10 best herbal essential oils for fungal infection

Herbal essential oils for fungal infection are natural remedies extracted from plants, flowers, and herbs that have antifungal properties.

These oils help to combat fungal infections by targeting the root cause of the issue, promoting healthy skin, and reducing inflammation. Examples of herbal essential oils that exhibit antifungal properties include tea tree oil, lavender oil, and eucalyptus oil.

When used topically or added to a carrier oil, these oils can effectively treat fungal infections such as athlete's foot, ringworm, and nail fungus, improving the quality of life for individuals suffering from these conditions by providing relief from itching, burning, and discomfort.

The following article describes in detail the most important essential oils for fungal infection, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.

1. Melaleuca alternifolia

Tea tree essential oils helps with fungal infection because of its powerful antifungal properties.

The oil, extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, contains compounds like cineole and terpinen-4-ol that have been shown to inhibit the growth of various fungi, including Candida albicans and Malassezia furfur.

When applied topically or inhaled, tea tree essential oils can help to reduce fungal colonization, alleviate symptoms such as itching and redness, and promote healthy skin.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in tea tree essential oils that aid with fungal infection.

• Antimicrobial: Tea Tree Essential Oil has potent antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth and replication of fungi, bacteria, and viruses, making it effective against a wide range of microorganisms.
• Fungicidal: The oil's fungicidal properties directly target and kill fungal cells, including those responsible for infections like athlete's foot, toenail fungus, and candida albicans overgrowth.
• Inflammation-reducing: Tea Tree Essential Oil has anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce redness, swelling, and itching associated with fungal infections, promoting a healthy inflammatory response and soothing the skin.

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

• Leaves: The leaves are the primary source of tea tree oil, which has been shown to have antifungal properties effective against a range of fungal infections.
• Stems: Tea tree stem oil is used to treat various skin conditions, including fungal infections, due to its antimicrobial and antifungal activities.

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

1. Harvest fresh leaves of melaleuca alternifolia plants at dawn on a dry day, using clean scissors and gloves.
2. Dry the harvested leaves in a warm dark place for 7-10 days, stirring daily to ensure even drying.
3. Place 100g of dried melaleuca alternifolia leaves in a glass jar with a lid and cover them with 200ml of high-proof vodka.
4. Allow the mixture to steep for 14-21 days at room temperature, shaking the jar daily to facilitate infusion.
5. Strain the liquid through a coffee filter or cheesecloth into another glass jar, discarding the solids and storing the resulting essential oil in an amber bottle with a tight-fitting lid.

2. Lavandula angustifolia

English lavender essential oils helps with fungal infection because of its antifungal properties, which work to inhibit the growth of fungi and promote a healthy environment for the body.

The antimicrobial compounds in lavender oil, such as linalool and linalyl acetate, have been shown to effectively combat fungal infections, including athlete's foot, ringworm, and Candida overgrowth.

By using herbal English lavender essential oils topically or through aromatherapy, individuals can promote a balanced microbial environment and reduce the risk of infection.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in english lavender essential oils that aid with fungal infection.

• Antifungal activity: English Lavender essential oil exhibits antifungal properties, which help to inhibit the growth and spread of fungal infections such as athlete's foot and nail fungus.
• Antibacterial properties: The antibacterial properties of English Lavender essential oil help to prevent bacterial infections from developing or worsening, which can be a common complication of fungal infections.
• Anti-inflammatory effects: The anti-inflammatory properties of English Lavender essential oil can help to reduce redness, swelling, and itching associated with fungal skin infections, making it a soothing and calming remedy.

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

• Roots: The roots of English lavender contain a high concentration of sesquiterpenes, which have been shown to exhibit antifungal properties, making them effective in treating fungal infections.
• Leaves: Lavender leaves are rich in flavonoids and terpenes, which have antibacterial and antifungal activities, helping to combat fungal infections by inhibiting fungal growth.

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

1. Harvest 100 grams of fresh lavender flowers and dry them in shade for 14 days.
2. Grind dried lavender flowers into fine powder using mortar and pestle, then store in airtight container.
3. Combine 500 milliliters of high-proof vodka with 30 grams of ground lavender powder in glass jar, shaking daily for 10 days.
4. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth or coffee filter into separate container, discarding solids after 24 hours.
5. Transfer liquid to dark glass bottle and store in cool place, allowing it to mature for at least 21 days before using as essential oil.

3. Origanum vulgare

Wild marjoram essential oils helps with fungal infection because of its antimicrobial properties, which inhibit the growth of fungi and bacteria.

The oil contains compounds such as camphor, borneol, and terpinen-4-ol that have been shown to exhibit antifungal activity against a range of fungi, including Candida albicans. When used topically, wild marjoram essential oils can help soothe and calm fungal infections, reducing inflammation and promoting healthy skin.

Its natural antibacterial properties also make it effective in combating bacterial overgrowth often associated with fungal infections.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in wild marjoram essential oils that aid with fungal infection.

• Antifungal activity: Wild Marjoram essential oil has been shown to exhibit antifungal properties, which can help combat and treat fungal infections by inhibiting the growth of fungus-causing pathogens.
• Inflammation reduction: The anti-inflammatory compounds in Wild Marjoram essential oil can help reduce inflammation associated with fungal infections, promoting healing and relieving discomfort and pain.
• Antimicrobial properties: Wild Marjoram essential oil's antimicrobial properties can help destroy or inhibit the growth of microorganisms that cause fungal infections, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

The list below shows the primary parts of wild marjoram used to make essential oils for fungal infection.

• Roots: The roots of the wild marjoram plant contain antioxidants and antimicrobial properties, making them effective in treating fungal infections by reducing inflammation and preventing microbial growth.
• Seeds: Wild marjoram seeds have anti-inflammatory and antifungal compounds that can help combat fungal infections, providing relief from symptoms such as itching, redness, and scaling.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic wild marjoram for fungal infection.

1. Harvest 25 grams of fresh or dried oregano leaves at dawn on a sunny day.
2. Clean the oregano leaves by gently stirring them in a bowl with 50 ml of distilled water for 10 minutes.
3. Steam distill the oregano leaves using a clevenger apparatus with 1000 ml of water and 500 ml of ethanol at 100°c for 4 hours.
4. Filter the essential oil from the distillation residue through a coffee filter paper into a clean glass bottle within 30 minutes of completion.
5. Store the origanum vulgare essential oil in a dark glass vial with a tight-fitting lid and keep it refrigerated at 4°c for up to 6 months.

4. Thymus vulgaris

Thyme essential oils helps with fungal infection because of its potent antifungal properties.

The oil's main compound, thymol, has been shown to inhibit the growth of various fungi, including Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, and Fusarium oxysporum. By applying topically or inhaling the oil, thyme essential oils can help reduce fungal overgrowth on skin and nails, promoting a healthy balance of microflora and alleviating symptoms such as itching, redness, and inflammation.

Its antifungal properties also make it effective against athlete's foot, ringworm, and other types of fungal infections.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in thyme essential oils that aid with fungal infection.

• Antifungal: Herbal thyme essential oil exhibits antifungal activity against various fungi, including Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes, making it effective in treating fungal infections such as athlete's foot, ringworm, and candidiasis.
• Antimicrobial: The essential oil has antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi, including those responsible for causing skin infections, wounds, and abscesses, reducing the risk of secondary infection and promoting healing.
• Antioxidant: Herbal thyme essential oil contains antioxidant compounds that help protect the body from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to fungal infections and other health issues.

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

• Roots: Thyme roots are used due to their antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which help combat fungal infections.
• Stems: The stems of the thyme plant contain a high concentration of essential oil, making them a popular choice for creating antifungal medicinal oils.

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

1. Harvest fresh thymus vulgaris leaves and flowers at dawn or before noon to ensure maximum oil content retention.
2. Dry the harvested plant material using a food dehydrator set at 55°c for 24 hours to preserve potency.
3. Use a steam distillation apparatus to extract the essential oils from the dried plant material with a ratio of 1:5 thymus vulgaris to water.
4. Collect the extracted essential oil in a glass container and filter it through a coffee filter or cheesecloth to remove impurities within 30 minutes.
5. Store the resulting thymus vulgaris essential oil in dark glass bottles with tight-fitting lids at room temperature away from direct sunlight for up to 6 months.

5. Eucalyptus globulus

Tasmanian blue gum essential oils helps with fungal infection because of its unique composition of cineole, terpinen-4-ol, and alpha-pinene compounds.

These natural compounds exhibit potent antifungal properties that effectively combat fungal growth and eliminate existing infections. The oil's antimicrobial action inhibits the spread of fungal spores, reducing inflammation and promoting healthy skin regeneration.

Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties soothe itching and discomfort associated with fungal infections, providing relief from symptoms and supporting overall well-being.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in tasmanian blue gum essential oils that aid with fungal infection.

• Antifungal activity: Tasmanian Blue Gum essential oil has been shown to inhibit the growth of various fungi, including Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, and Fusarium oxysporum, due to its ability to disrupt fungal cell membranes.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: The oil's anti-inflammatory compounds can help reduce inflammation associated with fungal infections, which can alleviate symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pain.
• Antioxidant activity: Tasmanian Blue Gum essential oil's antioxidant properties help protect against oxidative stress caused by fungal toxins, promoting a healthy environment for the body to fight off infection.

The list below shows the primary parts of tasmanian blue gum used to make essential oils for fungal infection.

• Roots: The roots contain a high concentration of sesquiterpenes, which have antifungal properties that help combat fungal infections.
• Barks: The barks of the Tasmanian blue gum plant contain phenolic compounds that exhibit antifungal and antimicrobial activities, making them effective against fungal infections.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic tasmanian blue gum for fungal infection.

1. Harvest eucalyptus globulus leaves at dawn when dewy for optimal potency and freshness.
2. Dry the harvested leaves in a warm well-ventilated area or using a dehydrator for 24 hours.
3. Steam distill 200g of dried eucalyptus globulus leaves with 500ml of distilled water for 30 minutes.
4. Collect and filter the extracted oil through cheesecloth into a clean glass container for 15 minutes.
5. Allow the essential oil to mature for 7-10 days before transferring it to dark glass bottles for storage.

6. Pelargonium graveolens

Geranium essential oils helps with fungal infection because of its antimicrobial and antifungal properties.

The oil's active compounds, such as geraniol and linalool, possess a natural ability to inhibit the growth of fungal cells, thereby preventing the spread of infections.

Additionally, geranium oil has been shown to reduce inflammation and promote healthy skin, which can help alleviate symptoms associated with fungal infections such as itching and irritation.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in geranium essential oils that aid with fungal infection.

• Antifungal properties: Geranium essential oil exhibits antifungal activity, which helps to inhibit the growth of fungal cells and prevent the spread of infection.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: Geranium's anti-inflammatory properties can reduce inflammation and discomfort associated with fungal infections, promoting a faster recovery process.
• Antimicrobial properties: The antimicrobial properties of Geranium essential oil help to combat bacteria, viruses, and fungi that contribute to infections, providing a holistic approach to treating fungal infections.

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

• Roots: Rich in bioactive compounds, geranium roots have been traditionally used to treat various fungal infections due to their antifungal and antimicrobial properties.
• Rhizomes: Containing a high concentration of sesquiterpenes, geranium rhizomes are used to create essential oils that effectively combat fungal infections by inhibiting fungal growth.

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

1. Harvest fresh leaves of pelargonium graveolens from the garden or purchase them from a reputable supplier in bulk quantity weighing about one kilogram.
2. Wash the harvested leaves thoroughly with distilled water and mild liquid soap to remove dirt dust and other impurities for approximately 30 minutes.
3. Dry the washed leaves using a food dehydrator set at low temperature around 35 degrees celsius for several hours until they become brittle and crumbly in texture.
4. Steam distill the dried pelargonium graveolens leaves with water in a stainless steel distillation apparatus for about three hours to extract essential oil from plant material.
5. Collect the obtained essential oil in a clean glass container and store it in an airtight bottle in a dark place at room temperature without exposure to direct sunlight or heat sources.

7. Boswellia serrata

Frankincense essential oils helps with fungal infection because of its potent antifungal properties, which have been shown to inhibit the growth of various fungi including Candida, Aspergillus, and Fusarium.

The oil's active compounds, such as boswellic acids, work by disrupting the fungal cell membrane, preventing it from replicating and spreading.

This makes frankincense essential oils a natural and effective remedy for treating fungal infections, promoting healing and reducing inflammation in the affected area.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in frankincense essential oils that aid with fungal infection.

• Antifungal compounds: Frankincense essential oil contains antifungal compounds such as boswellic acids, which have been shown to inhibit the growth and replication of fungi, making it effective against fungal infections.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: The anti-inflammatory properties of frankincense oil can help reduce inflammation and swelling associated with fungal infections, promoting healing and reducing discomfort.
• Antioxidant activity: Frankincense oil's antioxidant properties help protect the body from oxidative stress caused by fungal infections, which can contribute to tissue damage and infection progression.

The list below shows the primary parts of frankincense used to make essential oils for fungal infection.

• Roots: Frankincense roots have antifungal properties that can help combat fungal infections by inhibiting the growth of fungi and promoting healthy skin.
• Barks: The barks of the frankincense tree contain terpenes and sesquiterpenes, which have potent antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects that can aid in the treatment of fungal infections.

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

1. Harvest 2 cups of fresh boswellia serrata leaves from healthy trees early in the morning or evening when they are most potent.
2. Cleanse the harvested leaves by rinsing them gently under cold running water and pat dry with a paper towel to remove dirt and debris.
3. Steam distill the cleaned leaves using a steam distillation apparatus for 2 hours, collecting the resulting essential oil in a separate container.
4. Filter the collected essential oil through a coffee filter or cheesecloth to remove any impurities or sediment, resulting in a clear golden-yellow liquid.
5. Store the filtered boswellia serrata essential oil in dark glass bottles with tight-fitting lids and keep them in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months for optimal potency.

8. Cymbopogon citratus

Lemongrass essential oils helps with fungal infection because of its potent antifungal properties, which effectively combat the growth of fungi that cause infections.

The citral and geraniol present in lemongrass oil have been shown to inhibit the development of fungal cells, reducing the severity of symptoms such as itching, redness, and inflammation. Additionally, lemongrass oil's antimicrobial properties help to eliminate fungal spores, promoting a healthy environment that prevents reinfection.

Its natural antifungal abilities make it a popular choice for treating fungal infections, including athlete's foot, nail fungus, and ringworm.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in lemongrass essential oils that aid with fungal infection.

• Antifungal activity: Lemongrass essential oil has been shown to inhibit the growth of various fungi, including Candida albicans, which causes oral thrush and vaginal yeast infections. This is due to its ability to disrupt the fungal cell membrane.
• Antimicrobial properties: The antimicrobial properties of lemongrass essential oil help combat fungal infections by targeting and destroying microorganisms that can exacerbate or contribute to fungal infections.
• Inflammation reduction: Lemongrass essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness, swelling, and discomfort associated with fungal skin infections, such as athlete's foot or ringworm.

The list below shows the primary parts of lemongrass used to make essential oils for fungal infection.

• Roots: Rich in antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds, making it effective against fungal infections.
• Rhyzomes: Contains a high concentration of citral, which has been shown to inhibit the growth of fungi.

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

1. Harvest fresh cymbopopgon citratus leaves in the morning when they are still slightly dewy, containing maximum oil content.
2. Wash the harvested leaves gently with distilled water and mild soap to remove dirt and impurities thoroughly.
3. Steam distill 500g of clean dried cymbopogon citratus leaves with 1l of distilled water for 30 minutes to release essential oils.
4. Cool the distillation apparatus and collect the extracted essential oil in a well-sealed container, filtering it through a coffee filter paper to remove impurities.
5. Store the resulting herbal essential oil in a dark glass bottle with an tight-fitting cap, at room temperature for up to 6 months without refrigeration.

9. Mentha x piperita

Peppermint essential oils helps with fungal infection because of its antifungal properties, which allow it to target and destroy fungi that cause infections.

The menthol content in peppermint oil has been shown to inhibit the growth of fungi, reducing inflammation and discomfort associated with fungal infections such as athlete's foot and nail fungus.

Additionally, peppermint oil's antimicrobial properties help to prevent the spread of infection and promote a healthy environment for the body to heal.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in peppermint essential oils that aid with fungal infection.

• Antifungal activity: Peppermint essential oil has been shown to inhibit the growth of various fungal strains, including Candida albicans, due to its ability to disrupt the fungal cell membrane and prevent nutrient uptake.
• Antioxidant properties: Peppermint essential oil's antioxidant compounds help reduce oxidative stress, which can contribute to fungal infections by damaging cells and promoting their survival.
• Anti-inflammatory effects: Peppermint essential oil's anti-inflammatory compounds may help alleviate symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling associated with fungal skin infections by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing.

The list below shows the primary parts of peppermint used to make essential oils for fungal infection.

• Roots: The roots of the peppermint plant contain antimicrobial compounds that help combat fungal infections by inhibiting their growth and reproduction.
• Rhyzomes: Peppermint rhyzomes, also known as underground stems, have anti-inflammatory properties that aid in reducing inflammation caused by fungal infections.

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

1. Harvest fresh peppermint leaves from your garden or local market in the early morning for optimal oil content.
2. Wash the peppermint leaves thoroughly with distilled water and mild soap to remove dirt and impurities.
3. Dry the peppermint leaves using a food dehydrator at 60°c for 6 hours or air drying them for 24 hours.
4. Steam distill the dried peppermint leaves in a distillation apparatus with 10% ethanol solvent at atmospheric pressure for 2 hours.
5. Filter the distilled essential oil through a paper coffee filter and store it in dark glass bottles at room temperature for future use.

10. Zingiber officinale

Ginger essential oils helps with fungal infection because of its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

The oil's active compounds, such as gingerol and shogaol, have been shown to inhibit the growth of fungi, including candida and athlete's foot-causing organisms. Additionally, ginger's anti-inflammatory effects help reduce swelling and discomfort associated with fungal infections.

By applying topically or inhaling ginger essential oils, individuals can potentially combat fungal overgrowth and promote healthy skin and nail environments.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in ginger essential oils that aid with fungal infection.

• Antifungal properties: Ginger essential oil has been shown to exhibit antifungal activity against various species of fungi, including Candida albicans, which can cause fungal infections such as athlete's foot and vaginal yeast infections.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: Ginger essential oil has anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce swelling, redness, and pain associated with fungal infections.
• Antioxidant properties: Ginger essential oil is rich in antioxidants that can help combat oxidative stress caused by fungal infections, reducing the risk of chronic damage to tissues and promoting overall health.

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

• Rhyzomes: The thick, underground stems of the ginger plant contain compounds that have potent antifungal properties, making them effective in treating fungal infections.
• Roots: Ginger roots are rich in bioactive compounds that exhibit antimicrobial and antifungal activities, making them a popular choice for creating essential oils to combat fungal infections.

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

1. Harvest high-quality ginger roots, carefully selecting those with no signs of rot or mold.
2. Clean and dry the harvested ginger roots for at least two hours before processing.
3. Steam distill the dried ginger roots using 10 grams of root material and 100 milliliters of water for four hours.
4. Separate the essential oil from the hydrosol by decantation, allowing the mixture to sit undisturbed for 24 hours.
5. Filter the separated essential oil through a coffee filter or paper towel to remove any impurities.

How to best treat fungal infection with herbal essential oils?

The best way to treat fungal infection with herbal essential oils is by diluting them in a carrier oil and applying topically to the affected area.

Tea tree oil, lavender oil, and oregano oil have antifungal properties that help combat infections. Mix equal parts of oil with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil and apply 2-3 times daily. Additionally, add 5-10 drops of essential oil to a bath for systemic benefits.

Monitor progress and adjust as needed under healthcare guidance.

What ailments similar to fungal infection are treated with herbal essential oils?

Ailments similar to fungal infection that are treated with herbal essential oils are eczema, acne/essential-oils.html">acne, and skin irritations.

Teatree oil, lavender oil, and geranium oil have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe and calm the skin. Oregano oil and lemongrass oil exhibit antimicrobial properties that combat bacterial and viral infections. These oils can be used topically to reduce inflammation, promote healing, and prevent infection.

They are often blended with other herbs to create a synergistic effect for optimal results.