Athlete’s foot is a common and bothersome problem, but you can find relief with an all-natural, do-it-yourself cure – garlic! This unpleasant fungal infection can happen to anyone, not just athletes, as it’s contracted from walking barefoot on damp surfaces. While over-the-counter treatments may offer some relief, the infection often returns after discontinuing treatment. However, garlic, which has long been a traditional cure for athlete’s foot, contains powerful antifungal compounds that can help tackle this infection and keep it from coming back.
The Science Behind Garlic’s Antifungal Powers
Garlic’s antifungal properties come from compounds called ajoene and allicin, which have been proven to kill the fungi that cause athlete’s foot. These compounds are also effective against other problematic fungi like Candida. It may have taken conventional medicine a while to catch up, but numerous studies now support the use of garlic as a natural remedy for fungal infections.
Lawrence D. Rosen, chief of pediatric integrative medicine at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey, is known for exploring alternative medicine options for his patients. He considers garlic a powerful, natural antifungal remedy and often recommends it for treating various infections, including athlete’s foot.
How to Use Garlic for Athlete’s Foot
There are a few ways you can use garlic to help relieve your athlete’s foot symptoms and clear up the fungal infection.
1. Garlic foot bath: Fill a basin with warm water and add several crushed garlic cloves. Soak your feet in the mixture for 20-30 minutes, then dry them thoroughly. The antifungal properties of the garlic can help kill off the fungi, while the soothing foot bath helps relieve itching and burning sensations.
2. Garlic and olive oil rub: Finely mince fresh garlic cloves and mix with a bit of olive oil. Olive oil is great for soothing and nourishing the skin, so it works well with garlic’s antifungal properties. Gently massage the mixture onto the affected areas, let it sit for about 20 minutes, and then rinse it off carefully.
3. Garlic-infused socks: If you don’t want to make a mess with the footbath or rub, try wearing socks infused with garlic essential oil. The oil is highly concentrated, and a few drops mixed in with a carrier oil can be applied to your feet before slipping on your socks. This way, the garlic will be in contact with your feet all day, allowing the antifungal compounds to work their magic.
Dealing with the Garlic Smell
Some people may be hesitant to use garlic due to its strong smell. It’s essential to understand that the odor comes from sulfur compounds present in the garlic. As you use garlic more frequently, your body adapts and learns to process these compounds, reducing the smell over time.
If you’re still worried about the odor, there are a few tips to help minimize it:
- Try using odorless garlic capsules for oral supplements or garlic powders to create your treatment.
- Drinking peppermint tea or chewing on parsley leaves can help mask the garlic smell in your breath.
- Use a foot powder with essential oils like lavender or tea tree oil after the garlic treatment to help mask the scent.
By opting for an all-natural, effective, and time-tested treatment like garlic, you can say goodbye to athlete’s foot without the fear of it returning after treatment. Give your feet the relief they deserve and enjoy being fungus-free!
