Antifungal Herbs: Athlete's Foot, Yeast, Fungus Infections



Herbs have demonstrated significant activity against several common infection-causing fungi, including those that cause athlete's foot and ringworm. Herbs can be used as skin washes, or hair rinses, or by using the essential oils in topical blends. Tea Tree Oil is considered one of the premium herbs to use for a to treat fungal infections because of its effectiveness and safety.


  • Herb Properties
  • Herbs Alphabetical by Common Name


  • See List Herbs by Botanical Name

  • Aloe Vera Gel Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe vera :
    Tender Perennial succulent : The leaf juices of the aloe plant have important medicinal uses, making aloe one of the most respected medicinal plants found in many gels, creams and lotions....
  • Apple Apple, Malus domestica : Apple cider vinegar, wine vinegar
    : In addition to the fruit of the apple tree, its bark, flowers, and leaves all have healthy properties. Apples contain malic and tartaric acids, and salts of potassium, sodium, magnesium, and iron. Regular consumption can even lower cholesterol and help ...
  • Arjuna Arjuna , Terminalia arjuna :
    : Arjuna is among the most frequently prescribed herbs for cardiovascular health in ayurvedic medicine...
  • Balsam of Peru Balsam of Peru, Myroxylon pereirae : Tolu Balsam
    Tropical Tree : Balsam of Peru, or Tolu, is used mainly in aromatherapy and perfumery for its vanilla and cinnamon scent. The resinous oil is antiseptic and healing to the skin....
  • Basil Basil, Ocimum basilicum : Sweet Basil
    herb : Stellar culinary herb and aromatherapy oil. Stimulates appetite, uplifts mood. The uses of basil are limited only by your imagination....
  • Bee Balm, Wild Bergamot Bee Balm, Wild Bergamot, Monarda didyma : Scarlet Monarda, Oswego Tea, Bergamot, Horsebalm
    perennial herb : This species of mint has an aroma similar to the citrus Orange Bergamot, but the two are not related. A safe herb to use in both animals and humans. Like most mints, bee balm has a special affinity towards the digestive tract. Bee balm has excellent antib...
  • Black Walnut Black Walnut, Juglans nigra :
    deciduous tree : The nuts make a great snack however it is the bark, leaves and nut husks that are the source of the phytomedicine in black walnut. Black walnut hull extract is unquestionably one of the best and safest worming agents offered by the plant world. But it ca...
  • Burdock root Burdock root, Arctium lappa : Niu Bang Zi, Go Bo, Gobo
    Biennial : Burdock helps to cleanse the body from the inside out and is most useful in those conditions that can be traced back to liver disorders or a general overload of toxins in the system....
  • Calendula Calendula, Calendula officinalis : Pot marigold
    perennial herbaceous plants : Calendula flower oil is one of the first herbs to consider in minor first aid applications. Particularly good treatment for cuts, scrapes, bruises, and minor wounds....
  • Chaparral Chaparral, Larrea tridentata : hediondilla, Shegoi
    Desert Shrub : Chaparral has potent and long-lasting anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in the treatment of arthritis. Chaparral herb should only be externally in baths,creams and lotions...
  • Cinnamon Cinnamon, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, C. cassia : Cassia Bark, Sweet cinnamon
    Evergreen Tropical Tree : Cinnamon is recommended for treating weak digestion, low appetite and stomach upsets. It has powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties and may help lower blood sugar....
  • Coconut oil Coconut oil, Cocos nucifera :
    tree : Coconut oil works wonders for dry and damaged skin, cuts, bruises, and speeds the healing while it fights infection. Coconut oil is different from other saturated fats because it is composed of medium-chain fatty acids, MCFAs....
  • Copaiba Balsam Copaiba Balsam, Copaifera Officinalis : balsam, copaiva, Jesuit's balsam, copal, palo de aceite, capivi
    tropical tree : Copaiba is used topically to relieve inflammation and help heal athlete's foot, eczema and psoriasis, and heals damaged skin with minimal scarring. ...
  • Dill Dill, Anethum graveolens :
    Annual Herb : Mouthwatering dill is carminative, it eases gas pains, bloating and settles the stomach. Both the leaves (dill weed) and seeds are used as a seasoning....
  • Fennel Seed Fennel Seed, Foeniculum vulgare : Sweet Fennel, Fenkel
    : Fennel seed is a good herbal remedy for coughs, helps in weight loss, and even tempers the effects of hormonal changes in menopause...
  • Garlic Garlic, Allium sativum : Poor Man's Treacle, Bawang, Bauang
    Monocot Perennial : Readily available and inexpensive garlic may be the first line of defense in treating high blood pressure, and dealing with common skin and fungal infections....
  • Geranium Geranium , Pelargonium graveolens :
    herb : Rose-scented pelargonium oil is commonly know as geranium oil in aromatherapy. Pelargoniums were used in South Africa as a traditional medicine for healing cold sores, sore throats and infections...
  • Goldenseal Goldenseal, Hydrastis canadensis : Yellow Root
    Perennial herb : Goldenseal is a folk medicine staple widely used in many herbal salves and ointments as a contact disinfectant. The root contains berberine and hydrastine...
  • Lavender Lavender, Lavandula spp :
    Woody Perennial Herb : Lavender can lift your spirits, help you sleep, relieve pain, kill germs, heal burns and rashes, and help keep annoying insects at bay. Lavender oil is also antibacterial and healing to the skin...
  • Mustard Mustard, Brassica nigra : Mustard Seed, Brown mustard
    : Pungent mustard oil is antibacterial and antifungal, warm and stimulating....
  • Mustard Mustard, Brassica nigra : Mustard Seed, Brown mustard
    : Pungent mustard oil is antibacterial and antifungal, warm and stimulating....
  • Neem Neem, Azadirachta Indica : Margosa, Neem oil
    tree : Neem oil is rich, thick and protective of skin and hair. Use it as a topical treatment for athletes foot, scabies and any fungal infections of the skin. Neem contains essential fatty acids and Vitamin E that moisturize and protects skin. Neem also acts as...
  • Niaouli Oil Niaouli Oil, Melaleuca quinquenervia :
    : Much like tea tree in its antiseptic properties, but with a much milder, fruity aroma. ...
  • Olive Oil Olive Oil, Olea europea : Olive Leaf
    Tree : Virgin olive oil is used for healthy cooking, and makes a great base for herbal infused oils. You can infuse olive oil with rosemary, garlic, thyme, and many other herbs ...
  • Orange Orange, Citrus sinensis, Citrus spp. : Mandarin Orange, Tangerine
    tree : Oranges are a healthy source of vitamin C and other nutrients, as well as one of the most versatile aromatherapy oils. Orange peel is used as a zest in cooking and as a tea....
  • Patchouli Patchouli, Pogostemon patchouli :
    Woody perennial aromatic : Patchouli oil improves with age and is used as a base note in aromatherapy oils. The aromatic leaves can also be used in herbal infused oils, and bath herbs for skin care...
  • Pau d’arco Pau d’arco, Tabebuia spp : lapacho, taheebo
    : There is a great deal of practical evidence that pau d'arco can be used with success to treat colds, flu, sore throat, and yeast infections....
  • Peppermint Peppermint, Mentha piperita : Yerba Buena
    Perennial Herb : Peppermint has an antispasmodic effect that soothes stomachaches and relieves gas. Peppermint oil is cooling and analgesic, relieving heat and inflammation while it increases blood flow to the painful area....
  • Ravensara Oil Ravensara Oil, Ravensara aromatica : ravensare, havozo, hazomanitra
    tree : The essential oil is referred to as the oil that heals and is is obtained by steam distillation from the leaf. ...
  • Red Clover Red Clover, Trifolium pratense :
    Perennial Herb : Red Clover of most interest in menopause and in the prevention of breast cancer because of its strong concentration of natural plant estrogen...
  • Sage Sage, Salvia officinalis :
    Perennial Woody Herb : Sage is a well-regarded herb for relieving the hot flashes of menopause. Sage is used both as a culinary herb and medicinal herb. Sage essential oil is used sparely...
  • Sandalwood Oil Sandalwood Oil, Santalum album :
    tree : Sandalwood oil is one of the few fragrances equally popular among men and women. Its uplifting scent is often used to treat depression....
  • Spearmint Spearmint, Mentha spicata : Spear mint
    : Spearmint has much the same properties as peppermint, but is milder and good for use with children's complaints. Spearmint tea will relieve hiccough, flatulence as well as indigestion. ...
  • Spilanthes Spilanthes, Spilanthes acmella :
    Tropical perennial : In Brazilian Spilanthes is commonly referred to as the toothache plant for its ability to numb the gums and mouth and calm tooth pain when the flower buds and new leaves are chewed. Spilanthes works in a similar fashion to echinacea in treating pain...
  • Tarragon Tarragon, Artemisia dracunculus :
    Perennial Herb : Tarragon is a culinary star in French cuisine and best used fresh....
  • Tea Tree oil Tea Tree oil, Melaleuca alternifolia : Melaleuca
    tree : Tea tree oil is a fast and easy way to treat insect bites and any type of skin fungus. Apply a few drops neat, or use a clean compress to apply to the skin...
  • Thyme Thyme, Thymus vulgaris : Common Thyme, Wild Thyme
    Woody Perennial Herb : Thyme is one of the best herbs to use as a cough and cold remedy, addressing all your cold symptoms in a holistic way. Thyme acts to clear the lungs of congestion...
  • Turmeric Turmeric, Curcuma longa L. : Curcuma, Indian saffron
    herbaceous perennial plant : Turmeric is a mild aromatic stimulant used in the manufacture of curry powders and mustards.The curcumin in turmeric has recently been shown effective in the fight against breast cancer, Alzheimer's and arthritis...