3 homemade antifungal remedies for your feet

A lot of the time, you can make your own antifungal foot powders and ointments. Here are a few remedies using natural ingredients that you can make at home.

• 125 ml (1/2 c) arrowroot or cornstarch
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) white cosmetic clay
• 10 drops cypress essential oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 3 drops clove essential oil
• 5 drops tea tree essential oil
• 5 drops thyme essential oil

  1. In a small container with a tight-fitting cover, mix the arrowroot or cornstarch with 30 millilitres (two tablespoons) cosmetic clay. Add the cypress, lavender and clove essential oils and mix. To make the powder antiseptic, add the tea tree and thyme essential oils.

  2. Let the powder sit for a couple of days to absorb the oils, then dust on your feet once or twice a day. Keeps in a dry, covered container for several weeks.

• 45 ml (3 tbsp) organic light olive oil
• 10 ml (2 tsp) finely chopped beeswax
• 50 drops of tea tree, geranium, lavender, pine, myrrh or peppermint essential oil (or any combination)

  1. In the top of a double boiler, warm the oil over simmering water. Add the beeswax to the warmed oil and stir until it melts. Remove from the heat and stir until it cools. Then beat in essential oil.

  2. Spoon the ointment into a small, sterilized, wide-mouthed jar with a tight-fitting lid. Keep in a cool, dark place. Massage a small amount into the affected area twice a day. The ointment should keep for several weeks.

• When making ointments, if the salve is too watery, reheat and add more beeswax.
• If it's too thick, reheat and add more oil.

• 15 to 30 ml (1 to 2 tbsp) dried thyme
• 15 to 30 ml (1 to 2 tbsp) dried eucalyptus
• 15 to 30 ml (1 to 2 tbsp) dried lavender

  1. In a large cup, combine the herbs. Cover with 250 millilitres (one cup) of boiling water and steep, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and cool.

  2. Soak a clean cotton cloth in the solution and apply twice daily to the skin (after your shower in the morning and before bed). You can also use this solution to soak your feet.

• Fill a basin with warm water and add two or three drops of mustard oil or five millilitres (one teaspoon) of powdered (dry) mustard.
• Soak your feet for at least half an hour.
• The mustard helps kill the fungus. Rinse your feet and dry thoroughly.