Over the past several years, Aaron and I have built up the number of natural fibers socks in our drawers. I like them, especially the angora ones, because they keep my feet warm. Aaron prefers the antimicrobial benefits of natural animal fibers. They keep athlete’s foot at bay for him.
However, wool socks can be expensive, and they aren’t always preferred for wearing in summer. And every once in a while, he develops athlete’s foot. Of course, we have a respectable supply of Lamisil on hand. We generally don’t rotate through it very well. Better to have and not need and all that.
I’ve wanted to research this topic and get the recipes on hand, just in case we run out, or a neighbor develops a need. Aaron still prefers store-bought for some things. I’m sure he’d rather give a neighbor the recipe to DIY his own antifungals rather than sacrifice a tube of Lamisil. With any luck, the neighbor will prefer a natural option. Of course, we’d also be doing our best to make sure the neighbors don’t know what we have here. That’s a discussion for another time.
Antifungal Cream
2 ounces shea butter
2 ounces virgin coconut oil
½ cup virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon freshly minced garlic
10 drops oregano essential oi
10 drops tea tree essential oil
Melt the shea butter and coconut oil in a double boiler, and then refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to cool and partially solidify. Transfer the mixture to a small mixing bowl. Add the olive oil slowly while whipping the shea butter and coconut oil. Or just blend it really well by hand. Stir in the garlic and essential oils. Transfer to a glass jar. Store in the refrigerator. Shelf life is about three weeks. Apply cream two times per day until symptoms are resolved, plus one additional week. Do not apply to sensitive areas of the body.[1]
In case you don’t have the ingredients or time for the cream, here’s a DIY powder.
Antifungal Powder
1 ½ tablespoons bentonite clay
½ teaspoon cayenne
2 drops cinnamon essential oil
2 drops clove essential oil
2 drops frankincense essential oil
In a small glass jar or shaker bottle, combine the bentonite clay and cayenne. And the essential oils and shake vigorously to distribute. You may need to use a small spoon to mix them in.
To use, sprinkle the powder onto the feet, or put it into the toe of your socks and then put the socks on. That will help distribute the powder between your toes without wasting much on the floor. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly as soon as you are done. You don’t want to risk spreading the infection, and you most definitely don’t want to chance getting cayenne in your eyes.
Apply two times per day, morning and evening, for two weeks. At bedtime, be sure to wear socks to avoid staining the sheets.[2]
Links to related posts:
No comments:
Post a Comment