Athlete’s foot

Do readers have any natural suggestions for a female fungal foot infection sufferer?

Marigold ointment

According to Ken, athlete’s foot can be cured by applying marigold (Calendula) ointment to the affected area daily.  Use it in the morning after washing and thoroughly drying the feet, he advises.  Marigold ointment is available from some health food shops, or you can make your own.  Place the petals and stamens of 12 marigold flowers in two ounces of melted lard, then leave the mixture in a warm place overnight.  In the morning, strain the mixture using a sieve or tea strainer; press all the juices out of the flowers by using the back of a teaspoon.  Put the preparation into a jar and you will have marigold ointment ready to use.

Coconut oil

Another natural remedy that may work is coconut oil.  Katrien switched to this treatment after conventional antifungal Daktarin stopped working for her.  She recommends looking for certified organic virgin varieties of the oil and applying it to the feet day and night.  

Other suggestions

Other suggested topical solutions are tea tree oil, colloidal silver, cider vinegar, aloe vera gel (shop bought or, better yet, applied straight from the plant), grapefruit seed extract and oil of oregano.  Another idea is to soak the feet in a solution of warm water and aspirin tablets.  “The aspirin kills of the fungus,” says Sue.

Addressing the causes

On the other hand, a few readers recommend investigating the underlying cause of the problem.  Diabetes and Candida overgrowth have both been suggested as possibilities, while Eleana reckons emotional problems could be to blame.
 

E-news broadcast 10 April 2007 No.349

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