antifungal properties, inhibiting the growth of fungal cells and reducing the severity of fungal infections.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa contains curcumin, a compound that has been shown to exhibit antifungal activity against various fungal strains, including Candida albicans, through the inhibition of fungal cell wall formation.
• Origanum vulgare: Origanum vulgare contains compounds such as carvacrol that exhibit antifungal properties, inhibiting the growth of fungal cells and reducing the severity of fungal infections.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba contains flavonoids and terpenoids that exhibit antifungal activity against various fungal strains, although its exact mechanisms of action are not fully understood.
• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis contains triterpenoid saponins that exhibit antifungal properties, inhibiting the growth of fungal cells and reducing the severity of fungal infections.
• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus contains compounds such as eucalyptol that exhibit antifungal activity against various fungal strains, including Candida albicans, through the disruption of fungal cell membrane integrity.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale contains compounds such as gingerol that exhibit antifungal properties, inhibiting the growth of fungal cells and reducing the severity of fungal infections.
• Salvia officinalis: Salvia officinalis contains compounds such as carnosic acid that exhibit antifungal activity against various fungal strains, including Candida albicans, through the inhibition of fungal cell wall formation.

What are the main herbal preparations used for fungal infection?

The main herbal preparations used for fungal infection are Decoction, Tincture, Salve, Cream, Ointment, Capsule, Suppository, Poultice, Tea, Gel.

Decoction is made by boiling antifungal herbs like tea tree, garlic, and turmeric in water to release their active compounds, which can be applied topically to treat fungal infections. Tincture, a liquid extract of herbs, is often used to treat fungal infections of the nail and skin, as it can be easily absorbed into the body. Salve, Cream, Ointment, and Gel are topical preparations made from antifungal herbs like neem, aloe vera, and tea tree oil, which can help to soothe and heal fungal infections on the skin.

Capsule and Suppository preparations are used to deliver antifungal herbs like berberine and caprylic acid systemically to treat fungal infections internally.

• Decoction: A decoction of the plant, Echinacea purpurea, helps with fungal infection by releasing its bioactive compounds into a water-based solution, which can then be applied topically to the affected area to reduce fungal growth and inflammation.
• Tincture: A tincture of the plant, Calendula officinalis, helps with fungal infection by allowing the bioactive compounds to be extracted into a solvent, such as ethanol, which can then be applied topically to the affected area to reduce fungal growth and promote wound healing.
• Salve: A salve of the plant, Plantago major, helps with fungal infection by providing a topical application of its antimicrobial compounds, which can help to reduce fungal growth and promote wound healing on the affected area.
• Cream: A cream of the plant, Aloe barbadensis, helps with fungal infection by providing a soothing and moisturizing effect to the affected area, while also releasing its antimicrobial compounds to reduce fungal growth and promote wound healing.
• Ointment: An ointment of the plant, Thymus vulgaris, helps with fungal infection by providing a topical application of its antimicrobial compounds, which can help to reduce fungal growth and promote wound healing on the affected area.
• Capsule: A capsule of the plant, Berberis vulgaris, helps with fungal infection by allowing the bioactive compounds to be ingested orally, which can then be absorbed into the bloodstream to reduce fungal growth and promote systemic antifungal effects.
• Suppository: A suppository of the plant, Curcuma longa, helps with fungal infection by allowing the bioactive compounds to be released directly into the affected area, which can then reduce fungal growth and promote wound healing.
• Poultice: A poultice of the plant, Euphorbia peplus, helps with fungal infection by applying a topical application of its antimicrobial compounds directly to the affected area, which can help to reduce fungal growth and promote wound healing.
• Tea: A tea of the plant, Camellia sinensis, helps with fungal infection by allowing the bioactive compounds to be ingested orally, which can then be absorbed into the bloodstream to reduce fungal growth and promote systemic antifungal effects.
• Gel: A gel of the plant, Lavandula angustifolia, helps with fungal infection by providing a soothing and moisturizing effect to the affected area, while also releasing its antimicrobial compounds to reduce fungal growth and promote wound healing.