This transmittable fungal infection can infect animals and humans alike. While the most common treatment for this resilient skin infection is antifungal creams, studies have shown that natural oils can be just as, if not more, effective.
The lack of side effects in the essential oils for ringworm is seen as a significant benefit of this remedy. While powerful antifungal medications may cure the infection, they are highly toxic, essential oils for ringworm can be a good alternative.
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When patients face this unpleasant disease, using essential oils for ringworm rarely comes to mind. First of all, it is important to understand, that ringworm is a contagious infection with glaring symptoms such as red, circular and itchy patches on the patient’s skin.
While referred to as a ‘worm’, the infection is actually a fungus known as tinea, which means that anti-fungal treatments are effective in its treatment.
These harmful creams may also prove to be ineffective depending on the fungal species infecting the patient. The infection is also a lot harder to cure in humans than in animals such as cats. Infection in humans can reoccur even after it has been treated, and the ringworms are known to develop resistance to these medications.
As such, patients may prefer to try some natural remedies in curing their infections.
Best essential oils for ringworm
Tea tree oil
This is a common anti-fungus remedy used to treat a variety of conditions, including ringworm. The oil is known for its antiviral, anti-septic and anti-microbial qualities. The presence of a powerful antifungal element called ‘Terpenoid’ works not only to cure the infection, but also to prevent the fungus from growing again. As it is quite strong, users should never take the tea tree oil for ringworm orally. They are to mix it with olive oil and apply the mixture to the infected area at least 3 times a day until the infection is cured completely.
Coconut oil
This is another commonly used essential oil for ringworm. Specifically recommended for patients with infected scalps, its anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties make coconut oil a highly effective remedy. Apply an organic, extra-virgin brand of coconut oil 3 or 4 times a day, or just before going to sleep. It is rich in antioxidants and can be highly effective in minimizing ringworm symptoms such as itchiness.
Jojoba oil
Jojoba Oil is a popular remedy used for skin conditions. Packing several vitamins and essential fatty acids, along with its anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal qualities, it can be a highly effective in treating ringworm.
The benefit of using this oil lies its ability to fight the fungus causing the infection and to prevent it from growing
Patients should add a drop of lavender oil and apply the blend to the affected area a few times a day.
Lavender oil
This oil is widely acknowledged for its soothing effect; it is used to relieve both stress and anxiety. The oil can also be used to cure ringworm infections. The ringworm irritates the skin, causing it to become inflamed, dry and scaly. With its antiseptic and anti-fungal properties, this essential oil works to reduce the inflammation and soothe the infected area so that it would heal more rapidly. Lavender oil is also effective when used as an aromatherapy treatment.
Lemongrass Oil
Commonly used in India and China, lemongrass oil is an effective medical treatment as well as a home remedy for a variety of illnesses, including ringworm infections. This oil can be added to tea, blended into a paste, or simply applied as an oil. Applying this antiseptic and antibacterial agent will help patients heal the skin and prevent the infection from spreading. Users may prefer mixing lemongrass oil with other essential oils like Almond or Jojoba. This will enable them to benefit from the antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties of other oils as well.
Mixed oils
Scientists at the Italian University of Pisa use a blend of several essential oils to treat severe infections. This blend consists of:
- 5% oregano essential oil,
- 5% rosemary essential oil,
- 2% wild thyme essential oil,
- In a base of sweet almond oil,
Researchers at the University have proven the effectiveness of essential oils in treating resilient ringworm infections. In their study, they used an essential oil blend containing Oregano, Rosemary, Wild Thyme, and Sweet almond oil in treating seven cats suffering from ringworm. Four of the cats were cured completely, while the other three showed significant signs of improvement.
The scientists also tested a variety of essential oils on eleven different ringworm species. Their results proved that certain essential oils such as Wild Thyme, Oregano, lemon, Star anise and Rosemary oil could inhibit the growth of the fungus. They then used the same combination of essential oils for ringworm to cure 13 infected sheep, using 7 untreated sheep as a control group. The experiment proved the efficacy of the essential oils. After receiving the treatment for 15 days, the infected sheep were cured.
Thyme and oregano have powerful antifungal properties, which make them a highly effective remedy for ringworm. The oils should be massaged onto the infected skin throughout the day. Patients, who use these powerful oils, have shown signs of recovery in less than seven days!
Common properties of essential oils
Like the recommended tea tree oil for ringworm, each essential oil mentioned stimulates the body’s natural healing process, restoring patients’ health by supplying their cells with essential nutrients. The strong antifungal properties of these oils help eradicate the itchy infection and kill off the fungus causing the ringworm.
Beneficial tips for users
- Before applying the oil, test the blend on a small patch of skin to ensure your body doesn’t suffer a reaction.
- Use the oils in their pure, unadulterated forms, and dilute them with a carrier oil before application.
- Pregnant women and young children should not use the oils without doctor’s consultation.
- For better results, make sure your surroundings are clean and hygienic. Keep your skin clean and dry, and avoid sharing any personal products with other people.
Conclusion
These essential oils for ringworm have several properties that work to heal the infection naturally, destroying the fungus down to its roots. Nevertheless, patients should still consult a doctor before using the oils so as to ensure they apply them in the correct manner.
Sources and References
- MedlinePlus Ringworm of the body
- Health.Vic Ringworm or tinea (dermatophytosis)
- HealthDirect Ringworm of the body