Essential oils are plant extracts that are made by steaming or pressing various parts of a plant (leaves, bark, flowers or fruit). They are highly concentrated and contain the natural compounds that give each plant its essence. Depending on the plant it’s derived from, an essential oil will contain different properties. Some oils contain powerful antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties making them ideal for naturally fighting the growth of certain pathogens that can harm your health. These oils are frequently found in natural and herbal topical remedies that help fight fungal infections, such as ringworm, athlete’s foot, toenail fungus and jock itch.

Our Pick for the Top 5 Anti-Fungal Essential Oils

1. Clove Oil (Syzygium Aromaticum)

   Clove has antibacterial, anti-fungal, insecticidal and antioxidant properties. It is used as a topical to help kill bacteria and fungus. A 2017 study tested a variety of essential oils for anti-fungal activity and concluded that clove oil was the most effective at stopping the growth of a range of fungi, making it our top choice for rashes and other skin infections.

2. Oregano Oil (Origanum Vulgare)

   As with other oils derived from herbs and spices, Oregano oil contains powerful anti-fungal properties that are far more concentrated than in the oregano leaf itself due to high levels of thymol. Thymol has been shown to be an effective treatment for common Candida fungal infections.

3. Thyme Oil (Thymus Vulgaris)

   Another oil rich in thymol is Thyme. It is known to be very effective against fungi. It has strong antibacterial and anti-fungal properties and is used in a variety of natural products, including mouthwashes, deodorants, soaps and insect repellents. It has also been shown to help kill the fungus that causes oral thrush.

4. Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia)

   Tea Tree oil, extracted from a plant native to Australia, has been used as a topical treatment by the Aboriginal people for centuries and is still a popular ingredient in many skin care products today. Due to its powerful anti-fungal properties, it is commonly used for helping to treat acne, toenail fungus, athlete’s foot, ringworm, jock itch and dandruff.

5. Eucalyptus Oil (Eucalyptus Globulus)

   While Eucalyptus oil is best known for respiratory support, recent studies have also shown that it can be a powerful anti-fungal treatment for toenail fungus and skin rashes, and can also be used to treat dandruff as it can combat the fungus, malassezia, which is a common cause of dandruff.

Using Essential Oils Safely

Keep in mind that not all anti-fungal oils are the same — some may work better than others for certain infections. Try a blend of different oils diluted in fractionated coconut oil (our recommended carrier oil for anti-fungal blends).

Because essential oils are highly concentrated, it’s important to dilute them properly before applying to the skin. Skin sensitives can occur so always test on a small patch of skin before applying to a larger area.

Note that essential oils are not for ingestion, and cases of toxicity have been reported, so please use them responsibly.

Products Containing Anti-Fungal Essential Oils