Saturday, September 15, 2018

Anti-Fungal Essential Oils

As with any information presented on this page, please use all proper precautions in using these powerful aromatic essences, and consult a medical practitioner when in doubt. We are in no way responsible for misuse of the information presented herein.  And, as always, when using topically, dilute to a skinsafe dilution. And of course I do not remember where I learned what.  This is a compilation of 25 years of study and experience.  I thank, especially, all the clients who have shared their experiences with us.

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Most frequently recommended for the treatment of athlete's foot, candida, in fact any sort of fungus. Tea Tree Oil is an effective all-round antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal oil. Many authorities recommend using Tea Tree neat (undiluted) but much recent evidence shows that it is actually more effective in a 2 to 5% dilution. I personally consider it much too harsh to use undiluted on the skin.  
Tea Tree is the usually suggested aromatherapy remedy for ringworm. If I were trying to treat this fungal infection I'd go with a weak (ie 12 drops/ounce of carrier) dilution of Tea Tree in Aloe Vera Gel.
Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)
Often recommended in a blend to treat "jock strap itch" specifically. I have found it effective blended with Tea Tree and worked into bentonite clay, used as a body powder. Please don't use corn starch in this "do it yourself" dusting powder as it tends to feed the fungus and makes things worse, not better.
Cedarwood, Atlas
Wonderful for clearing out musty closets or basements, perhaps blended with Lemongrass, or Lemon Eucalyptus (see below). For a basement or large area, I would suggest running in a Nebulizing Diffuser to really fill the atmosphere. For a closet, first wipe the closet down with a blend of the oils in water and allow to dry thoroughly (perhaps running a dehumidifier, if available).
Tagetes (Tagetes glandulifera)
Recommended for use with fungi that affect the feet. Tagetes is a strong photosensitizer so really shouldn't be used on other parts of the body. I've found a blend of Tea Tree oil and Tagetes added to a vinegar and water foot bath very effective for athlete's foot and for dealing with toenail fungus.
Carrot Seed Oil/Carrot Seed CO2 The Carotol content is a powerful anti-fungal agent, which makes Carrot Seed a valuable addition to anti-fungal skincare blends.
Lemon Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora)
Lemon Eucalyptus, in a Nebulizing Diffuser is what I used when part of the house was flooded, wet carpets etc, last year. It is a wonderful air cleaner and strong antifungal for use in a large area.
Monarda Hydrosol
Suzanne Catty recommends Monarda Hydrosol as a powerful anti-fungal for use in treating fungal infections (Candida) whether as a body wash, a spray, or added to a douche.
Cinnamon Bark EO or CO2
While I would not use this powerful antifungal for skincare, (it is too powerful for topical use in over a 0.5% dilution), it is a very powerful antifungal and could have its place in removing mold or fungi from surfaces, or in a diffuser blend to clear musty air.
Frankicense Rivae
This relatively unknown member of the Boswellia species has been shown effective against Candida albicans.  Its skincare benefits and gentleness make it an appropriate addition to a blend targeting skincare fungus conditions.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Christi, since I am fairly new to essential oils, I don't know if I've had the pleasure of working with you. I do know that beginning with your 2400 mile journey to this point in your life sounds like it's been a wonderful journey. I will keep you in my prayers in that God will allow your amazing journey to continue and that your physical ailment will not hinder you from continuing to lead a very fulfilling life.