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Using Essential Oils to Treat Fungal Infections

By: Erica Allen

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Looking for Alternative Treatments

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 Discussion of fungal infections is not a popular topic. Infections by these organisms are a source of embarrassment as well as a cause of severe mucosal irritation for many people. If certain fungi are able to penetrate the tissues, they can also be life-threatening. Unfortunately, conventional treatment is neither easy nor without its share of side-effects. Science studies within the last decade point to safe and effective alternative treatments using essential oils.

Brief Description of Fungi

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.

Human Diseases Caused by Fungi

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 common fungal infections are known as athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm and onychomycosis (the unsightly discoloration and cracking of toenails). One not so commonly recognized is aspergillosis – an infection caused by Aspergillus species. This fungus, which is normally found growing on decaying vegetation, can cause allergic reactions in those with compromised immune systems. Inhaled spores can lead to restricted airways and severe bouts of coughing and even bleeding.

It is clear that fungal infections are not to be ignored. Some infections may only be an irritant while others may be fatal if left untreated. Below is a synopsis of recent science studies that have investigated the use of essential oils on various fungi, often with substantial results.

Essential Oils in the Treatment of Candida Infections

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

Dermatophytes, a group of fungi that infect hair, skin and nails, feed on the nutrient-rich proteins of keratin. As they feed, they leave behind toxins which in turn cause inflammatory responses such as skin rashes and tenacious toe nail infections.

A study conducted by the Institute for Biological Research in Serbia (2008) found that the essential oil of Thymus vulgaris was able to cure rats induced with dermatophyte infections. Their findings echo several other studies, concluding that certain essential oils demonstrate potential as a natural fungicide to control dermatophytic fungi.

Essential Oils in the Treatment of 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.

Final Thoughts

Whether we want to address the existence of fungal infections or not, organisms that cause such infections are most likely here to stay. Although certain species of Kingdom Fungi are commensals with humans and ubiquitous in the air and soil, they can nonetheless penetrate our immune defenses and cause mild to severe reactions. There is growing concern that conventional pharmaceutical treatments are neither completely effective nor safe. Science literature indicates that essential oils just might be a new alternative and a good candidate for clinical use.

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

Aromatherapy with therapy-grade oils is a wonderful means of lifting your spirits in the winter months. Try essential oils like Bergamot and Rose for their well-known mood-brightening effects.

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