Fungal infections are frustrating and surprisingly common. They can show up just about anywhere—your mouth, feet, or other sensitive areas—and while they’re rarely dangerous, they can be uncomfortable and persistent. If you’ve ever searched for relief at home, you’re definitely not alone. While antifungal medications are typically the most effective treatment, certain home remedies may help ease symptoms and support the healing process.
Here’s a helpful guide to the most reliable home remedies for common fungal infections—and a few signs it’s time to see a doctor.
1. Salt Water Rinses
Salt water is an old standby remedy for mouth infections such as thrush. It’s non-irritating, simple to apply, and assists in calming irritation while inhibiting the proliferation of unwanted microbes. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swish it through your mouth. This can be repeated several times daily to alleviate discomfort and aid healing.
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda keeps the pH balanced and dries out—two essentials fungi love. For mouth thrush, combine half a teaspoon with warm water and use it as a rinse. For athlete’s foot or other skin fungal infections, attempt dusting baking soda in your shoes and socks or making a paste to directly apply to the infected area.
3. Yogurt and Probiotics
Plain, unflavored yogurt that contains live cultures can be used to restore the good bacteria balance in your body. That’s particularly useful for yeast infections or oral thrush. You can consume it daily, or use it externally on affected areas (yes, your feet too) to assist in slowing the spread of unhealthy fungi. Probiotic supplements can have similar effects.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar contains natural antifungal agents. For oral thrush, mix a teaspoon with water and use it as a soothing mouth wash. For foot fungus, soak your foot in a solution of equal parts water and vinegar for 15–20 minutes to create an acidic environment that will not favor fungal growth. Never apply it full-strength—it may burn your skin or mouth.
5. Essential Oils: Tea Tree, Oregano, Clove, Lavender
Essential oils can be very effective—but only if used properly. Tea tree oil is particularly well-known for treating fungal skin infections; simply mix a few drops in a carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil and apply to the skin twice a day. Oregano oil has thymol and carvacrol in it, both of which have potent antifungal action. Clove oil is applied in the mouth for its antiseptic qualities, but it must never be swallowed and is not suitable for children. Lavender oil may also soothe irritated skin and may soften fungal activity.
6. Turmeric and Lemon Juice
Turmeric contains curcumin, its active compound that possesses anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. Use “golden milk” (warm milk with turmeric and black pepper) to relieve symptoms of oral thrush. Lemon juice in water can also be used as a rinse because it’s naturally acidic. Do not apply lemon directly to sore or broken skin.
7. Honey and Garlic
Raw honey, especially manuka honey, has proven to inhibit fungal growth and calm the skin. It can be used directly or blended with yogurt for internal application. Garlic, due to its constituent allicin, is another homeopathic antifungal. A paste of crushed garlic cloves may be applied topically for brief intervals—about 20 to 30 minutes—before rinsing thoroughly.
8. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a soft, skin-loving choice with mild antifungal activity. It’s particularly useful for skin and foot infections. Use it after washing and drying the area, and mix it with a few drops of tea tree oil for an extra kick.
9. Epsom Salt and Hydrogen Peroxide
Epsom salt soaks may be used to ease discomfort and irritation from fungal foot infections. Soak your feet for 20–30 minutes in warm water with a cup of dissolvedEpsom salt. Hydrogen peroxide may work too, but use it sparingly on a cotton ball and never on broken skin since it stings and delays healing.
10. When to Avoid the Home Remedies
Home remedies may work for minor fungal infections, but they don’t always cut it. Misdiagnosis is the rule of the day, says Dr. Kathryn Goebel of the Cleveland Clinic—and occasionally, these remedies have the opposite effect and make symptoms worse. If your symptoms are sticking around, worsening, or impacting sensitive areas, it’s time to consult with a healthcare professional.
Prescription antifungals such as fluconazole, clotrimazole, or miconazole are usually the best means to eliminate an infection. And if you’ve got a chronic problem, your physician can assist you in getting to the bottom of things.
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