While you may think of athlete’s foot as affecting only those who venture into gym locker rooms, this condition has more to do with susceptibility to infection. Prevention is your first defense, covering feet in public areas and keeping feet dry. If athlete’s foot still takes hold, antifungal essential oils may offer relief.
Alone or combined, some suggested essential oils for athlete’s foot are:
• Eucalyptus
• Lemongrass
• Myrrh
• Peppermint
• Tea tree
Gut Flora Affects Your Feet
Not everyone who is exposed to athlete’s foot succumbs to it. That’s because the condition tends to affect people who have a gut flora imbalance and are therefore more susceptible to infection. Simply adding a probiotic can often remedy the situation.
Fight the fungus using the following methods. It’s a good idea to thoroughly dry your feet after every application.
• Soothing soak. Dilute 8 to 10 drops of antifungal oils in a tub of warm water and soak your feet for up to 20 minutes twice a day.
• Deodorizing spray. Combine essential oils with witch hazel in a small spray bottle and spritz on clean, dry feet.
• Foot massage. Dilute 3 to 5 drops of essential oils in a teaspoon of jojoba oil and massage onto feet.
Natural Partners for Aromatherapy
For maximum results, combine your essential oils with these other natural remedies:
• Use some soda. Mix ½ cup baking soda with warm water and soak your feet for 15 minutes.
• Dry your feet. Fungus thrives in a moist environment, so be sure to thoroughly dry your feet after bathing or exertion.
• Disinfect your home. Disinfect the shower or tub using tea-tree oil after every use until the fungus is gone.
Athlete’s foot is embarrassing and uncomfortable, but these aromatherapy recipes may be able to help resolve the condition.
This antifungal treatment is simple and immensely effective. Let your feet breathe, uncovered, to allow for better results.
30 drops tea-tree oil
1 tablespoon carrier oil
1 2-ounce dark-glass dropper bottle
Add all of the oils to the glass bottle and shake to blend. With a cotton ball, apply 2 or 3 drops of the mixture to the affected area twice a day, as needed.
Treat your toes to a good soak in this essential-oil blend to help clear up odor-causing fungus faster.
10 drops tea-tree oil
5 drops eucalyptus oil
1 tablespoon carrier oil
1 gallon warm water
5 cups apple cider vinegar
Combine the oils in a small bowl. Add the water and vinegar to a foot tub, then stir in the oils until well combined. Soak feet for 15 to 20 minutes once a day for up to 2 weeks. Discard the mixture after each use.
With antifungal and odor-fighting essential oils, this simple spray can keep your feet feeling (and smelling) clean and refreshed. You can also spritz it in smelly shoes—just let them dry before wearing them.
¼ cup witch hazel
¼ cup filtered water
6 drops of tea-tree oil
3 drops of lemongrass oil
3 drops of peppermint oil
1 4-ounce spray bottle
Add the witch hazel, water, and the oils to the spray bottle and shake to blend. Spray lightly on feet and let them air dry before putting on socks or shoes.