Essential Oils & Herbs for Fungal Infections and Candida Support

Many people experience occasional skin and gut imbalances throughout life, especially as stress, diet, inflammation, medications, and environmental toxins disrupt the body’s natural microbiome balance. Concerns related to yeast overgrowth, candida, and other fungal infections and issues can sometimes affect the skin, nails, digestion, and overall wellness. In this article, we’ll explore essential oils commonly used in topical wellness routines for skin and microbiome support, along with important safety and dilution tips.

Some Top Essential Oils with Anti-Fungal Properties

Fungal infections have occurred for many of us during our life. Whether it is the result of an imbalance of gut microbes (yeast/candida albicans), toenail fungus, or ringworm, it can happen. The symptoms associated with fungal overgrowth can vary depending on the type you have. However, your symptoms are sure to result in some level of discomfort.

I am going to share with you some essential oils that may help when applied topically to areas of your skin dealing with fungal infections. I do not personally feel that you should take essential oils internally. Essential oils are very effective because they penetrate the skin and our olfactory system very quickly. Topical application is preferred. Remember to dilute the oils to 1-2% when applied topically (6 to 12 drops per ounce), especially only 1% if working on a tender area. You can even apply them topically to your abdomen to focus on your gut health and candida.

Topical Fungi Infections

Start by measuring out 1/2 oz or 1 ounce of carrier oil or lotion/cream. Add 3 or 6 drops of each essential oil to the cream or carrier oil. I like to use Jojoba, Olive Oil, or Alba Botanica Unscented Lotion. If you can find a calendula-infused oil, that would be even better. This combination, which I have made in my own individual herbal salves, has worked wonders for many skin concerns.

Others who have dealt with stubborn toenail fungus have found that oregano essential oil is also helpful. Keep in mind that oregano is known as a HOT oil.  Not only is it warming, but it can also damage the skin, especially if it’s not used diluted in a skin-nourishing oil. If you choose to add Oregano, use caution when blending and use no more than 1-2 drops per ounce. A topical blend you might want to try includes 5 drops of lavender and 5 drops of tea tree essential oil added to 1 ounce of olive or coconut oil. If you want, you can add 1-2 drops of oregano oil to it.

Candida Albicans

Candida albicans is a yeast that lives in the gut and on our skin. It is somewhat common and harmless unless an imbalance in the microbiome occurs or you are dealing with a weakened immune system. When an imbalance occurs, it can become overgrown, triggering inflammation and spreading, creating leaky gut and skin issues.

There are several essential oils you can use to create a blend for the abdomen for those fungal infections that may be lurking within or on your skin. Clove, lemongrass, lavender, geranium, palma rosa, and thyme linalol are some of my favorites and have been found to be effective. 

You can create a blend with 2 -3 of these oils in 1 oz of coconut or olive oil and rub it into your abdomen. Keep your total drops to about 12 drops per ounce.   You may even want to add a little ginger or chamomile essential oil to the blend, as both are beneficial for stomach concerns and digestion. 

You can try this DIY recipe. Blend 3 drops of lavender, 3 drops of lemongrass, 3 drops of palma rosa, and 3 drops of geranium added to 1 oz of coconut or olive oil.

Often, Candida can be a concern in other areas, so it is important to focus on supporting gut health and your immune system. You can also try a cleanse like Candida Clear or use a product like Candex. It’s important to avoid sugar, refined flour, and processed foods.

Silver Shield

I also really like Silver Shield Rescue Gel for fighting topical fungal infections. Silver Shield Rescue Gel has been evaluated and found to reduce the levels of common microorganisms and fungi, including Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli, MRSA, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger. Silver Shield is also available in liquid form for internal use and offers broad-spectrum immune support. Both are part of my personal first aid kit.

Internal Fungal Infections

Beyond topical concerns, internal fungal overgrowth can also affect overall health and gut balance. Many women suffer from vaginal yeast infections, and millions of people of both sexes experience unsightly toenail fungus. Children sometimes get a yeast infection called thrush. People living in a moldy environment can cause severe respiratory and general health problems. Some fungi, like the yeast known as Candida albicans, are harmless when they are part of a healthy intestinal microflora, but become problematic when there are too many of them.

If your yeast gets out of hand, there are a few Nature’s Sunshine Products that can help combat intestinal yeast. They are as follows:

Yeast Fungal Detox helps put them in their place and Berberine helps support overall gut health and replenishes the good bacteria in your gut. If you have a big problem with it, you might want to try Candida Clear a 14 day Cleanse.

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Ready to get started? Explore our companion articles on Essential Oil Safety Tips, Essential Oil Properties, and Carrier Oils.

For more natural approaches to supporting gut health and your immune system, learn more about our 30-Day Gut Reset program or start building a stronger foundation with The Healthy Habits Challenge.