Vinegar contains acetic acid, which discourages fungal growth. Consistent application has often been met with success in clearing up fungal infection. It may take several weeks, even months, but many people swear by it. Adding the plant essential oils, all of which have direct antifungal activity, may accelerate the process.
What You Need
- 1/4 cup (60ml) white, distilled, or apple cider vinegar
- 5 drops tea tree essential oil
- 5 drops peppermint essential oil
- 2 to 3 drops eucalyptus essential oil
Preparation And Use
1Combine all the ingredients in a jar and shake.
2Soak cotton balls in the mixture and apply; cover- ing the affected area.
3If you have any solution left over, cap the jar tightly to prevent the evaporation of the plant essential oils.
Yield
1 Application
Variations
- Pour enough vinegar into a small tub to immerse your toes or feet. Mix in the essential oils above. Soak for 2 minutes. Then rinse your toes and dry thoroughly with a clean towel. (Do not reuse the towel without laundering it.) Apply twice daily until the itch disappears. Then continue application for one additional week.
- Because vinegar is acidic, it may irritate the skin. In that case, dilute the vinegar, using one part vinegar to three parts water. Mix in the essential oils. Soak for 15 minutes three times a week. When finished, rinse and dry as above.
- Some people are also sensitive to plant essential oils. If you have sensitive skin, try the vinegar or diluted vinegar solution alone. If you have· no reaction, try one essential oil at a time Don’t combine the three until you know your skin can tolerate it.