A Possible Alternative
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.
So, What Actually Is Fungus?
Many of us might associate fungus with hairy things growing on forgotten bread or cheese, or organisms that grow out of rotten logs. Yet, fungi are also commonly found on and in the human body. When our immune systems are compromised, fungi can infect non-living tissue such as our hair and nails as well as beneath the skin. Fungal infections (also called mycosis) can be a direct cause of skin and mucous membrane irritations and in worst case scenarios be the cause of death.
Ailments Associated with Fungal Infections
You might have experienced or know someone with a Candida infection. This troublesome yeast can cause irksome and often reoccurring vaginal infections in women and oral thrush in both adults and children. Those with compromised immune systems can develop systemic and sometimes fatal infections.
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.
As you can deduce, fungal infections are nothing to trifle with. In the following paragraphs synopses of science study findings are assembled. All of these studies have indicated possible use of essential oils to effectively treat fungal infections.
Essential Oils in the Treatment of Candida Infections
Using essential oils in the treatment of Candida infections has been the focus of many recent research studies across the globe. Candida treated with Japanese Cypress oil, tea tree, juniper and even cinnamon are among some of the essential oils found to be effective at inhibiting further growth of this fungus. Researchers from the Defense Research Laboratory in India (2007) chose six essential oils and compared their results with two known antibiotics used in the treatment of Candida. Scientists found that the essential oils exhibited more potent activity than the conventional drugs.
Essential Oils in the Treatment of Dermatophytes
Dermatophyte fungi infect the skin, hair and nails of humans as well as our beloved pets. The by-products of their colonization are toxins. These toxins in turn cause often painful inflammation and embarrassing blemishes (remember your grandparents’ brown or even green toenails?yuck!).
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.
Treating Aspergillus Infections
Although spores of Aspergillus are found in the air and on the ground, those that develop an infection from Aspergillus (aspergillosis) can develop severe reactions. Several research studies indicated that using essential oils to combat this potentially deadly fungus merit consideration in clinical use. A 2009 study from the University of Porto in Portugal found that clove oil (Syzygium aromaticum) exhibited inhibitory activity against Aspergillus. They identified that the active compound found in clove oil (eugenol) caused extensive damage to the fungal cell membranes.
Conclusion
It is certain that most of us will experience fungal infections at one time or another. Once these organisms take a foot hold, they are not eager to leave and are often resistant to conventional treatments. Acknowledging that conventional treatments are not always successful nor safe, medical researchers are looking at using essential oils as a treatment alternative. Laboratory studies indicate that essential oils are effective against fungal infections and in some cases more potent than conventional drugs.
More aromatherapy information is available at Ananda Aromatherapy, such as using bay laurel essential oil and other therapeutic organic essential oils.