Homeopathic medicine, treatment and remedies for Fungal Infections

Homeopathic medicines used in the treatment of fungal infections include calcarea carbonica, graphites, pulsatilla, sepia, mezereum, arsenicum album, bacillinum, chrysarobinum, thuja occidentalis, medorrhinum and lycopodium. Let us have a detailed look at them.

• Calcarea Carbonica
  Common name: Carbonate of lime
  Symptoms: This remedy is best suited to people who are fair in complexion and fat with relaxed musculature. It is used in the treatment of fungal infections of the skin and genital tract in women. People who benefit from this remedy have the following symptoms:  
  • Tendency to sweat excessively which results in fungal infections of the skin 
  • Intense itching with burning sensation of the skin which is more prevalent in the morning and while lying in bed
  • Shiny skin with white spots of fungal infection on areas like the wrist, thighs and ankles
  • Thick white vaginal discharge (resembling milk), especially between monthly periods
  • Intense itching with burning sensation in the genital region associated with white discharge (Read more: Leucorrhea causes)
  • Aggravation of symptoms in damp and wet climate.
  • Symptoms improve in dry weather
• Mezereum
  Common name: Spurge olive
  Symptoms: This medicine works best in people who are calm and do not get disturbed by emotional flare-ups, anger, hatred, etc. Individuals requiring mezereum are generally hesitant and very sensitive to cold air. It is useful in the treatment of fungal infections, especially of the skin. People who benefit from this remedy have the following symptoms:
  • Intense intolerable itching, especially on the back of neck
  • Infected areas become moist and tend to form scabs
  • Inflammation in the infected area, which is  surrounded by small red boils that burn and itch severely
  • Occasional bacterial infection in the areas affected by fungal growth that leads to the formation of pus underneath the scabs
  • Increased itching with touch, humid weather, in the evening and at midnight
  • Amelioration of symptoms in open air 

According to a scientific study, treatment with mezereum results in resolution of fungal infection of the mouth caused by Candida albicans. 

• Thuja Occidentalis
  Common name: Arbor vitae
  Symptoms: This remedy acts best in people who have a tendency to suffer from swollen glands. Arbor vitae is mainly used in the treatment of fungal infections of the skin and genital tract and is especially effective in treating ringworm of the skin. People who benefit from this remedy have the following symptoms:
  • Ring-shaped infected areas with severe itching and biting sensation
  • Intense desire to scratch the skin.
  • Scratching increases itching in the infected area
  • Dry, unhealthy skin even after washing
  • Sticky, yellowish or greenish white vaginal discharge that smells like fish in case of fungal infection of the genital tract in women
  • Severe burning sensation associated with profuse leucorrhoea or white discharge from vagina
  • Intense itching in the genital region along with leucorrhoea

A laboratory study demonstrates that thuja possesses antifungal activity against fungal infection of the eyes (mycotic keratitis). Samples collected and tested for the antifungal action of thuja, prepared in different potencies, showed positive results, with a reduction in fungal growth.

Another study suggests the effectiveness of thuja in the treatment of fungal infections in plants.

A research study found that thuja is useful for inhibiting the growth of Candida albicans, a common fungal pathogen.

• Graphites
  Common name: Black lead, Plumbago
  Symptoms: This medicine acts best in people who are short in stature and heavily built. They are fair in complexion, slow in action, always feel chilly and have a tendency for  skin disorders and constipation. Graphites is used in the treatment of fungal infections of the skin and genital tract. It is also helpful in the treatment of fungal infection of the oral cavity caused by Candida albicans. People who benefit from this remedy have the following symptoms:
  • Profuse white discharge or leucorrhoea in case of fungal infection of the genital tract that is generally caused due to Candida albicans
  • Profuse leucorrhoea throughout the day with severe itching and burning sensation in the genital region
  • Yellowish to white leucorrhoea, with pain and weakness in the back
  • Increased leucorrhoea while sitting, walking and in the morning
  • Severe itching, which is aggravated at night in case of fungal infection of the skin
  • Dry skin that develops cracks and fissures
  • Intense itching of the infected areas with discharge of sticky fluid leading to burning sensation
  • Increased itching with warmth and in humid weather
• Sepia
  Common name: Inky juice of cuttlefish
  Symptoms: This medicine is best suited to dark-complexioned people who are mild in nature and have firm muscles. People who benefit from this remedy experience the following symptoms:
  • Fungal infection of the skin (ringworm) that appears every year during spring on different body parts
  • Ringworm on the face
  • Moist skin folds with severe itching in areas such as the back of the knees and front of elbows
  • Scratching relieves itching and makes the skin rough, dry and pink in colour
  • Slimy, gelatinous or yellowish vaginal discharge in case of fungal infection of the genital tract
  • Intense itching and sore sensation in the vagina associated with a vaginal discharge
  • Occasional lumpy vaginal discharge with an offensive odour
  • Painful, bearing-down (heavyness) sensation in the abdomen, especially in the morning, associated with fungal infection of the genital tract
  • Improvement in ringworm infection after a thunderstorm, and improvement in white discharge at night
  • Oral thrush or candidiasis of the oral cavity, which is a fungal infection of the mouth is also successfully treated with sepia
• Medorrhinum
  Common name: Gonorrhoea bacteria
  Symptoms: People who have underdeveloped growth respond well to this medicine. Medorrhinum is useful in the treatment of fungal infections of the skin and genital organs in women. It is also effective in the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhoea. People who benefit from this remedy experience the following symptoms:
  • An affinity for fungal infection of the scalp, with formation of sticky and foul-smelling discharge underneath the scabs
  • Intense itching which is not improved  after scratching and gets worse when thinking of it or at night
  • Excess vaginal discharge accompanied by severe burning and intolerable itching in the genital area
  • Aggravation of itching in the genital region by rubbing the area and bathing with lukewarm water at frequent intervals 
• Tellurium
  Common name: Metal tellurium
  Symptoms: This medicine acts best in people who have a tendency to offensive or foul-smelling bodily discharges, such as sweat and ear discharge. It is very effective in the treatment of fungal infections of the skin (such as ringworm and barber’s itch). Patients who benefit from tellurium have the following symptoms:
  • Fungal infections on legs
  • Multiple, ring-shaped areas of infection all over the body that coalesce in severe cases and cause intense itching
  • Severe itching at night and while lying in bed
  • Infected areas have a red central portion surrounded by small itchy eruptions
  • Dry skin with scaling in the infected regions
  • Aggravation of itching on exposure to cold air 

An in vivo (lab-based)  study demonstrated  the effectiveness of homeopathic mother tinctures in the eradication of fungal infection caused by Candida albicans. These include mother tinctures syzygium jambolanum, ficus religiosa, ocimum sanctum, allium cepa, thuja occidentalis, holarrhena antidysentrica and eucalyptus globulus.

Since homeopathic medicines are highly diluted preparations, their action gets easily disturbed by coming in contact with strong smelling substances, direct sunlight. Following are some of the factors that should be avoided and adapted for the homeopathic medicines to keep working without interruption.

Do’s

• Avoid all those things that inhibit the action of homeopathic drugs such as strong drinks and flavours.
• Lead a peaceful life with a regular routine for self-hygiene, sleep and eating habits.
• Let the patient decide the type of clothing according to his/her comfort.
• Follow a healthy and nutritious diet without added artificial flavours or colours.
• Maintain physical fitness with activities like regular moderate walks.

Don’ts

• Avoid coffee, strong-flavoured drinks and perfumes.
• Avoid excess of spices, salt and sugar in the diet.
• Avoid soups and drinks that have medicinal effects.
• Avoid staying inside a room which is heated, damp, humid or unclean.
• Avoid clothes that are not suitable for prevailing weather conditions.
• Avoid woollen clothes in hot climate. Instead, use cotton and linen clothes during summer.
• Avoid sexual intercourse during treatment of fungal infection of the genital tract.

Homeopathic treatment is based on the Law of Similars. Benefits or effects of homeopathic medicines are determined by observing the effects of these medicines in healthy people. This process is called drug proving. A qualified homeopathic physician selects a suitable remedy that matches best with the symptoms of the disease. A detailed history of symptoms, clinical examination and the miasm (proneness of the patient to suffer from a disease) help a doctor in selecting the most suitable homeopathic constitutional medicine, which effectively cures fungal infections.

According to homeopathy, fungal infections arise when a person with a weak immune system is exposed to conditions that are favourable (poor hygiene, humidity, heat) for the growth of fungus. Fungal infections are also commonly associated with severely immunocompromised conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, HIV and cancer. Homeopathic medicines help in healing the debilitated immune system and subsequently cure the infection. This also helps in preventing the recurrence of disease.

A number of studies have been done, both on healthy people and on disease samples in laboratories, to assess the therapeutic effect of homeopathic medicines in fungal infections. One research study shows the antifungal action and effectiveness of different homeopathic medicines in the treatment of fungal infection caused by Candida albicans. These are sulphuric acid, benzoicum acidum, azadirachta indica, cinchona officinalis, iodum, phosphorus, selenium, sulphur, zincum metallicum and zingiber officinale.

The right constitutional homeopathic remedy in an appropriate dose does not produce any side effects. Taking the right dosage prescribed by a qualified homeopathic physician is enough to establish the curative action of the selected medicine. However, when taken in an incorrect dosage, homeopathic medicines may have some adverse effects.

Homeopathic remedies are safe to use in all age groups and during pregnancy and lactation. These medicines are highly beneficial in the treatment of different types of allergies, especially in those who have a sensitive skin and in cases where conventional medicines are not as effective or cause side effects. Allergies and fungal infections, especially on the face, that are challenging to treat in general practice can be cured by homeopathic medicines without causing any side effects.

A research study shows that homeopathic medicines such as lycopodium clavatum, sulphur, sepia and tellurium, when administered in different potencies are effective in inhibiting the growth of the fungus Aspergillus niger in laboratories. Aspergillus is most commonly associated with fungal infection caused due to cosmetic products, such as bindis. 

Treatment of fungal infections with a constitutional homeopathic medicine is safer and more effective in comparison to conventional medicines. Homoeopathic medicines not only treat the disease but also the person who is suffering from the disease. They stimulate body’s immune system to fight infections. This results in complete eradication of the fungal infection and establishment of permanent cure in cases of recurrent infections.