Herbal Salves for Ringworm

Ringworm is not a worm, but a fungus that causes an itchy rash to appear on the skin. The fungus thrives in warm, moist environments and is contagious. It can be passed from person to person through direct skin contact or contact with contaminated clothing, pool surfaces or showers. Several herbal salves can be used to treat ringworm.

Ringworm

• Ringworm is one of the few microscopic fungi that can cause skin problems. It lives on dead keratin on the top layer of the skin. The fungus appears in the form of small round circles. Often the ring expands as the fungus advances. Ringworm is most common on the hands, especially the palms and between the fingers. It may also appear on the feet and the face, although on the face it is rarely in the shape of a ring but presents in the form of scaly red patches.

Black Walnut

• The black walnut tree is a member of the hickory family and is native to Canada and the Eastern United States. Black walnut herbal salve is one of the most effective for the treatment of ringworm, as well as other fungal and parasitic infestations. The hull of the black walnut has a high tannin content and also contains an anti-microbial and anti-fungal called juglone, which can cure ringworm. Some people are allergic to black walnut.

Tea Tree

• Tea tree salve can also be used to treat ringworm. This salve contains essential oil from the Australian tree Melaleuca alternifolia. The oil has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. The salve can also be used to treat other skin rashes and minor cuts and scratches.

Pau D'arco

• Pau d'arco is an herb that is native to South America. Its reported uses range from infections to cancer. Extracts from the pau d'arco tree bark are sometimes added to ointments because of their excellent anti-fungal properties. This makes pau d'arco a good treatment for ringworm. It can also protect against tropical diseases such as malaria if taken internally.