Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsEssential OilsHow to UseBenefitsSide EffectsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Essential Oils
How to Use
Benefits
Side Effects
Frequently Asked Questions
Many essential oils (EOs) have antifungal properties.Tinea pedis(athlete’s foot) is a fungal condition often treated with antifungal medications,but some people use essential oils to treat it.
Athlete’s foot often occurs after exposure to the fungus in the damp places where it lives, such as locker room floors, showers, and pools.When you have athlete’s foot, your affected foot may be red, itchy, have blisters, and peel,
This article explains which essential oils could be options for treating athlete’s foot, their benefits, side effects, and how to use them.
Svitlana Romadina / Getty Images
The Best Essential Oils for Athlete’s Foot
Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription antifungaltreatments for athlete’s footare standard care for the condition. Some home remedies, such as essential oils, may help with mild infections.Tea tree oil is frequently used for fungal infections, but several others may help, too.
Who Should Not Use EOs?Just because essential oils are available OTC does not mean they are safe for everyone. For example, if you have scent-based allergies or sensitivities, you should be very careful with essential oils because their scent is concentrated and potent.Also, if your athlete’s foot is severe or chronic, essential oils may not help your condition, and you may benefit from a stronger treatment. Always consult a healthcare provider before using essential oils for athlete’s foot.
Who Should Not Use EOs?
Just because essential oils are available OTC does not mean they are safe for everyone. For example, if you have scent-based allergies or sensitivities, you should be very careful with essential oils because their scent is concentrated and potent.Also, if your athlete’s foot is severe or chronic, essential oils may not help your condition, and you may benefit from a stronger treatment. Always consult a healthcare provider before using essential oils for athlete’s foot.
Just because essential oils are available OTC does not mean they are safe for everyone. For example, if you have scent-based allergies or sensitivities, you should be very careful with essential oils because their scent is concentrated and potent.
Also, if your athlete’s foot is severe or chronic, essential oils may not help your condition, and you may benefit from a stronger treatment. Always consult a healthcare provider before using essential oils for athlete’s foot.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oilis derived from the tea tree, native to Australia. People commonly use it for skin conditions, including athlete’s foot.
In a 2021 study published in theInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences, researchers evaluated tea tree oil combined with ketoconazole (KTZ) antifungal medication.
They found that adding tea tree oil to KTZ increased the solubility of the drug (its ability to dissolve in water) and improved its ability to release and permeate the skin. In addition, tea tree oil increased KTZ’s antifungal activity.
Other studies have found similar effects when tea tree oil is combined with other antifungal medications.A 2015 study found that the components of tea tree oil have high levels of antifungal activity.
Lemon Oil
Lemon oil is extracted from lemon skins and has antifungal properties. In a 2014 study in theJournal of Food Processing and Preservation, researchers evaluated the antifungal activity of lemon oil, among others.They found that lemon essential oil completely stopped mold growth at greater than 1.25 microliters per milliliter.
Another 2014 study evaluated lemon essential oil’s effect on strains ofstrains of Candida(a fungus often associated with athlete’s foot).Researchers found the antifungal potential of lemon oil against Candida yeast strains and found the oil an effective natural remedy for candidiasis.
Lavender Oil
The lavender plant is native to the Mediterranean region.Lavender oilis commonly used for relaxation and to relieve anxiety. However, some people also use it for skin conditions, like athlete’s foot.
A 2019 review published inMoleculeslooked at essential oil’s antifungal properties.Researchers found that lavender still had a significant antifungal effect after diluting the pure solution 40 times. They also found that a solution of 0.125% and 2% completely inhibited fungal growth.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oilis derived from the perennial herb peppermint, native to Europe and North America.The oil and herb are mainly known for their digestive-calming properties, but they also contain antifungal properties.
A 2015 study evaluated the antifungal activity of peppermint oil.Researchers found that the mint oil killed Candida cells and concluded that mint essential oils are potential antifungal agents that warrant further research.
In another 2021 study, researchers tested peppermint oil on several types of fungus, includingBotrytis cinerea,Monilinia fructicola,Penicillium expansum,andAspergillus niger.Again,researchers found that the oil had promising antifungal activity against all tested fungi.
Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrassis a perennial tropical grass. Its oil is extracted from the plant’s fresh leaves. The oil is frequently used totreat inflammationand microbial infections. In addition, it is a common ingredient in mosquito repellants.
In a 2012 study, researchers evaluated the antifungal properties of lemongrass oil.They found that lemongrass oil had a promising antifungal effect onCandida dubliniensis(C. dubliniensis).Specifically, it killed more than 80% ofC. dubliniensisin biofilm at 1.7 mg/ml concentrations and had a strong inhibitory effect oncandida.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is derived from the tree of the same name. People primarily use the oil for respiratory conditions likeasthmaandbronchitis.But it also contains antifungal properties.
In 2015, a study in theJournal of Foot and Ankle Researchevaluated eucalyptus as an antifungal treatment fornail fungus.Over four months, 22 participants with 70 infected nails used undiluted eucalyptus oil as a topical antifungal treatment.
Nails with superficial infections cleared the infection within four months 86% of the time, while more severe infections cleared at a lower rate.
Another 2017 study looked at the antifungal activity of eucalyptus on several species of Fusarium common in soil and which can cause fungal infections in the nails and skin.Researchers found that eucalyptus has antifungal properties and could be an alternative to plant fungicides.
Geranium Oil
Geranium oil is from a plant native to Southern Africa. The root of the plant is distilled into the oil, which is typically used for respiratory symptoms. However, it is also used as an antifungal.
In a 2014 study inAdvanced Pharmaceutical Bulletin,researchers evaluated the antimicrobial activity of geranium oil on bacteria and fungi (Candida albicans).The EO was active against all bacteria and completely inhibited the fungus’s development.
How to Use Essential Oils to Treat Athlete’s Foot
Essential oils are highly concentrated. Therefore, you should never apply an EO without first diluting it. Generally, you can follow these steps when using EOs, topically:
First, dilute the oil in a carrier oil (a vegetable oil used as a base) or water at a concentration of no more than 3% to 5%.
You may want to patch test the diluted oil before applying it all over your foot to ensure you don’t have a skin reaction. With a patch test, you apply it to a small area and observe it for 24 to 72 hours to see if it produces a reaction.
And always check with a healthcare provider before using essential oils to treat athlete’s foot. They may advise against it in your specific situation, or they may have special instructions for use.
As with any treatment for athlete’s foot, you should keep your feet dry and clean and take steps to prevent infecting others.For example, keep your feet covered and away from communal spaces, like showers, locker rooms, and pools, while you have an infection. Wash your hands thoroughly after touching your feet, socks, or shoes.
When to See a Healthcare ProviderIf at-home treatment doesn’t improve or resolve your symptoms within two weeks, you should consult a podiatrist or primary healthcare provider for further evaluation andstronger medicine.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If at-home treatment doesn’t improve or resolve your symptoms within two weeks, you should consult a podiatrist or primary healthcare provider for further evaluation andstronger medicine.
Other Benefits of Essential Oils
In addition to antifungal properties, EOs have other potential benefits, including:
While essential oils have many benefits, they still carry some risks. These risks include:
When misused, EOs can damage skin and other organs.So, take proper precautions, like diluting the oil carefully, applying it as directed, and talking to a healthcare provider to ensure that none of your medications could interact with the oil.
Essential Oils, Children, and PregnancyBe very careful with essential oils and children. Store them where children cannot reach them—ingesting as little as 1 teaspoon can be fatal. Do not use it on children without guidance from a healthcare provider, as EOs must be more heavily diluted when using them on kids.In addition, use only under the guidance of a healthcare provider while pregnant.
Essential Oils, Children, and Pregnancy
Be very careful with essential oils and children. Store them where children cannot reach them—ingesting as little as 1 teaspoon can be fatal. Do not use it on children without guidance from a healthcare provider, as EOs must be more heavily diluted when using them on kids.In addition, use only under the guidance of a healthcare provider while pregnant.
Be very careful with essential oils and children. Store them where children cannot reach them—ingesting as little as 1 teaspoon can be fatal. Do not use it on children without guidance from a healthcare provider, as EOs must be more heavily diluted when using them on kids.
In addition, use only under the guidance of a healthcare provider while pregnant.
Summary
Some people use essential oils, like tea tree, lemon, lavender, peppermint, lemongrass, eucalyptus, and geranium, to treat athlete’s foot. Research is limited, but some evidence supports these EOs as an alternative or complementary antifungal treatment.
You must dilute EOs in carrier oil or water before applying. Some people enjoy EOs in a foot bath, while others apply the diluted oil directly to the affected skin or on a compress. EOs can be toxic when used improperly or cause allergic reactions or contact sensitivity.
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe essential oil most commonly used for athlete’s foot is tea tree oil. Research has found that tea tree oil’s antifungal properties work when used with antifungal medicine and on its own.Learn MoreThe Best Tea Tree OilsOlder studies have found that tea tree oil may take a few months to work on athlete’s foot. For example, a 1999 study found that it took 16 weeks to cure the condition.Learn MoreHome Remedies for Athlete’s FootYou can put tea tree oil directly on athlete’s foot, but you must dilute it first. Essential oils are too concentrated to use without diluting. So instead, place a small amount of oil in carrier oil or water (around 1%) and then apply.Learn MoreAlmond Oil for Skin and Hair
The essential oil most commonly used for athlete’s foot is tea tree oil. Research has found that tea tree oil’s antifungal properties work when used with antifungal medicine and on its own.Learn MoreThe Best Tea Tree Oils
The essential oil most commonly used for athlete’s foot is tea tree oil. Research has found that tea tree oil’s antifungal properties work when used with antifungal medicine and on its own.
Learn MoreThe Best Tea Tree Oils
Older studies have found that tea tree oil may take a few months to work on athlete’s foot. For example, a 1999 study found that it took 16 weeks to cure the condition.Learn MoreHome Remedies for Athlete’s Foot
Older studies have found that tea tree oil may take a few months to work on athlete’s foot. For example, a 1999 study found that it took 16 weeks to cure the condition.
Learn MoreHome Remedies for Athlete’s Foot
You can put tea tree oil directly on athlete’s foot, but you must dilute it first. Essential oils are too concentrated to use without diluting. So instead, place a small amount of oil in carrier oil or water (around 1%) and then apply.Learn MoreAlmond Oil for Skin and Hair
You can put tea tree oil directly on athlete’s foot, but you must dilute it first. Essential oils are too concentrated to use without diluting. So instead, place a small amount of oil in carrier oil or water (around 1%) and then apply.
Learn MoreAlmond Oil for Skin and Hair
23 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Athlete’s foot.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Tea tree oil.Wróblewska M, Szymańska E, Winnicka K.The influence of tea tree oil on antifungal activity and pharmaceutical characteristics of Pluronic® F-127 gel formulations with ketoconazole.Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(21):11326. doi:10.3390/ijms222111326Mertas A, Garbusińska A, Szliszka E, Jureczko A, Kowalska M, Król W.The influence of tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) on fluconazole activity against fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans strains.Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:590470. doi:10.1155/2015/590470Yu D, Wang J, Shao X, Xu F, Wang H.Antifungal modes of action of tea tree oil and its two characteristic components against Botrytis cinerea.J Appl Microbiol. 2015;119(5):1253-1262. doi:10.1111/jam.12939Dimić G, Kocić-Tanackov S, Mojović L, Pejin J.Antifungal activity of lemon essential oil, coriander and cinnamon extracts on foodborne molds in direct contact and the vapor phase.J Food Process Preserv. 2014;39(6):1778-1787. doi:10.1111/jfpp.12410Białoń M, Krzyśko-Łupicka T, Koszałkowska M, Wieczorek PP.The influence of chemical composition of commercial lemon essential oils on the growth of Candida strains.Mycopathologia. 2014;177(1-2):29-39. doi:10.1007/s11046-013-9723-3National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Lavender.D’agostino M, Tesse N, Frippiat JP, Machouart M, Debourgogne A.Essential oils and their natural active compounds presenting antifungal properties.Molecules. 2019;24(20):3713. doi:10.3390/molecules24203713National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Peppermint oil.Samber N, Khan A, Varma A, Manzoor N.Synergistic anti-candidal activity and mode of action of Mentha piperita essential oil and its major components.Pharm Biol. 2015;53(10):1496-1504. doi:10.3109/13880209.2014.989623Camele I, Gruľová D, Elshafie HS.Chemical composition and antimicrobial properties ofMentha×piperitacv. ‘Kristinka’ essential oil.Plants (Basel). 2021;10(8):1567. doi:10.3390/plants10081567Taweechaisupapong S, Ngaonee P, Patsuk P, Pitiphat W, Khunkitti W.Antibiofilm activity and post antifungal effect of lemongrass oil on clinical Candida dubliniensis isolate.South African Journal of Botany. 2012;78:37-43. doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2011.04.003National Library of Medicine.Eucalyptus.Bramston C, Robinson C.Is eucalyptus oil an effective antifungal treatment for onychomycosis with and without nail matrix infection?J Foot Ankle Res. 2015;8(Suppl 2):P1. doi:10.1186/1757-1146-8-S2-P1Gakuubi MM, Maina AW, Wagacha JM.Antifungal activity of essential oil of eucalyptus camaldulensisdehnh. against selectedFusariumspp.Int J Microbiol. 2017;2017:8761610. doi:10.1155/2017/8761610Carmen G, Hancu G.Antimicrobial and antifungal activity of pelargonium roseum essential oils.Adv Pharm Bull. 2014;4(Suppl 2):511-514. doi:10.5681/apb.2014.075University of Minnesota.How do I choose and use essential oils?American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.Athlete’s foot.American Podiatric Medical Association.Athlete’s foot.Pezantes-Orellana C, German Bermúdez F, Matías De la Cruz C, Montalvo JL, Orellana-Manzano A.Essential oils: a systematic review on revolutionizing health, nutrition, and omics for optimal well-being.Front Med (Lausanne). 2024;11:1337785. Published 2024 Feb 16. doi:10.3389/fmed.2024.1337785University of Minnesota.Are essential oils safe?Syed TA, Qureshi ZA, Ali SM, Ahmad S, Ahmad SA.Treatment of toenail onychomycosis with 2% butenafine and 5% Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil in cream.Trop Med Int Health. 1999;4(4):284-287. doi:10.1046/j.1365-3156.1999.00396.x
23 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Athlete’s foot.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Tea tree oil.Wróblewska M, Szymańska E, Winnicka K.The influence of tea tree oil on antifungal activity and pharmaceutical characteristics of Pluronic® F-127 gel formulations with ketoconazole.Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(21):11326. doi:10.3390/ijms222111326Mertas A, Garbusińska A, Szliszka E, Jureczko A, Kowalska M, Król W.The influence of tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) on fluconazole activity against fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans strains.Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:590470. doi:10.1155/2015/590470Yu D, Wang J, Shao X, Xu F, Wang H.Antifungal modes of action of tea tree oil and its two characteristic components against Botrytis cinerea.J Appl Microbiol. 2015;119(5):1253-1262. doi:10.1111/jam.12939Dimić G, Kocić-Tanackov S, Mojović L, Pejin J.Antifungal activity of lemon essential oil, coriander and cinnamon extracts on foodborne molds in direct contact and the vapor phase.J Food Process Preserv. 2014;39(6):1778-1787. doi:10.1111/jfpp.12410Białoń M, Krzyśko-Łupicka T, Koszałkowska M, Wieczorek PP.The influence of chemical composition of commercial lemon essential oils on the growth of Candida strains.Mycopathologia. 2014;177(1-2):29-39. doi:10.1007/s11046-013-9723-3National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Lavender.D’agostino M, Tesse N, Frippiat JP, Machouart M, Debourgogne A.Essential oils and their natural active compounds presenting antifungal properties.Molecules. 2019;24(20):3713. doi:10.3390/molecules24203713National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Peppermint oil.Samber N, Khan A, Varma A, Manzoor N.Synergistic anti-candidal activity and mode of action of Mentha piperita essential oil and its major components.Pharm Biol. 2015;53(10):1496-1504. doi:10.3109/13880209.2014.989623Camele I, Gruľová D, Elshafie HS.Chemical composition and antimicrobial properties ofMentha×piperitacv. ‘Kristinka’ essential oil.Plants (Basel). 2021;10(8):1567. doi:10.3390/plants10081567Taweechaisupapong S, Ngaonee P, Patsuk P, Pitiphat W, Khunkitti W.Antibiofilm activity and post antifungal effect of lemongrass oil on clinical Candida dubliniensis isolate.South African Journal of Botany. 2012;78:37-43. doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2011.04.003National Library of Medicine.Eucalyptus.Bramston C, Robinson C.Is eucalyptus oil an effective antifungal treatment for onychomycosis with and without nail matrix infection?J Foot Ankle Res. 2015;8(Suppl 2):P1. doi:10.1186/1757-1146-8-S2-P1Gakuubi MM, Maina AW, Wagacha JM.Antifungal activity of essential oil of eucalyptus camaldulensisdehnh. against selectedFusariumspp.Int J Microbiol. 2017;2017:8761610. doi:10.1155/2017/8761610Carmen G, Hancu G.Antimicrobial and antifungal activity of pelargonium roseum essential oils.Adv Pharm Bull. 2014;4(Suppl 2):511-514. doi:10.5681/apb.2014.075University of Minnesota.How do I choose and use essential oils?American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.Athlete’s foot.American Podiatric Medical Association.Athlete’s foot.Pezantes-Orellana C, German Bermúdez F, Matías De la Cruz C, Montalvo JL, Orellana-Manzano A.Essential oils: a systematic review on revolutionizing health, nutrition, and omics for optimal well-being.Front Med (Lausanne). 2024;11:1337785. Published 2024 Feb 16. doi:10.3389/fmed.2024.1337785University of Minnesota.Are essential oils safe?Syed TA, Qureshi ZA, Ali SM, Ahmad S, Ahmad SA.Treatment of toenail onychomycosis with 2% butenafine and 5% Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil in cream.Trop Med Int Health. 1999;4(4):284-287. doi:10.1046/j.1365-3156.1999.00396.x
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Athlete’s foot.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Tea tree oil.Wróblewska M, Szymańska E, Winnicka K.The influence of tea tree oil on antifungal activity and pharmaceutical characteristics of Pluronic® F-127 gel formulations with ketoconazole.Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(21):11326. doi:10.3390/ijms222111326Mertas A, Garbusińska A, Szliszka E, Jureczko A, Kowalska M, Król W.The influence of tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) on fluconazole activity against fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans strains.Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:590470. doi:10.1155/2015/590470Yu D, Wang J, Shao X, Xu F, Wang H.Antifungal modes of action of tea tree oil and its two characteristic components against Botrytis cinerea.J Appl Microbiol. 2015;119(5):1253-1262. doi:10.1111/jam.12939Dimić G, Kocić-Tanackov S, Mojović L, Pejin J.Antifungal activity of lemon essential oil, coriander and cinnamon extracts on foodborne molds in direct contact and the vapor phase.J Food Process Preserv. 2014;39(6):1778-1787. doi:10.1111/jfpp.12410Białoń M, Krzyśko-Łupicka T, Koszałkowska M, Wieczorek PP.The influence of chemical composition of commercial lemon essential oils on the growth of Candida strains.Mycopathologia. 2014;177(1-2):29-39. doi:10.1007/s11046-013-9723-3National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Lavender.D’agostino M, Tesse N, Frippiat JP, Machouart M, Debourgogne A.Essential oils and their natural active compounds presenting antifungal properties.Molecules. 2019;24(20):3713. doi:10.3390/molecules24203713National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Peppermint oil.Samber N, Khan A, Varma A, Manzoor N.Synergistic anti-candidal activity and mode of action of Mentha piperita essential oil and its major components.Pharm Biol. 2015;53(10):1496-1504. doi:10.3109/13880209.2014.989623Camele I, Gruľová D, Elshafie HS.Chemical composition and antimicrobial properties ofMentha×piperitacv. ‘Kristinka’ essential oil.Plants (Basel). 2021;10(8):1567. doi:10.3390/plants10081567Taweechaisupapong S, Ngaonee P, Patsuk P, Pitiphat W, Khunkitti W.Antibiofilm activity and post antifungal effect of lemongrass oil on clinical Candida dubliniensis isolate.South African Journal of Botany. 2012;78:37-43. doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2011.04.003National Library of Medicine.Eucalyptus.Bramston C, Robinson C.Is eucalyptus oil an effective antifungal treatment for onychomycosis with and without nail matrix infection?J Foot Ankle Res. 2015;8(Suppl 2):P1. doi:10.1186/1757-1146-8-S2-P1Gakuubi MM, Maina AW, Wagacha JM.Antifungal activity of essential oil of eucalyptus camaldulensisdehnh. against selectedFusariumspp.Int J Microbiol. 2017;2017:8761610. doi:10.1155/2017/8761610Carmen G, Hancu G.Antimicrobial and antifungal activity of pelargonium roseum essential oils.Adv Pharm Bull. 2014;4(Suppl 2):511-514. doi:10.5681/apb.2014.075University of Minnesota.How do I choose and use essential oils?American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.Athlete’s foot.American Podiatric Medical Association.Athlete’s foot.Pezantes-Orellana C, German Bermúdez F, Matías De la Cruz C, Montalvo JL, Orellana-Manzano A.Essential oils: a systematic review on revolutionizing health, nutrition, and omics for optimal well-being.Front Med (Lausanne). 2024;11:1337785. Published 2024 Feb 16. doi:10.3389/fmed.2024.1337785University of Minnesota.Are essential oils safe?Syed TA, Qureshi ZA, Ali SM, Ahmad S, Ahmad SA.Treatment of toenail onychomycosis with 2% butenafine and 5% Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil in cream.Trop Med Int Health. 1999;4(4):284-287. doi:10.1046/j.1365-3156.1999.00396.x
MedlinePlus.Athlete’s foot.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Tea tree oil.
Wróblewska M, Szymańska E, Winnicka K.The influence of tea tree oil on antifungal activity and pharmaceutical characteristics of Pluronic® F-127 gel formulations with ketoconazole.Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(21):11326. doi:10.3390/ijms222111326
Mertas A, Garbusińska A, Szliszka E, Jureczko A, Kowalska M, Król W.The influence of tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) on fluconazole activity against fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans strains.Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:590470. doi:10.1155/2015/590470
Yu D, Wang J, Shao X, Xu F, Wang H.Antifungal modes of action of tea tree oil and its two characteristic components against Botrytis cinerea.J Appl Microbiol. 2015;119(5):1253-1262. doi:10.1111/jam.12939
Dimić G, Kocić-Tanackov S, Mojović L, Pejin J.Antifungal activity of lemon essential oil, coriander and cinnamon extracts on foodborne molds in direct contact and the vapor phase.J Food Process Preserv. 2014;39(6):1778-1787. doi:10.1111/jfpp.12410
Białoń M, Krzyśko-Łupicka T, Koszałkowska M, Wieczorek PP.The influence of chemical composition of commercial lemon essential oils on the growth of Candida strains.Mycopathologia. 2014;177(1-2):29-39. doi:10.1007/s11046-013-9723-3
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Lavender.
D’agostino M, Tesse N, Frippiat JP, Machouart M, Debourgogne A.Essential oils and their natural active compounds presenting antifungal properties.Molecules. 2019;24(20):3713. doi:10.3390/molecules24203713
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Peppermint oil.
Samber N, Khan A, Varma A, Manzoor N.Synergistic anti-candidal activity and mode of action of Mentha piperita essential oil and its major components.Pharm Biol. 2015;53(10):1496-1504. doi:10.3109/13880209.2014.989623
Camele I, Gruľová D, Elshafie HS.Chemical composition and antimicrobial properties ofMentha×piperitacv. ‘Kristinka’ essential oil.Plants (Basel). 2021;10(8):1567. doi:10.3390/plants10081567
Taweechaisupapong S, Ngaonee P, Patsuk P, Pitiphat W, Khunkitti W.Antibiofilm activity and post antifungal effect of lemongrass oil on clinical Candida dubliniensis isolate.South African Journal of Botany. 2012;78:37-43. doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2011.04.003
National Library of Medicine.Eucalyptus.
Bramston C, Robinson C.Is eucalyptus oil an effective antifungal treatment for onychomycosis with and without nail matrix infection?J Foot Ankle Res. 2015;8(Suppl 2):P1. doi:10.1186/1757-1146-8-S2-P1
Gakuubi MM, Maina AW, Wagacha JM.Antifungal activity of essential oil of eucalyptus camaldulensisdehnh. against selectedFusariumspp.Int J Microbiol. 2017;2017:8761610. doi:10.1155/2017/8761610
Carmen G, Hancu G.Antimicrobial and antifungal activity of pelargonium roseum essential oils.Adv Pharm Bull. 2014;4(Suppl 2):511-514. doi:10.5681/apb.2014.075
University of Minnesota.How do I choose and use essential oils?
American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.Athlete’s foot.
American Podiatric Medical Association.Athlete’s foot.
Pezantes-Orellana C, German Bermúdez F, Matías De la Cruz C, Montalvo JL, Orellana-Manzano A.Essential oils: a systematic review on revolutionizing health, nutrition, and omics for optimal well-being.Front Med (Lausanne). 2024;11:1337785. Published 2024 Feb 16. doi:10.3389/fmed.2024.1337785
University of Minnesota.Are essential oils safe?
Syed TA, Qureshi ZA, Ali SM, Ahmad S, Ahmad SA.Treatment of toenail onychomycosis with 2% butenafine and 5% Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil in cream.Trop Med Int Health. 1999;4(4):284-287. doi:10.1046/j.1365-3156.1999.00396.x
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