The Top 12 Most Powerful Anti fungal Essential Oils to Treat & Prevent Infections

Essential Oils have been known to cure various infections with their antimicrobial activities.

With the guidance of your medical advisor, you can identify the type of infection you may be suffering from. You can then select either one of the discussed aromatic oils and apply them as guided for better results.

You can also use these aromatic oils in air purifiers to prevent the spread of pathogens that can cause different infections.

How to use essential oils.

• Massage the Essential oil on your skin after diluting with carrier oils.
• EOs can be used through topical application or by inhalation.
• Essential Oils can be added to a steam bath or vapor rubs to allow efficient inhalation treatment.
• You can also use EOs in sprays, like diffusers or humidifiers, to allow skin inhalation.
• Except for a few oils, such as peppermint oil and oregano oil. Patients are advised not to ingest EOs, since they can damage internal organs ^[24].

For Acne

Numerous essential oils are beneficial for acne sufferers due to their antibacterial properties. ^{[17 , 18].}

With limited research, some EOs that may be helpful to blemish-prone skin include; Jojoba Oil, Oregano Oil, and Bergamot Oil ^{[19 , 20 , 21].}

In another document, Tea Tree, Cinnamon, Rosemary, Cactus, Lavender, Basil, Lemon, Thyme, Parsley, Almond, and Lupine were discussed as possessing antimicrobial activities against acne ^{[22 , 23].}

For Fungal Acne (Malassezia/Pityrosporum folliculitis)

Fungal acne occurs as a result of an imbalance within the skin’s microflora. This imbalance may lead to an overgrowth of yeast (Malassezia) and the development of acne-like pimples or Malassezia folliculitis ^{[25 , 26]}.

This skin condition can be effectively treated with a combination of EOs (EO1 + EO2) diluted to the desired concentration in this antifungal carrier oil ^{[27 , 28 , 29]}.

How to apply essential oils for Fungal Acne

• Mix 2 to 3 drops of  the following three EOs (tea tree, cinnamon, eucalyptus) with 20 drops of carrier oil
• Use a clean cotton swab to apply the mixture to the affected area
• Apply two to three times daily
• You can also use the EOs mixture with your home vaporizer to clear the air off any airborne fungi

For Fungal Infections

Fungal infections are itching rashes caused when the skin is in contact with harmful fungi ^[30].
Tinea versicolor, ringworm, jock itch, athlete’s foot, scalp ringworm, and nail fungus are all examples of fungal infections.

How to use Antifungal EOs for fungal infections

• Mix 2 to 3 drops of any of the following three strong EOs (citronella, geranium, lemongrass) with 20 drops of carrier oil,
• Use a clean cotton pad to apply the mixture to the affected area.
• Apply two to three times a day
• In the case of scalp ringworm, you can also consider using a shampoo (like this one) incorporated with essential oils of peppermint oil and tea tree, and eucalyptus.

Yeast Infections (Candida)

Yeast infection is a type of fungal infection that occurs when there is an imbalance in yeast production in the body’s ecosystem ^[31].

The overproduction of candida Albicans (candida yeast) leads to a medical condition known as Candidiasis. Candidiasis can lead to vaginal candidiasis (vaginal yeast infections), mouth, throat, and esophagus candidiasis, or invasive candidiasis ^{[32 , 33]}.

Redness, itch, and burns characterize candida yeast infections. Research suggests using winter savory, oregano & mint essential oil as treatment may help cure candida yeast infections ^{[34 , 35]}.

Antifungal essential oils  for Vaginal Candidiasis (yeast infection)

• Mix 2 to 5 drops of oregano, winter savory. and peppermint oil EOs
• Add 4 ounces of plain, whole-milk yogurt
• Mix the ingredients thoroughly
• Wash your hands
• Apply the mixture to the vaginal area using clean hands; alternatively, soak a clean tampon in the mix, then insert it.
• You can use the mixture either once or twice a day
• Adjust the ratios to better suit your unique requirements since this is such a sensitive region of the body.

For men;

• Combine five drops of tea tree oil with another five drops of Patchouli, then store in a dark glass container,
• For body wash, add two drops of the mixture to eight ounces of warm water,
• Twice each day, wash the underside of the foreskin.
• For body oil, add two tablespoons of carrier oil to the mixture of essential oils.
• Apply to the under the foreskin twice every day after washing.
• Adjust the dilution ratios to better tailor the mixture to your unique needs.

Essential Oil in Mouthwash

You can also use tea tree, coriander, and frankincense EOs in your mouthwash to cure mouth and throat infections. This medication can be toxic if ingested. You should, therefore, be careful not to swallow the mouthwash when gurgling ^[36].

Jock Itch

Jock itch is a fungal infection that resembles ringworm but affects the groin, inner thighs, and butt crack areas.

Jock itch will scar the affected area leaving your skin irritated, scaly, itchy, or cause a burning sensation.

Research suggests that men are more prone to Jock Itch than women ^[37].

Given that jock itch is a fungal infection, it can be treated using essential oils, due to their antifungal properties.

How to use EOs for jock itch (Tinea Cruris)

• Mix 2 to 3 drops of tea tree EO with an ounce of carrier oil,
• Apply to the affected skin
• Allow it to soak into the skin
• Apply twice a day

Toenail Fungus

Several different fungal strains are present on our skin, in the air, and even in our surroundings. Some of these fungal strains might become dangerous if the body is unable to defend against or stop them from proliferating.

Such a situation can occur when harmful fungi get into contact with the toenail. In turn, this infection causes discoloration of the toenails and ultimately causes nail breakages if not treated early.

Essential oils like tea tree and clove have natural compounds that can treat fungal infections like toenail fungus ^{[38 , 39]}. However, this condition is among the most difficult to cure, so you must continue applying it until it goes away, at which time you can decrease the application frequency or usage as needed.

How to apply these aromatic oils to treat toenail fungus;

• Wash your feet, toes, and toenail with clean water and antifungal soap
• Dry thoroughly using a soft towel
• Apply one to two drops of the essential oil to the affected nails, diluted in a carrier oil
• Leave it to soak for ten minutes
• Scrub the toenail with a soft toothbrush
• Repeat the process every day

Oral Thrush

Under normal conditions, the mouth has natural germs that are beneficial. When produced in excess, however, the fungi/bacteria can cause an oral infection of the mouth, throat, and esophagus.

Follow the steps below for treating oral infections with essential oils;

Add two drops of tea tree essential oil to ½ a cup of clean distilled water
Gurgle then spit out
Use after every meal