Ringworm is a fungal infection that affects the skin and can be transferred from animals to humans. The fungus responsible for the infection is a low form of vegetable plant that results in appearance of red ring like circles on the surface of skin.
The infection generally affects the skin of hands and feet but can spread to other parts of the body as well. It is important to get effective and complete treatment for ringworms or the infection can recur time and again. There are some wonderful herbs that can help ward off the fungal infection without causing any side effects unlike some OTC and prescription medications. Let’s look at some of these herbs that are extensively used in ayurvedic medicine for treating ringworms.
Ringworm’s Herbal Remedies
Basil
The leaves of basil herb are known for their anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and are popularly used for treating various forms of skin infections including that of ringworms. Basil is a very popular herb and is available in almost all vegetable gardens. To treat ringworms with basil boil 250gm of clean basil leaves in 500 ml of spring water. Allow the water to reduce to half its original quantity and then remove from heat. Cool the mixture and then grind it into fine paste. Apply the paste over the infected skin and leave on for 30 minutes. Remove using cold water. Repeat the application of basil leaves’ paste at least four times during the day. The herbal remedy will not only remove the fungus from the skin but also effectively deal with the symptoms associated with ringworms.
Apple Cider Vinegar
This is a great remedy for treating ringworms at home. The specially crafted vinegar is available in almost all households and is an effective remedy against many other skin infections as well.
To treat ringworms with apple cider vinegar dip a clean cotton cloth into pure form of vinegar and apply the cloth over the ringworm infected skin for 15 minutes. Repeat the application of cider vinegar after every two hours to get rid of the infection quickly.
Mustard seeds
Mustard is actually an herb that is popularly used as a spice and is therefore, available at all times in our kitchens. The herb has fantastic antiseptic and antifungal properties that make it an ideal remedy against ringworms.To cure ringworms with mustard seeds soak the seeds in water overnight and grind them in the morning to fine paste. Wash the infected skin with warm water and without drying the skin apply the paste over it. Leave on for 20-30 minutes and wash off using warm water. Repeat application of mustard paste at least three times during the day to get rid of fungal infection completely.
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Turmeric
Turmeric is also commonly found in all kitchens at any given time since it is widely used as a cooking ingredient. The herb has excellent antiseptic properties making it ideal for treating skin infections and for repairing the broken skin tissues. However, the turmeric that is available commercially for cooking purposes should not be used for treating infections. To treat ringworms with turmeric buy organic turmeric sticks from organic food store and grind them to fine powder form in your electric mixer. Store the powdered turmeric in an air tight container and keep it in a dry place. Scoop a teaspoon of turmeric powder from the container and add sufficient quantity of spring water to make a paste. Spread the paste evenly over the infected skin and remove the paste after 30-40 minutes. The treatment should be performed twice a day in order to fasten the process of recovery. One can even sleep on with the turmeric paste at night and wash it off with warm water in the morning.
Garlic
Garlic is known for its excellent anti-fungal qualities and is therefore, used in the treatment of various infections especially of the skin. The herb can be used for treating ringworms as well as its anti-fungal actions will not only eliminate the fungus but also treat the associated symptoms.Treat ringworms with garlic by placing 4-5 pods of peeled garlic on a sheet of aluminum and crush the garlic using a rolling pin. Apply the sheet with crushed garlic directly over the infected areas with the garlic in direct contact with the skin. Leave on for a couple of hours and then wash off using warm water. Dry thoroughly. The treatment will sting a bit because of the enzymes present in garlic reacting with the infection but regardless the treatment with garlic should be done thrice a day for at least a week or until the infection disappears completely.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree is an essential oil that has excellent anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that make it an excellent antidote for various infections. The oil is extensively used in the treatment of various forms of skin infections including ringworms. Simply rub a few drops of tea tree essential oil on the infected skin and allow the oil to work on the infection causing fungus.Repeat the application of oil every two hours but wash off the area with warm water before sleeping at night. If undiluted tea tree oil burns your skin then mix a few drops of olive or coconut oil in it before application. Use tea tree oil treatment at least for a week to eliminate the fungus completely.
Cassia
The extracts of the leaves of cassia are often used in organic sprays as they are very helpful in removing fungal infections in plants. However, the leaves of cassia, known for their anti-fungal elements, are also used for treating fungal infections in humans especially that of ringworms.Treatment with cassia leaves is easy; collect fresh cassia leaves and wash them thoroughly in running water. Put 200mg of leaves in 600 ml of boiling water for 20 minutes. Let the water cool before straining it and throw away the boiled leaves. Dip a clean cloth in the treated water and spread the cloth over infected areas. Leave for 15 minutes and then repeat the treatment three times. You can even apply paste of cassia leaves over your skin to treat the fungal infection.
