5 Powerful Anti-Fungal Herbs and Plants
Fungal infections can affect various areas, including the skin, hair, and internal organs. Though medications are often prescribed to fight these issues, several plants offer natural remedies. In fact, five common plants have powerful anti-fungal benefits.
Incorporating some of these plants into your routine may reduce or prevent fungal issues. The edible options are tasty additions to daily meals or nutrition plans. Those recommended for external use can be applied as tinctures, oils, soaps, or powders. Some of them are also available in capsules for internal use. To avoid any complications or negative interactions, it’s best to discuss their use with your doctor first.
Most Commonly Used Anti-Fungal Herbs and Plants
The medicinal value of plants isn’t new information. Many cultures used essential oils, thyme, Goldenseal, turmeric, cayenne, cinnamon and others to combat illnesses for centuries. However, a few plants boast higher anti-fungal properties than others, so they are worth considering as natural remedies. Below are some of the most widely used plants known for their anti-bacterial and anti-mycotic benefits.
Oregano
Recent studies show oregano essential oil effectively reduced fungicidal activity on stored wheat grains. These effects are due to the terpenes found in the plant’s leaves and stems, which have strong anti-fungal capabilities.
Of course, these properties aren’t only beneficial to stored grains. They protect the plant itself from fungal diseases and can do the same for you. Dried or fresh oregano leaves are tasty additions to pasta, meats, salads, potatoes, or anything else you fancy.
Wormwood
Wormwood is a well-known ingredient in absinthe, but this potent drink isn’t all it’s used for. The lovely perennial has several medicinal benefits as an anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiseptic, stimulant, and tonic.
Some Artemisia absinthium plant varieties also contain high levels of the monoterpene ketone thujone, which has an anti-fungal effect. Though the thujone is potent, large quantities or prolonged use may be toxic. Using the leaves for flavoring or the oil for occasional external use is recommended to avoid complications.
Garlic
Though it doesn’t help your breath, garlic is a fantastic flavoring agent for almost any meal. Not only does it taste good, but it also benefits various medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, inflammation, and cancer.
According to a recent study, this pungent plant has anti-fungal capabilities. When added to mouthwash, garlic’s antimicrobial effect inhibited the growth of Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacilli, and Candida albicans. Garlic tablets were also an effective treatment for vaginal yeast infections.
Cloves
Cloves have a warm, sweet flavor that accentuates baked goods and beverages, but also work well with meats and sauces. As well as a phenomenal flavor, the plant boasts beneficial anti-fungal properties.
The main component responsible for its fungi-fighting abilities is the chemical compound eugenol. Though eugenol does most of the work, Alpha humulene, caryophyllene, and eugenol acetate add to its potency. These ingredients work together to prevent fungi and bacteria growth in the body.
Tea tree
Though tea tree functions well as an anti-fungal agent, the plant is toxic and shouldn’t be ingested. Instead, tea tree oil is commonly applied to the skin and hair to fight external fungal issues.
Using tea tree oil triggers an immune response to fight bacterial and fungal infections. It’s commonly used to treat thrush, athlete’s foot, vaginal infections, and other issues. Combining it with other natural remedies, such as thyme or lavender oil, often increases its potency.
Resources:
- PubMed, Jan. 1995, Antifungal Activity of Oregano and Thyme Essential Oils Applied as Fumigants Against Fungi Attacking Stored Grain
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31121777/#:~:text=A%20reduction%20in%20the%20germinability,grain%20with%20a%20high%20MC - Food Revolution Network, Nov. 14, 2022, Why is oregano so good for you? Exploring its health benefits & uses
https://foodrevolution.org/blog/oregano-health-benefits/ - Plants for a Future, Artemisia absinthium – L
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Artemisia+absinthium - PubMed Central, June 2020, Bioactive compounds, pharmacological actions, and pharmacokinetics of wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7345338/ - PubMed Central, July 2020, Potential health benefit of garlic based on human intervention studies: a brief overview
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7402177/ - PubMed Central, Dec. 2011, Evaluation of antifungal activity in essential oil of the Syzygium aromaticum (L.) by extraction, purification and analysis of its main component eugenol
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3768706/#:~:text=Clove%20oil%20was%20found%20to,from%20the%20clove%20(15) - Plants for a Future, Melaleuca alternifolia – (Maiden.&Betch.) Cheel.
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Melaleuca+alternifolia
This article is for educational and informational purpose only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. For any questions about your own health condition, speak to a qualified physician or healthcare provider.
Leave A Comment