Antifungal Essential Oils

As with any information presented on this page, please use all proper precautions in using these powerful aromatic essences, and consult a medical practitioner when in doubt. We are in no way responsible for misuse of the information presented herein.

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Most frequently recommended for the treatment of athlete’s foot, candida, in fact, any sort of fungus. Tea Tree Oil is an effective all-round antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal oil. Many authorities recommend using Tea Tree neat (undiluted) but recent evidence shows that it is actually more effective in a 2% dilution. I personally consider it much too harsh to use undiluted on the skin.

Tea Tree is the usually suggested aromatherapy remedy for ringworm. If I were trying to treat this fungal infection I’d go with a weak (ie 12 drops/ounce of carrier) dilution of Tea Tree in Jojoba Oil.

Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)
Specifically recommended in a blend to treat “jock strap itch.” I have found it effective when blended with Tea Tree and worked into bentonite clay, used as a body powder. Please don’t use corn starch in this “do it yourself” dusting powder as it tends to feed the fungus and makes things worse, not better.

Cedarwood, either Atlas or Virginia
Wonderful for clearing out musty closets or basements, perhaps blended with Lemongrass, or Lemon Eucalyptus (see below). For a basement or large area, I would suggest running in a nebulizing diffuser to really fill the atmosphere. For a closet, first, wipe down with a blend of the oils in water and then allow to dry thoroughly (perhaps running a dehumidifier, if available).

Tagetes (Tagetes glandulifera)
Recommended for use with fungi that affect the feet. Tagetes is a strong photosensitizer so it shouldn’t be used on other parts of the body. I’ve found a blend of Tea Tree oil and Tagetes added to a vinegar and water foot bath very effective for athlete’s foot and for dealing with toenail fungus.

Lavandin (Lavandula hybrid var. Super)
This is the essential oil that I use to keep the linen closet fresh and sweet smelling. I use a little “clay pot” diffuser in the closet.

Lemon Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora)
Lemon Eucalyptus, in a nebulizing diffuser is what I used when part of the house was flooded resulting in wet carpets, etc. It is a wonderful air cleaner and strong antifungal for use in a large area.