The Healthy Blog for the Healthy People

Posts Tagged ‘herbs’

Ridding the Body of Unwanted Fungus

There is a growing interest in seeking alternatives to conventional treatments for fungal infections. Pharmaceutical treatment for fungal related illnesses is often accompanied with unwanted and even dangerous side-effects. A growing body of science literature supports the use of essential oils to supplement or replace conventional treatments of fungal related diseases.

So, What Actually Is Fungus?

Many of us associate fungus with mushrooms either growing on moist lawns or under a forest canopy. Yet fungus (known collectively as fungi) is a large group (in the Kingdom Fungi) of multi-cellar organisms that includes molds, yeasts and the familiar mushrooms. These organisms can infect human skin, nails and tissues ? causing unsightly, irritating and sometimes painful symptoms. Such infections are known as mycoses.

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.

It is clear that fungal infections are not to be ignored. Some infections may only be an irritant while others may be fatal if left untreated. Below is a synopsis of recent science studies that have investigated the use of essential oils on various fungi, often with substantial results.

Stopping Candida Overgrowth

There is a large collection of recent science literature indicating that various essential oils and their constituents (such as clove oil, lemongrass, eucalyptus, thyme, juniper, cinnamon, and tea tree) have been shown to be effective (in vitro) at inhibiting the progression and spread of this fungus. In a 2007 study from the Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in India, scientists found that rosemary essential oil was effective against drug-resistant mutants of Candida albicans.

Combating Dermatophytes

Dermatophytes, a group of fungi that infect hair, skin and nails, feed on the nutrient-rich proteins of keratin. As they feed, they leave behind toxins which in turn cause inflammatory responses such as skin rashes and tenacious toe nail infections.

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.

Essential Oils in the Treatment of Aspergillosis

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

Whether we want to address the existence of fungal infections or not, organisms that cause such infections are most likely here to stay. Although certain species of Kingdom Fungi are commensals with humans and ubiquitous in the air and soil, they can nonetheless penetrate our immune defenses and cause mild to severe reactions. There is growing concern that conventional pharmaceutical treatments are neither completely effective nor safe. Science literature indicates that essential oils just might be a new alternative and a good candidate for clinical use.

The author is the owner of Ananda Aromatherapy, a source for world-class Bergamot and other essential oils and essential oil diffusers.

The reason why homeopathy has gathered quite a lot of adherents to its way of treating ailments may stem from the fact that it operates quite opposite principles of what conventional medicines follow. Many people seem to notice that certain alternative remedies such as what homeopathy offers may provide a necessary alternative especially when conventional treatments may not be able to provide an effective cure for certain diseases. Here are the other advantages that the practice of homeopathy may offer.

It is considered safe. Homeopathy is considered as a safe alternative form of treating diseases and other ailments. The main purpose of homeopathic remedies is to aid the body and the life force from fighting disease by improving its own capacity to heal. The remedies in no way work against the natural healing processes of the body. That is why most consider it as a relatively safe form of alternative treatment.

Homeopathic remedies are based on natural ingredients. Synthetic and man-made substances are considered as obstacles in the practice of homeopathy that may impede the body’s own natural healing powers. That is why homeopathic remedies are only made from ingredients that are naturally found in the environment. Homeopathic medicines are basically made out of natural ingredients.

Homeopathic medicines are easy to use. Most remedies developed through homeopathy come in the form of small sugar pills. They are usually convenient to carry and easy to take. Homeopathic medicines are also recognized and regulated by the FDA. There are also over the counter versions that can be conveniently obtained fro stores.

Homeopathic medicines are quite affordable. People may consider using homeopathic medicines simple because they are quite inexpensive. People may be able to undergo homeopathic treatment for ailments and diseases for fairly less as compared to costly conventional medical treatments.

Remedies can be used safely with other forms of treatment. Since it is considered relatively safe, homeopathic remedies may also be used along with other forms of therapy and medication. One way of using homeopathic remedies is by using the along with other supplements and herbs. These remedies won’t affect even if people may be taking other forms of medication to treat their condition.

Homeopathy in non-invasive. One good thing about the practice of homeopathy is that it is a non-invasive form of treatment. It does not in any way disturb the natural processes of the body because it may disturb the natural balance of vital forces that homeopathy aims to uphold. The practice also does not try to suppress the body’s natural ability to heal.

The advantages offered by homeopathy makes it quite popular among those who wish to find a good alternative to conventional medicine. For the advantages that it offers, homeopathy makes a good supplemental treatment that may help improve wellness.

Do not miss Brugman Meizon tips about natural acne remedies and bleeding hemorrhoids treatment.