Anti-fungal essential oils are intensely odorous products, typically of intricate composition, and received from a plant raw material. These products are obtained by dry distillation or other mechanical processes. There are more than one hundred and fifty essential oils made out of thirty thousand types of plants on the market nowadays. If you want to find the best essential oil brands we created a comparative list for you.

Essential oils are known for their application in various fields such as the food industry, traditional medicine, aromatherapy, and cleaning products. These substances are known for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anxiolytic effects and scientific research have provided valuable information around these features.

Antifungal essential oils we are going to represent in this article are thyme oil, and tea tree oil. These oils are considered to be the strongest anti fungal essential oils, although it should be noted that many others could be found among already listed ones.

THYME OIL

Thyme essential oil, known under the name Thymus vulgaris, is effective against fungal infections. In a study by Pinto E et al. under the title “Antifungal activity of the essential oil of Thymus pulegioides on Candida, Aspergillus and dermatophyte species” it has been noted that thyme essential oil is rich in thymol and carvacrol, and due to these compounds, it is known for its antifungal characteristics. Thyme oil also contains linalool, cineol, camphor, and borneol.

Due to all noted compounds, it is correct to assume that this essential oil can destroy or reduce various types of bacteria, offer support when it comes to heart health in general, and help with the decrease of inflammation process in the body. Medical professional’s advice is to use thyme oil as an additional part of therapy and not as the only source of treatment for a certain medical condition.

THYME OIL AND SKIN HELTH

According to various studies, this antifungal essential oil can provide significant benefits when it comes to skin health. Thyme oil is one of the most efficient anti fungal essential oil for skin. In a study by Mohammed H. Taleb et al. under the title “Origanum vulgare L. Essential Oil as a Potential Anti-Acne Topical Nanoemulsion—In Vitro and In Vivo Study” thyme oil is useful at reducing acne-causing bacteria on the skin.

THYME OIL AND PREVENTION OF HAIR LOSS

In a study by C Hay et al. under the title “Randomized trial of aromatherapy. Successful treatment for alopecia areata” it is concluded that the mix of thyme and carrier oil may be used as a treatment to prevent hair loss. Data on this research field are still not strong enough to indicate if thyme oil alone can help with the reduction of hair loss, but it is discovered that a combination of different oils combined with a scalp massage can be very effective when it comes to treating this kind of condition.

If you’d like to try aromatherapy scalp therapy, you should consider mixing two to three cups of the carrier oil with three to five drops of thyme, lavender, rosemary, and cedarwood essential oils.

It is advised to massage a small amount of this mixture into the scalp on daily basis, for approximately ten minutes, and then leave it on your head during the night. Following morning wash your head with shampoo and dry your hair naturally if possible. If you do not experience any kind of scalp irritation you should continue with the treatment between eight and sixteen weeks for desirable results to occur.

THYME OIL AND HEART DISEASE

A laboratory study by Mariko Hotta et al. under the title “Carvacrol, a component of thyme oil, activates PPAR α and γ and suppresses COX-2 expression” found that one of the compounds of thyme oil might be beneficial for people with heart disease. This compound is carvacrol, known for its cardio protective powers.

TEA TREE OIL

Melaleuca alternifolia or tea tree essential oil has an antifungal effect that helps with the reduction of dermatomycological infections symptoms. In a study by Golab M and Skwarlo-Sonta K under the title “Mechanisms involved in the anti-inflammatory action of inhaled tea tree oil in mice” this antifungal essential oil is noted to be known for its immunomodulatory effects and antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions. The tea tree essential oil can find numerous purposes, and it is highly beneficial when it comes to skin, hair, and nail health. In a study by Wen-Ru Li et al. under the title “The dynamics and mechanism of the antimicrobial activity of tea tree oil against bacteria and fungi” it is noted that this essential oil contains several compounds, including terpinen-4-ol. This compound is known for the effective way it fights particular bacteria, viruses, and fungi and destroys them. Tea tree essential oil is an affordable natural alternative to chemical-based skin and nail treatments and personal care products.

It is necessary to note that some people may experience skin itch or an allergic reaction after using this essential oil. If you notice any changes in skin color and texture after treating it with this natural product, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

TEA TREE OIL AND NAIL HEALTH

Fungal nail infections are not particularly dangerous although they can be quite common and overall unsightly. Antifungal essential oils for nails are various although the tea tree essential oil stands out when it comes to treatment of this medical condition. This antifungal essential oil can be used alone or in combination with other cures. It is advised to apply tea tree oil combined with few drops of coconut oil to the affected area. Advice is to wash your hands after the treatment to avoid spreading the fungus to other areas after the usage of this antifungal essential oil for nails.

TEA TREE OIL AND DANDRUFF CONTROL

Dandruff is a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis. This condition provokes the scalp skin to flake, and it is considered to be common but not contagious. Mild dandruff can be treated with the tea tree essential oil that is considered to be very strong antifungal essential oil for scalp.In a four-week study by Andrew C Satchell et al. under the title “Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo” it is noted the group that used a shampoo containing tea tree oil had a forty percent improvement in dandruff condition.