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Essential Oils Can Eradicate Fungus!

March 25th, 2010

Ridding the Body of Unwanted Fungus

There is a growing interest in seeking alternatives to conventional treatments for fungal infections. Pharmaceutical treatment for fungal related illnesses is often accompanied with unwanted and even dangerous side-effects. A growing body of science literature supports the use of essential oils to supplement or replace conventional treatments of fungal related diseases.

Fungi are More Than Mushrooms

Many of us associate fungus with mushrooms either growing on moist lawns or under a forest canopy. Yet fungus (known collectively as fungi) is a large group (in the Kingdom Fungi) of multi-cellar organisms that includes molds, yeasts and the familiar mushrooms. These organisms can infect human skin, nails and tissues ? causing unsightly, irritating and sometimes painful symptoms. Such infections are known as mycoses.

Ailments Associated with Fungal Infections

In recent years, increasing attention has been given to the perils of Candida species (namely Candida albicans) infections, especially for women. Overgrowth of these usually commensal critters often results in vaginal irritation and discharge. Other candida-related infections lead to oral thrush, gastrointestinal troubles, and infection of the urinary tract. For those with severely compromised immune systems, such infections can even be fatal.

Other disorders arising from fungal infections are such things as athlete’s foot, maladies of hair and nails, necrosis of the skin, and aspergillosis- a pulmonary disease initiated by fungi of the genus Aspergillus. An Aspergillus infection can cause airway restrictions and even fatal lung bleeding.

As you can deduce, fungal infections are nothing to trifle with. In the following paragraphs synopses of science study findings are assembled. All of these studies have indicated possible use of essential oils to effectively treat fungal infections.

Stopping Candida Overgrowth

There is a large collection of recent science literature indicating that various essential oils and their constituents (such as clove oil, lemongrass, eucalyptus, thyme, juniper, cinnamon, and tea tree) have been shown to be effective (in vitro) at inhibiting the progression and spread of this fungus. In a 2007 study from the Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in India, scientists found that rosemary essential oil was effective against drug-resistant mutants of Candida albicans.

Essential Oils in the Treatment of Dermatophytes

Dermatophyte fungi infect the skin, hair and nails of humans as well as our beloved pets. The by-products of their colonization are toxins. These toxins in turn cause often painful inflammation and embarrassing blemishes (remember your grandparents’ brown or even green toenails?yuck!).

Researcher from the Center of Advanced Study in Botany in India (2009) found that Cymbopogon martini (palmarosa) and Chenopodium ambrosioides (wormwood) exhibited in vitro and in vivo (guinea pigs) antifungal activity separately and synergistically. They conclude that such results validate using essential oils in the treatment of dermatophyte infections and an alternative to conventional tropical treatments.

Stopping the Spread of Pulmonary Aspergillosis

As mentioned earlier, an infection from Aspergillus is no walk in the park. Several recent laboratory studies find that the inhibitory capabilities of essential oils against this fungus merit further investigation for clinical use. A 2010 Australian study from Charles Sturt University found that the essential oil Leptospermum petersoinii was more potent in reducing infection (in animal lungs) from Aspergillus than conventional antifungal drugs.

Conclusion

It is certain that most of us will experience fungal infections at one time or another. Once these organisms take a foot hold, they are not eager to leave and are often resistant to conventional treatments. Acknowledging that conventional treatments are not always successful nor safe, medical researchers are looking at using essential oils as a treatment alternative. Laboratory studies indicate that essential oils are effective against fungal infections and in some cases more potent than conventional drugs.

Many essential oil blends have already been created that combine these wonderful seasonal aromas.

Health alternative medicine, Aromatherapy, disease, essential oils, fungus, Health, herbs, illness, mold, natural health, natural medicine, wellness

Toenail Fungus Home Remedies-Do They Work?

March 2nd, 2010

Toenail fungus home remedies are a pretty popular topic on the web as thousands of people daily search for methods that will help them to eliminate nail fungus.

However, the majority of home remedies are not made to cure toenail fungus. There is hardly any proof that such remedies work for cases of fungus.

However, these 3 picks are popular toenail fungus home remedies.

1. Listerine

Many toenail fungus sufferers recommend using Listerine to help overcome the problem without having to use other products, whether they are prescription, over the counter or other home remedies. You must soak for 15 to 30 minutes in a solution that is 50% Listerine and 50% water. However, they do also recommend that not to use blue Listerine, as it will stain the skin blue. It contains the ingredient Thymol, which does have specific antifungal properties.

3. Vicks Vaporub

Vicks has been a mainstay in American homes for many years and is best known for its use during winter months and flu season. The menthol in it is can be very soothing. Like Listerine, Vicks also contains an active ingredient called Thymol that may or may not help with toenail fungus. One major drawback to Vicks is that it keeps your feet moist and that’s the opposite of what you want to stop fungus growth.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar is another product that may be helpful; however, many do agree that you can use other types of vinegar. The theory goes that vinegar is acetic acid and does not promote a productive environment for fungus growth. The mixture is that of one part water and one part vinegar soak for 15 to 30 minutes.

There are many more toenail fungus home remedies on the web but these three are frequently passed around. It should be noted that none of these products are designed to kill toenail fungus. Whether or not they work for your specific case is something that you will have to decide.

Looking to find the best information on Toenail Fungus Home Remedies, then visit www.ToenailFungusTreatment.com to find the best advice on Toenail Fungus Home Remedies.

Health Alternative, fungus, Health, nail fungus, toenail fungus

Toe-nail Fungus – Symptoms And Treatment

February 26th, 2010

The nail fungus infection is spread by the fungi by infecting your finger or toe nails. You can suspect a nail infection, when you notice a white or yellow spot under the finger tips. In the advanced stages, the nail color changes to thick yellow and the nail texture itself changes with the edge disintegrating and the nail would look horrible and at this stage severe pain would also set in. Some people mistake athlete’s foot with nail infection. In fact, in Athlete’s foot, it is skin that gets affected in the firs place. But there are incidences where both the infections co-exist in a person.

When the nails maintain continuous contact with moisture and warmth the chance of fungal infection is more. An infection could also take place by using damp socks and footwear and also you get infected from public shower floors.

A severe nail infection would be difficult to heal and there is a cause to worry, since there is no guarantee like, the infection would not reappear. Over the counter medications are available, but only through proper prescriptions. Here, note that all the medications for treating nail fungus have got side effects. Some mild complications and some serious.

While it is a known fact that men are more prone to nail infections, it could also affect elderly people whose blood circulation would be poor and also due to the fact that during old age, the nails thicken on their own, thus making it more prone to infections. People with a diabetic background and malfunctioning immune system and those with a family history of nail fungal infection are also in the vulnerable group. The genetic component tends to work here. Heavy perspiration, moist socks, damp shoes and foot wear that does not allow air inside, walking in damp public areas, public shower rooms in gyms, a nail damage or even an other infection can trigger a nail fungal infection.

A fungal infection called ‘onychomycosis’ also affects the finger or toe nails. In this case, the symptoms would be brittle, disintegrated or worn out thickened nails. Distorted nail shapes, dull nails with nor shine or luster etc also are symptoms.

In the advanced severe stages, the infected nail separates from the skin and nail bed. This condition is called ‘onycholysis’. At this time a slight pain would be felt along with a foul odor.

It is true that a person with nail infections are sure to get stares from all sides, when in a public place, when he/she has to go wearing open shoes. This embarrassment takes place while in beaches and swimming pools also, where the shoes would be off. Exactly for these reasons and more, do not postpone treatments for nail infection.

Find more info today about toenail fungus infection and potential what is skin cancer conditions.

Health fungus, Health, toenail fungus, toenails