Looking for a natural treatment for Athlete's foot, ringworm, or other fungal infections? Your doctor might soon be prescribing lavender essential oil instead of medication thanks to the latest research from Portugal, which shows that Lavandula viridis may be more effective as an antifungal agent than many drugs and medicated ointments.
Lavender Essential Oil for All Ills
Lavender has been used for hundreds of years as a cure-all, and is considered in modern aromatherapy to be one of the most multi-purpose remedies. It is recommended for every type of skin condition, insomnia and other sleep disorders, depression and mood disorders, panic attacks, stress and relaxation. Lavender is one of the most popular scents worldwide and can be found in perfume, cosmetics, bath products and more.
In fact, it's also one of the most commonly synthesized aromas, which is why it's so difficult to find lavender as a pure essential oil that's safe for medicinal use. Lavender may be replaced with artificial aromas or with Lavandin or other herbal essential oils that smell similar but don't have the same chemical components - or the same effect on health.
Lavender a Powerful Natural Remedy for Fungal Infection
Lavender has always been a popular aromatherapy oil, but it may now be poised to become widely accepted medically. New research published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology reveals that the pure essential oil of Lavandula viridis not only stops the growth of fungi, it also kills fungal infections, such as:
- Athlete's foot
- Ringworm
- Candida albicans
While it stopped fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails, lavender also showed no side effects - a huge benefit over the drugs that are prescribed by most doctors to treat these conditions, and which may cause harmful side effects during use. Lavender has previously been shown to kill harmful bacteria and to modulate anxiety and stress responses.
The authors of this study believe that lavender essential oil is a powerful yet inexpensive alternative to the antifungal drugs that are losing effectiveness as infections continue to develop resistance, and one that is readily available to anyone willing to do the research and find safe, pure sources of this therapeutic aromatherapy oil.
Sources
- Zuzarte M et al, "Chemical composition and antifungal activity of the essential oils of Lavandula viridis L'Her," Journal of Medical Microbiology, 2011 May;60(Pt 5):612-8. Epub 2011 Feb 14. Abstract
- Hui et al, "Chemical composition of lavender essential oil and its antioxidant activity and inhibition against rhinitis-related bacteria," African Journal of Microbiology Research, 2010 February:4(4):309-13. Full paper
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Victoria Anisman-Reiner - Victoria Anisman-Reiner is a freelance writer with extensive experience in holistic health care and animal training.
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