Herbal Remedies

The medicinal benefits of herbs have been recorded for centuries. Herbs were extensively used to cure practically every known illness and has been documented by Egyptian, Roman, Native American, Persians and Hebrews alike. Many herbs contain powerful ingredients that, if used correctly, can help heal the body. By using herbs in their complete form, the body’s healing process utilizes a balance of the ingredients provided by nature.

Bromelain is a plant-enzyme. Bromelain is not actually a single substance, but a group of protein-digesting enzymes found in pineapple juice and in the stem of pineapple plants. Local swelling is the releasing of histamines in a localized area causes the vasodilation and increased permeability of blood vessels. Bromelain has an anti-inflammatory effect and is a very effective treatment for fibromyalgia. It is recommend taking 200 to 400 milligrams three times a day on an empty stomach at least ninety minutes before or three hours after eating. Discontinue use if you develop any itching or rash.

Calendula Flower (Calendula officinalis) or Marigold flower is rich in anti-fungal, antiseptic oils that can be taken internally to fight infection. 20 – 30 drops of this tincture can be infused into a non fragrant body lotion and massaged into the athletes’ foot infection.

Echinacea Root stimulates the immune system. This antiseptic herb is a great way to rid the body of microbial infections both bacterial and viral. Take as a tincture, one teaspoon, every two hours for 7-10 days. Caution: Recommended to take 7 – 10 days at a time only, with a break in between.

Garlic is traditionally considered to be one of the most powerful immuno-supportive herbs for maintaining the body’s defenses against viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi. Researchers have confirmed that the greatest range of benefits are obtained from whole, fresh garlic.

Myrrh is a wonderful pain killer. This antiseptic oil works miracles on cracked skin. It can speed the healing of eczema. The anti-fungal properties make it just right for a foot bath for athlete’s foot, as a vaginal wash for thrush and a very good remedy for pain in Chinese medicine. 

Supplements

Acidophilus: The normal, healthy colon contains “friendly” bacteria (85% lactobacillus and 15% coliform bacteria). It is the friendly bacterial flora found in yogurt and is essential to the digestive system. When these bacteria are not in balance, then the person may experience bloating, flatulence, constipation, and malabsorption of nutrients. Acidophilus taken as a dietary supplement may help to detoxify and to rebuild a balanced intestinal flora. It is used for the prevention of Candida as well as for treatment. Acidophilus aids the digestion and helps to replace the “friendly” intestinal flora.

Garlic: is traditionally considered to be one of the most powerful immuno-supportive herbs for maintaining the body’s defenses against viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi. Researchers have confirmed that the greatest range of benefits are obtained from whole, fresh garlic.

Probiotic: A probiotic will fortify your intestinal flora, which are essential for proper digestion and nutrient absorption. This is key to good health and a strong immune system. Studies have shown that patients who begin a course of probiotics with fiber a few days prior to surgery are less likely to pick up a post-operative infection during their hospital stays. This demonstrates a strong connection between intestinal flora and immune function. The fiber, which provides the friendly bacteria both food and sanctuary, can be as simple as an apple or banana.

Turmeric: Turmeric is a traditional ayurvedic remedy and medicine that has been researched for its ability to promote a healthy inflammation response, support cardiovascular health, and support normal cell growth. An effective anti-inflammatory. Dosage: 400 mg three times daily; take on an empty stomach and combine with 1,000 mg of bromelain

Vitamin C acts primarily in cellular fluid. Vitamin C scavenges free radicals and cleans up waste products. In addition to its anti-oxidative activities, vitamin C benefits many other body functions. Vitamin C is necessary for the synthesis of collagen, which is an important component in the structural make up of blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, and bone. Vitamin C also plays an important role in the synthesis of the neurotransmitters and norepinephrine. Neurotransmitters are critical to brain function and are known to affect mood. Vitamin C, even in small amounts, can protect molecules in the body, such as proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) from damage by free radicals. Vitamin C helps in the fight against free-radical formation caused by pollution and cigarette smoke and also helps return vitamin E to its active form. Take 2,000 – 8,000 mg in divided dosage per day, depending on bowel tolerance.                   

Aromatherapy Remedies

Aromatherapy offers some of the best remedies for tinea pedis fungal infection and they are in the form of essential oils! Helpful, are essential oils of eucalyptus, lavender, myrrh, patchouli and tea tree and thyme oils and are all beneficial for destroying fungal infection. In fact, they seem to work as well if not better than pharmaceutical anti-fungal products.

Tea Tree: (Melaleuca alternifolia) is the most common natural treatment for athlete’s foot. Tea tree oil has anti-fungal properties. Tea tree oil can be applied directly to the skin three times a day, covering the affected area. About 4 to 10 drops is sufficient. Continue for two weeks after the fungal infection seems to have disappeared to ensure that it is eradicated. Tea tree oil also helps with fungal infections of the nails.

Oregano Oil (Origanum vulgare): The rich, herbaceous oil contains the active ingredients of carvacrol and thymol. They are used to fight fungus infection. One study not only found that it can treat athlete’s foot, but it had the most anti-fungal powers of many over the counter remedies. Apply three drops oil of oregano affected feet and nails. (Please note: The difference between Oil of Oregano vs Oregano Oil is that Oil of Oregano is already diluted in a carrier oil. It is better to by Oregano Oil and dilute it yourself, by adding a few drops of Oregano Oil to any carrier oil (jojoba, sunflower, safflower…)

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globus): reduces pain, spasms and inflammation, stimulating local blood circulation and the removal of waste products and toxins from the tissues. Eucalyptus helps new tissue to form. This oil has strong anti-fungal, anti-viral and immune stimulating properties. Caution: do not use along with homeopathic remedies, use only for a week at a time and do not use on babies or young children.

Myrrh (commiphora myrrha) is a wonderful pain killer. This antiseptic oil works miracles on cracked skin. It can speed the healing of eczema. The anti-fungal properties make it just right for a foot bath for athlete’s foot, as a vaginal wash for thrush and a very good remedy for pain in Chinese medicine.

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin): This rich, spicy oil so often used for nausea also helps normalize blood pressure either by raises blood pressure by restricting external blood flow, or lowers it by dilating surface blood vessels. This oil is warming and an antiseptic. This oil is one of the best for fungal infections on the skin. Especially for athlete’s foot, chapped, dry skin, acne, eczema and dermatitis.

Lavender (Lavendula latifolia): is probably the most helpful and Universal oils on the planet. This anti-inflammatory oil blends well with other oils such as soothing Chamomile, pain relieving Rosemary essential oil.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): is one of the most useful medicinal herbs in natural healing. This oil is an antiseptic, disinfectant, antibiotic and strong germicide. It is extremely valuable for fighting infections

Not a DIY (do it yourself-er)?

Andrew’s Aroma Remedy Blends: ~ 3 times a day, morning, noon and night, utilize these blends of essential oils:

Angel’s Athlete’s Foot Rub Remedy Blend

Angel’s Mist Athlete’s Foot Bath Remedy Blend

Angel’s Mist Athlete’s Foot Roll On Remedy Blend 

 Hydrotherapy

The mysterious and amazing healing power of water has been utilized for centuries. Water cleanses, refreshes and restores all life. We are always drawn to water. Be it a soothing fountain or majestic waterfall. Water is a carrier. It flows. It moves along the line of least resistance to find its way to the ocean where comes and goes in the ebb and flow of tides and waves. The appeal is inexplicable! We crave water, maybe because our bodies are made up of a large percent of it. Maybe because we instinctively know how it can heal us.

Hydrotherapy is the use of water in any form, in the treatment of dis-ease.

Soaking in Dead Sea Salt is a well known remedy athlete’s foot. This is good for relaxing muscles and drawing toxins from the body. When magnesium sulfate is absorbed through the skin, such as in a bath, it draws toxins from the body, sedates the nervous system, reduces swelling, relaxes muscles, is a natural emollient, exfoliate, and much more. Salt. soak your infected foot in warm salt water, using 1 teaspoon salt for each cup of water, for 10 minutes. Dry your foot thoroughly, then dab some baking soda between your toes.

Foot bath for athlete’s foot. In this method, the patient should keep his or her legs in a tub or bucket filled with hot water at a temperature of 104F to 113F. Before taking this bath, a glass of water should be taken and the body should be covered with a blanket so that no heat or vapor escapes from the foot bath. Consider adding anti-fungal oils of eucalyptus, lavender, myrrh, patchouli and tea tree and thyme oils as these oils are all beneficial for destroying fungal infection. Soak your feet for 15 minutes. Take them out of the bath and dry them very well.

Apple Cider Vinegar Baths or ginger root baths can reduce symptoms and encourage the healing mechanism. Apple cider vinegar helps the body to make more effective use of calcium in the body, encouraging stronger bones, hair and nails. It is a great tonic to help the body improve metabolism, is antispasmodic, anti-fungal and antibacterial. It helps alkalize the body and is rich in potassium, which supports cell growth. Apple cider vinegar has been used to treat earaches, infections, arthritis and digestive issues. It also assists in the detoxification of the body. It is easily accessible, inexpensive and useful for a variety of disorders.

Vinegar Soak immerse your feet in 1 cup vinegar to 2 quarts water for 15 to 30 minutes every night. Or make a solution of 1 cup vinegar to 1 cup water, and apply it directly to the affected areas with a cotton ball. If the infection is severe and the skin is raw, the solution will sting. Make sure your feet are completely dry before putting on your socks or slippers. Cider vinegar can also be used as a remedy.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Mix equal parts apple cider (or regular) vinegar and 70% ethyl alcohol. Dab on the affected areas. Again, be aware this will sting if the skin is raw.

Nutritional Advise

In many cases good nutrition can provide benefits for people who suffer from frequent fungal infections.

Yogurt: One of the greatest of all fungus-fighting foods in your fridge is yogurt that contains live acidophilus. The yogurt contains the active bacteria. Acidophilus helps control vaginal and oral yeast, but it may give other fungi a pretty good fight, too. And if nothing else, it tastes good and is good for you. Apply a little bit of plain yogurt daily to sooth itchy skin and fight the infection. Live yogurt cultures have wonderful anti-fungal properties.

Baking soda: Sprinkle baking soda directly into your shoes to absorb moisture.

Cornstarch: Rub cornstarch, which absorbs moisture, on your feet. Very lightly browned cornstarch is even better because any moisture content already contained in the cornstarch is removed, allowing for better absorption. To brown, sprinkle cornstarch on a pie plate and bake at 325 degrees for just a few minutes, until it looks brownish. Then dab some on your feet and toes.Crush 1 clove garlic and mix with a few drops of olive oil to make a paste. Apply to the nail and leave on for 15 to 30 minutes, then clean off in warm, soapy water. Dry feet thoroughly. Repeat daily. Because the fungus can return, you may wish to continue this treatment for several weeks after the fungus has disappeared, just to ward off another fungal visit.

Low immunity can make you more susceptible to a fungal infection, so include some of these immune-boosting foods in your diet: broccoli, green tea, ginger, onions and scallions, to name a few.

Cinnamon: A good soak in a cinnamon tea foot bath will help slow down the fungus. Boil 8 to 10 broken cinnamon sticks in 4 cups water, then simmer for five minutes. Let steep for another 45 minutes. Soak your feet for 15 to 30 minutes. Repeat daily, as needed.

Lemon: This remedy will help you in the sweaty foot-odor. Squeeze the juice from a lemon and mix it with 2 ounces water. Rinse your feet with the lemon water.

Tea: The tannic acid in tea is soothing, helps to dry the foot, and helps kill the fungus. Make a foot soak by putting 6 black tea bags in 1 quart warm water.

Water should be a very important part of any nutritional program. Distilled water is best. 6-8 8 ounces per day. Water allows for the cleansing and free flow in the system. Water helps cushion and lubricate your joints; it also helps flush uric acid out of your body before it can set off painful inflammation in your joints.

Add one or two cloves of raw garlic daily to your diet, as garlic is a potent anti-fungal agent.

Avoid sugar. Consider alternative, natural sweeteners such as stevia or agave.

Consider the Full Spectrum Diet, which includes: phytochemicals (5-7 servings of fruits and vegetables daily), 30 grams of fiber, flavinoids (found in red and purple grapes, red wine and black tea).

Make soups using plenty of onions, garlic, green leafy vegetables, ginger, burdock root and tumeric root.

People with chronic or recurring athlete’s foot should avoid excessive consumption of yeast products such as breads and other baked goods, as well as, alcohol. People with higher intake of yeast may be more prone to athlete’s foot.

Consider juice therapy. Blend these fruits and vegetables for amazing juice combinations. Treat athlete’s foot by blending together grapes, carrot, beet, and cucumber. Make these delicious remedy juices twice a day for 30 days. Consider this juice fast. Carrot juice, celery juice, cabbage juice, or tomato juice can be used. Fast on nothing but the vegetable juice for one day during the first week to get started. Follow that by alternate fasting for two days during the next week (i.e., Monday and Wednesday) and three days during the third week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday).

The power of green whole foods is essential for all day energy, greater focus under stress, sense of well-being, strengthened immune system, fewer food cravings and optimum synergistic balance of essential nutrients for total health. Green whole foods contain antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, active enzymes, bioflavinoids, chlorophyll and other phytonutrients necessary for optimal cellular metabolism, repair and protection! These ingredients contain the most powerful combination of nutrients ever known in any grain, herb or food. They contain almost all of the vitamins, minerals, proteins and enzymes necessary for the human diet, plus chlorophyll.

Spirulina Blue Green Algae: Spirulina possesses a complete protein richer than steak, abundant organically complex minerals, a wide variety of essential vitamins, and many beneficial enzymes. Spirulina is more than just a food. As with Chlorella it has been shown to be valuable with almost every aspect of health. These necessities are bio-available which means that they are easily assimilated throughout the digestive tract, giving instant access to vital nutrients.Because of algae’s high chlorophyll and high nutritional content it is an excellent part of a cleansing program.

Chlorella Green Algae: Chlorella’s tough cell wall protects the valuable nucleus inside. When it is harvested it is instantly dried and the cell walls are gently cracked open. The nutrients inside retain full potency. Once in your body, the cracked open cells release their valuable nutrients. Because it is so easy to digest, your cells get the full benefit of this nutritional powerhouse. These necessities are bio-available which means that they are easily assimilated throughout the digestive tract, giving instant access to vital nutrients. The algae provides intestinal nourishment and has a soothing and healing effect on the mucous lining. It works to detoxify and purify our system.

Barley Grass and Wheat Grass: Eating barley and wheat grass is like eating a plate of green vegetables. These cereal grasses, are harvested young and are ecologically grown in nutrient rich soil. They are approximately 25% protein and contains all the essential amino acids, concentrated vitamins, minerals and fiber. They have been shown to increase our overall health by reducing intestinal putrefaction and maintaining healthy blood another important component of cleansing.

Klamath Lake Blue Green Algae: This remarkable plant grows 100% organically in the Upper Klamath Lake of Oregon. Blue Green Algae has more protein and chlorophyll by weight than any other plant or animal on earth. Klamath Lake algae is considered to be the most nutrient rich of the algaes. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the oldest, continually practiced, and professionally administered health care system in the world. It is a documented medical system spanning over 2,500 years based on comprehensive philosophies, rational theories, clinically tested and empirically verified by over 100 generations of highly educated practitioners.

Chinese Medicine is a total system of internal medicine, which is comprised of a diagnostic procedure based on signs, symptoms and treatment styles including acupuncture, herbal medicine, exercise, diet and meditation. It’s foundation is based on the principles of balance; the interdependent relationship of Yin and Yang. Through this balance, health is achieved and maintained.

Traditional Chinese medicine considers athletes’ foot as wind, heat and/or damp patterns. The protocol is to clear heat and damp, and to bring yeast cells under control by decreasing the source that is encouraging them to grow, and strengthen the immune system to prevent their recurrence.

Wind Heat Pattern: Exposure to wind, especially when unprotected and exposed to the wind for a long periods of time can aggrevate/cause a pattern of athlete’s foot. Any Wind pattern is characterized by symptoms which move around in the body. Wind pattern for athlete’s foot include severe itching (burning pain after scratching); Urticaria; Weepy, pruriginous, red rash; Excoriation with bleeding; Worse due to Heat. The tongue picture is white or yellow coating (may be greasy) and the pulse is floating, forceful and/or rapid.

Damp Heat Pattern: A Damp heat pattern is a condition of dampness and heat combined with symptoms of thick yellow secretions and phlegm. The tongue picture has a white or yellow coating (may be greasy) and the pulse is slippery and rapid.

Damp Wind Pattern: This pattern is seen as causing the sudden movement of a conditions. Examples are a rash that is spreading, itching, with mycosis of hands and feet. Weepy, vesicular, red rash.

Furthermore, athlete’s foot can be differentiated into three additional patterns: blistering, erosive, and keratinized. All these three patterns have itching and smell.

Blistering is indicated by raised or fluid filled sacks. The erosive pattern is whitish with exudation, generally between the toes, and turns red after scratching. Keratinized generally is dry and characterized by peeling skin. These types may be present all at the same time or occur one after another.

Ayurveda

The principle medical system of India is known as Ayurveda and is over 5,000 years old. This “Science of Life” is considered the art of living in harmony with nature. Developed from the ancient text of The Vedas, Ayurveda views the human body as a “homunculus” of our cosmic Universe, regulated by the balance between three primordial humours, call Dosha.

Your dosha are your Ayurveda mind and body type. There are three doshas in Ayurveda: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. We each have all three of the doshas in our physiology, just in different proportions, so your dosha is unique and personal; it is like your fingerprint.

An imbalance in Vata results in the accumulation of toxins and improper digestion.

An imbalance of Pitta affects the blood and liver, increasing for inflammation.

An imbalance of Kapha, creates a combination of accumulation of toxins, improper digestion, and inflammation.

Athlete’s foot is often related to the pitta and kapha constitutional doshas, which have a tendency to sweat. Tinea is often diagnosed as “Dadru.”  These toxins lead to contamination of the deeper tissues and lead to the aggravation of the pitta-kapha dosha, called ringworm.

1.  Spicy and hot food, excessive sweet and sour foods should be avoided.
2. Pickled foods, chutneys, citrus fruits like lemon and oranges, vinegar and mustard should also be avoided.
3. Avoid foods made up of white flour such as bread, pastries, cakes, pizza
4. Artificial and processed foods, fast foods, and carbonated drinks should be avoided.
5. Excessive salt and tomatoes should be restricted.
6. Foods which are sweet, blend and alkaline in nature should be added into the diet.
7. Fresh vegetables and fruit should be enjoyed.

Emotional Aspect:

There is an emotional aspect to every illness. Often times, it is the emotional thoughts or “excess emotions” that will lead to illness. The following therapies are utilized for calming the mind, help with stress relief and focuses on our mental powers over any situation. The ability to balance your emotional, mental, physical and spiritual self are exceptional tools on your healing journey.  Here are some suggestions:

Color and Light Therapy

When you are balanced, you can more effectively fight dis-ease, rid your system of toxins, as well as, negative patterns. You can achieve balance through the vibrational remedy and application of color. Color interacts with the human energy system in a unique way to stabilize physical, emotional, mental and spiritual conditions.

One of the best natural remedies for athlete’s foot is exposing your feet to light and air as much as possible. Go barefoot at home if possible.

On warm, sunny days, take the laces out of your shoes, pull up their tongues, and set them in a sunny, well-ventilated place. The sunshine and circulating air will help dry out the shoes and kill fungus. 

Violet: This energy has the most intense electro-chemical power. With this energy we have the gift and the possibilities that reach far beyond the physical plane. Violet is beneficial in the treatment of infection, nervous and emotional disturbances, acute cases of consumption, arthritis and insomnia.

Do a complete color make-over! Start with the lowest Chakra energy center and work up through the rainbow colors, from red at the bottom of the feet to violet at the top of the head! Start Here

Determine what color you need. Learn more about your personal Color Therapy Analysis.

Crystal Reference

Silica has widespread industrial applications including use as a food additive, anti-caking agent, and as an excipient in drugs and vitamins. Chemically, silica is an oxide of silicon, (silicon dioxide) and is generally colorless to white and insoluble in water. When associated with metals or minerals the family of silicates is formed. There are several water soluble forms of silica referred collectively to as silicic acid, Orthosilicic acid is the form predominantly absorbed by humans and found in numerous tissues, bone, tendons, aorta, liver and kidney. Compelling data suggest that silica is essential for health.

Selenite has been used in the healing arena for centuries. This “highly vibrational” mineral has been used by the cosmetic industry for many years. It can assist with wrinkles, age spots, acne, itchy dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, shingles and more. It helps maintain skin elasticity and helps release toxins from the skin. A form of selenite is gypsum.  This incredible, all natural stone, when pulverized to microdust, can be applied to the skin, offering amazing healing properties. It is an ancient Chinese remedy used for centuries to help dry dampness. Apply this remedy twice daily as directed. Gypsum is a very soft mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate. 

As a healing tool, crystals have been used for meditation, stress relief, massage and energy work. Crystals offer an additional way to balance energy, amplify both energy and thought, bring clarity in thinking, and harmony and alignment with our own energy systems.

Drying Powder
This incredible, all natural powder is finely ground gypsum stone pulverized to microdust. It is an ancient Chinese remedy used for centuries to help dry dampness. Apply this remedy twice daily as directed. Gypsum is a very soft mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate.