• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to after header navigation
  • Skip to site footer
The Healthy Home Economist

The Healthy Home Economist

embrace your right to a lifetime of health

Get Plus
  • Home
  • About
  • My Books
  • Shopping List
  • Archives
  • Log in
  • Get Plus
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Get Plus
  • Log in
  • Home
  • About
  • Subscribe
  • Archives
  • My Books
  • Shopping List
  • Recipes
  • Healthy Living
  • Natural Remedies
  • Green Living
  • Videos
  • Natural Remedies
  • Health
  • Green Living
  • Recipes
  • Videos
  • Subscribe
Healthy Home Economist / Archives / Natural Remedies / 7 Most Effective Natural Antifungals (and how to use them)

7 Most Effective Natural Antifungals (and how to use them)

by Sarah Pope / Affiliate Links ✔

Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • Common Candidiasis Symptoms
  • Antifungal Drugs
  • Natural Antifungals
  • Garlic+−
    • Antifungal Pills
  • Virgin Coconut Oil+−
    • VCO as Antifungal for Dandruff
  • 24-Hour Homemade Kefir
  • Manuka Honey+−
    • Antifungal Cream using Manuka
  • Oregano Oil
  • Pau d'Arco
  • Boron

Overview of the most powerful natural antifungals and how to use internally and externally to resolve common, non-serious fungal and yeast infections.

natural antifungals

Fungal infections are an increasingly common problem today with a high sugar, refined carbohydrate diet a primary culprit. The modern diet serves as a perpetual disruption to beneficial gut bacteria which make up the bulk of human immunity.

The overuse of antibiotics can also be a contributing factor as it gives the normally harmless strains of Candida that live inside the gut and on the skin the opportunity to grow out of control and invade deep into body tissues.

Common Candidiasis Symptoms

When this situation occurs, a person is said to have Candidiasis. Overgrowth of Candida can occur just about anywhere. Some of the most commonly affected areas include: (1)

  1. Scalp (dandruff)
  2. Feet (Athlete’s foot)
  3. Nails (toenail or fingernail fungus)
  4. Recurring sinus infections
  5. Thrush
  6. Recurrent urinary tract or itchy genital infections
  7. Bloating and even serious digestive issues such as Crohns’ disease and ulcerative colitis
  8. Arthritis (yeast invades the joints)

Antifungal Drugs

While strong antifungal drugs are likely necessary to treat these types of infections if they get serious, oftentimes, more natural methods can be of benefit when things are caught early.

If you are prone to recurrent fungal infections that are annoying and not life-threatening, consider the use of these natural foods and herbs that pack a powerful antifungal punch.

It’s important to get minor fungal infections under control quickly and without meds if possible since super yeasts such as Candida auris are becoming more common that are resistant to even the strongest antifungal drugs.

Natural Antifungals

Like natural antibiotics, many substances in our environment can serve as a check on the growth of yeasts and fungus. Some are more powerful than others.

If you are seeking a nontoxic way to resolve an internal or external issue with yeast, the list below details the top 6 natural antifungal foods and herbs with suggestions for use and optimal sourcing.

Garlic

Garlic possesses very strong anti-yeast properties. But, don’t use that semi-dried out head in the back of the spice drawer.

It is very important to use the freshest cloves possible when using garlic as an antifungal.

Once crushed and left on the counter for about 15 minutes, the powerful substance allicin is synthesized which is one of the most potent Candida killers Mother Nature has to offer.

Use orally several times a day as a natural antifungal or apply allicin-infused oil to the skin for external benefits.

Antifungal Pills

Alternatively, allicin activated garlic pills are helpful for those that are otherwise sensitive to garlic in whole food form.

Buffered garlic in supplement form also works well for preventing the digestive distress that can sometimes accompany taking large doses of garlic.

Allicin supplements can also be used to make your own anti-dandruff shampoo.

Virgin Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is about 42% lauric acid, which is an extremely potent antifungal fatty acid.

Note that MCT oil, aka “liquid coconut oil” contains little to no lauric acid.

Even though lauric acid is extremely heat resistant, I would still recommend only using raw, virgin coconut oil for antifungal purposes (I use this brand).

The reason is that co-factors that synergize with lauric acid are potentially destroyed by processing and/or heat treatment.

Anecdotally, expeller pressed or refined versions of coconut oil do not seem to work as well as virgin coconut oil when beating back a fungal infection. For example, oil pulling with virgin coconut oil, is the most effective form for resolving oral thrush.

VCO as Antifungal for Dandruff

Virgin coconut oil works especially well as a natural remedy for dandruff. Simply slather a few tablespoons into the scalp and massage in for a minute or two. Leave on for as long as possible, but a minimum of 20-30 minutes. If you are able to wrap your head in a towel and leave overnight, so much the better.

Shampoo out and notice how your dandruff problems are significantly improved! Repeat as often as necessary. This approach is certainly preferable to harsh, chemical-laden anti-dandruff shampoos!

Note also that some cases of Candida-triggered acne on the face (particularly the forehead), neck and back resolve when you get dandruff under control.

24-Hour Homemade Kefir

Many people know that properly made, 24-hour kefir contains dozens of probiotic strains.

Store kefir is of little to no use as an antifungal agent, nor is homemade kefir cultured from powdered starter. Live kefir grains only can produce a fermented food that is antifungal.

Why is this? Properly made kefir from live grains contains many beneficial yeasts (as well as friendly bacteria) that serve as a powerful remedy to candida overgrowth when consumed.

These “good yeast” strains include:

  • Candida humilis
  • Kazachstania unispora
  • Kazachstania exigua
  • Kluyveromyces siamensis
  • Kluyveromyces lactis
  • Kluyveromyces marxianus
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae
  • Saccharomyces martiniae
  • Saccharomyces unisporus

If you are Candida-prone, adding kefir to your diet is a very good idea. Note that, in comparison, yogurt contains no beneficial yeasts and only a few probiotic strains.

antifungalsManuka Honey

All raw honey possesses antifungal properties. However, if you are looking for the strongest variety, try manuka!

Note that many brands of honey labeled “manuka” are either heat-treated or mixed with other less potent types of honey.

Using heat-treated manuka as an antifungal can actually backfire for two reasons. First, the yeast inhibiting properties have been destroyed, and secondly, the heat-treated honey is now just sugar which feeds Candida!

It is worth the effort to source raw, 100% manuka honey to utilize as a therapeutic antifungal (I use this brand).

Like garlic, you can use manuka either internally or externally as an antifungal.

Antifungal Cream using Manuka

Manuka works amazingly well to treat skin-based fungal issues such as Athlete’s foot.

Slather some on the affected areas, cover with a sock and leave overnight before washing off in the morning. Repeat for as many nights as necessary to resolve the infection. You can also use it during the day if the itching is particularly bad.

Oregano Oil

Thymol is a natural fungicide in oregano oil with antiseptic properties. It improves immunity by shielding cells against toxins, prevents tissue damage and facilitates more rapid healing. (2)

In research, this phenol demonstrates excellent performance as an antifungal for the feet, nails, mouth and other areas of the body.

A number of hospital approved disinfectants, such as Benefact, are thymol based!

Pau d’Arco

When it comes to antifungal herbs, pau d’arco is one of the strongest and most readily available to the public. It is also quite inexpensive (I use this brand).

To use internally to inhibit Candida growth in the digestive tract, make an herbal infusion and sip 1-3 cups per day as tolerated.

Warning: the taste of pau d’arco is quite bitter! However, I don’t recommend sweetening or even diluting as this seems to reduce the beneficial effects. This herb is also not recommended during pregnancy or nursing.

You can try adding a pinch of monkfruit powder or a few drops of stevia extract if the taste is too off-putting for you.

Boron

Boron is arguably the most potent antifungal element on the periodic table. People who are deficient in this nutrient are known to be more prone to fungal infections of all kinds.

Kind of coincidental, then, that there is no RDA for this nutrient, isn’t it? Hmmmm.

An ionic boron supplement can be useful to help resolve a boron deficiency if chronic fungal infections are experienced.

For external use (only), an antifungal foot soak using small amounts of boric acid or plain borax powder can be very helpful as a natural remedy for Athlete’s foot. It can also help resolve toenail or nail fungus from toxic manicures/pedicures.

References

(1) 7 Symptoms of Candida Overgrowth
(2) Help Ward Off Infections with Oregano Oil

FacebookPinEmailPrint
Category: Natural Remedies, Oral Health, Skin Health
Sarah Pope

Sarah Pope MGA has been a Health and Nutrition Educator since 2002. She is a summa cum laude graduate in Economics from Furman University and holds a Master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

She is the author of three books: the bestseller Get Your Fats Straight, Traditional Remedies for Modern Families, and Living Green in an Artificial World.

Her four eBooks Good Diet…Bad Diet, Real Food Fermentation, Ketonomics, and Ancestrally Inspired Dairy-Free Recipes are available for complimentary download via Healthy Home Plus.

Her mission is dedicated to helping families effectively incorporate the principles of ancestral diets within the modern household. She is a sought after lecturer around the world for conferences, summits, and podcasts.

Sarah was awarded Activist of the Year in 2010 at the International Wise Traditions Conference, subsequently serving on the Board of Directors of the nutrition nonprofit the Weston A. Price Foundation for seven years.

Her work has been covered by numerous independent and major media including USA Today, ABC, and NBC among many others.

You May Also Like

woman getting botox injection

Botox Long-term Health Dangers (that your Doc will never tell you)

The Top 3 Fertility Herbs for Fast and Easy Conception

The Top 3 Fertility Herbs for Fast and Easy Conception

Exhaustive List of Post Vaccine Recovery Protocols

toenail fungus causes and cures

Nail and Toenail Fungus: Common Causes and Effective Natural Cures

natural vs synthetic vitamin c

Is Your Vitamin C Real or Synthetic?

kinesiologist performing muscle testing on a woman

How Kinesiology (Muscle Testing) Helps Patients Heal

Going to the Doctor a Little Too Often?

Get a free chapter of my book Traditional Remedies for Modern Families + my newsletter and learn how to put Nature’s best remedies to work for you today!

We send no more than one email per week. You will never be spammed or your email sold, ever.
Loading

Reader Interactions

Comments (15)

  1. ceecee

    May 20, 2021 at 12:12 pm

    Could this also help eczema?

    Reply
  2. Charlene Solan

    Nov 19, 2020 at 7:44 am

    I have had toenail fungus for many years (over 30). I have tried everything & nothing worked. I just started to take kefir everyday. I read somewhere that a woman dialed her feet in a kefir bath & it cured the fungus. Do you know how you do this? Thanks

    Reply
  3. Danae

    Jan 22, 2020 at 8:30 pm

    Hello Sarah!
    Can Pau de’ Arco be used externally? Would it help as a toenail fungus soak? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Sarah Pope MGA

      Jan 23, 2020 at 8:48 am

      Yes, it can be used externally, but I don’t think it would be strong enough for toenail fungus. Here are some options for that. https://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/nail-toenail-fungus-cures/

  4. Jill

    Aug 11, 2019 at 3:33 pm

    What about intertrigo? I’ve this under one of my breasts for 4 years. I’ve tried many natural suggestions as well as different medicines my dermatologist prescribed. So far nothing has helped. I’ve tried apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, baking soda, tea tree oil in almond oil, and others I don’t remember now.

    Appreciate your suggestions.

    Reply
    • Sarah Pope MGA

      Aug 12, 2019 at 9:27 am

      Have you tried garlic? Seems you’ve only tried VCO and not the other 5 on this list. That said, if the fungal issue is entrenched and widespread, anti-fungal drugs may be in order. Best to consult with a functional physician who can give you a recommendation on how to proceed.

  5. Evelyn

    Jun 13, 2019 at 3:25 pm

    We also used boron to kill a bad candida rash…

    Reply
    • Sarah Pope MGA

      Jun 13, 2019 at 3:37 pm

      You mean boric acid? Yes, that will kill fungus too, but it does have some toxic side effects you have to be very careful about.

    • Heidi P

      Oct 15, 2019 at 1:14 pm

      My favorite for external fungal issues (yeast, athletes foot, et al) is borax. I used boric acid ointment on my dog’s itchy, inflamed chin and it worked like a charm. I had a hard time finding it – had to order from another country. Borax is very safe – it is about as toxic as table salt. I dipped her feet in a solution of borax dissolved in water (once or twice a day for a few days) – no more inflammation on her feet and no more biting and licking.

  6. Linda Altman

    Jun 12, 2019 at 10:09 am

    I use coconut oil for cooking and MCT oil when I need a liquid oil for salads or recipes.

    Since it is solid, I’m just not sure how to use the Coconut Oil as an antifungal medicine. (Do I eat it?, Do I spread it on my arms?, etc.)

    Reply
    • Sarah Pope MGA

      Jun 12, 2019 at 10:11 am

      Coconut oil is most effective on the skin as an antifungal. Yes, you spread it on your skin/scalp … see how it is described in the article above for use resolving problems with dandruff.

  7. Jacqui

    Jun 12, 2019 at 5:00 am

    I cured toenail fungus by keeping it dry for 4 months in a row and only washing my foot (morning and evening) with pure raw apple cider vinegar. I cut the toenail down as far as the fungus was and didn’t allow a speck of water to drop on my toe. I used a lot of determination.

    I did this extreme method because I had tried everything else for 2.5 years and the fungus would not go away. My toenail kept on getting worse.

    I also got a bottle of Australian emu oil and put it on the toenail every night. I am sure this helped however I didn’t start doing it until 2 months into my ACV treatment.

    I think ACV should be added to your list!!

    Reply
  8. Julie Spangler

    Jun 12, 2019 at 12:26 am

    Every year I am getting more tiny little moles on my neck. Is this yeast related? I started applying coconut oil. Will this help? Any recommendations? I also found some discoloration of skin. It might be sun damage too. Thanks

    Reply
  9. Vida Boyd

    Jun 11, 2019 at 11:16 pm

    Aloha Sarah, I look forward to your emails, the articles often address questions I have. with regard to Kefir, I have made it for years just innoculating next batch from the last one. Will that develop the ‘good’ strains, or is there a source you can recommend. And, after starting with that source, can I then use my grains as a starter? Thank you. Vida

    Reply
    • Sarah Pope MGA

      Jun 12, 2019 at 9:15 am

      The method you are using is probably fine if the kefir firms up nicely after a 24 hour ferment. You can buy live grains and use those … this way you can be sure that the dozens of beneficial bacteria and yeasts are all in there. And yes, you can start using the live grains at any time.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Sidebar

Mother Nature’s Medicine Cabinet

5 Secrets to a Strong Immune System

Loading

The Healthy Home Economist

Since 2002, Sarah has been a Health and Nutrition Educator dedicated to helping families effectively incorporate the principles of ancestral diets within the modern household. Read More

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Check Out My Books

Mother Nature’s Medicine Cabinet

5 Secrets to a Strong Immune System

Loading

Contact the Healthy Home Economist. The information on this website has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease. By accessing or using this website, you agree to abide by the Terms of Service, Full Disclaimer, Privacy Policy, Affiliate Disclosure, and Comment Policy.

Copyright © 2009–2023 · The Healthy Home Economist · All Rights Reserved · Powered by BizBudding Inc.

Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

Email sent!