Home Recipe For An Antifungal

Fungal infections are common and usually nothing to be too alarmed about. They are, however, annoying and sometimes embarrassing. Jock itch, vaginal yeast infections, ringworm and nail fungus are all manifestations of fungus. Candida albicans, yeast that exists in the human body can sometimes "overgrow" and transform itself to act like a fungus. When this happens, it can't simply be washed away; it must be killed.

External Remedies

• There are several home remedies to try when you are attempting to treat external fungal infections like jock itch, ring worm and fungal nails.
  Soaking in an Epsom salt bath can soothe the itching as well as help to dry out the fungus growing on your skin or nails.
  Another popular and inexpensive remedy is apple cider vinegar. You can soak a cotton ball in the vinegar and apply it to the affected area for a few minutes at a time.
  An herbal remedy from India that can also be used for other skin conditions like acne is turmeric. Make a paste of turmeric powder (found in the spice aisle of your grocery store) and water, milk or aloe vera. Dab it on the rash or nails and let it sit for a few minutes. Rinse with warm, not hot, water.
  For ringworm, avoid bursting the little blisters because this can cause it to spread.

Internal Remedies

• If you tend to have many fungal infections like those mentioned above, you may have a systemic yeast infection.
  An overgrowth of candida albicans yeast in your intestinal tract can affect many aspects of your health, so it's important to balance the flora in your gut. You can find supplements at your local health food store and online that contain herbs and other ingredients to kill the yeast so you can build up the "good" bacteria in your digestive tract. Check the label for caprylic acid, garlic and goldenseal. Of course you can also get these ingredients separately.
  Be sure to take a good fiber supplement like psyllium husk along with large amounts of water to facilitate the removal of the dead yeast from your body. After this "killing off" you will want to supplement with lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacerium (the good bacteria). You can find these in pill form, or look for sugar free yogurt with active cultures of these bacteria.
  Cut back your consumption of simple sugars and starches because this feeds the candida.