Herbal Tinea Treatment

Tinea is a name for the fungi which causes Athlete's Foot. Tinea does not just affect the feet, but any skin tissue including hair and nails. Fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, and once infection begins tinea can be hard to treat.

Symptoms

• Keep toes and feet dry and clean to prevent tinea.

  Common symptoms include burning, itching, cracked skin, patches of dry skin and yellow-brown fingernails or toe nails.

Herbal Medicine

• Herbs can be taken as liquid tinctures, teas, capsules or tablets

  There is a wide variety of herbs that effectively kill fungi, such as tinea, and protect against secondary bacterial infection. Herbs should be applied externally to the affected area, as well as taken internally as a tea, capsule, tablet or tincture for a system wide benefit.

Internal Herbs

• Echinacea root is a powerful immune booster

  Taking herbs internally will help to boost the immune system against tinea. Echinacea angustifolia root, Withania somnifera root and Astragalus membranaceus root are all effective at increasing resistance to infection. Each are readily available in health food stores as capsules, powders and liquid extracts.

External herbs

• Essential oils and creams to fight tinea

  When treating tinea, it is important to use external applications of herbs as well. Australian tea tree oil is a powerful anti-fungal agent, and can kill off tinea. Add 10 drops of tea tree oil to a 50g bottle of Calendula cream purchased from a health food store, as this will increase tissue healing.

Warning

• Prescribed medications can interact with herbal supplements

  Consult with your health professional before combining herbal treatments with prescribed medications.