Ayurveda defines Tinea Versicolor as Riksha Jihva. It is a Tridosha disorder with the vitiation of Vata and Kapha doshas with Pitta dosha.
What is Tinea Versicolor in Brief?
Tinea Versicolor in USA is around 2-8%. The term “tinea versicolor” literally means “scaly skin disease”. People with tinea versicolor may experience itching, scaling, and small scaly patches on their skin. The symptoms of tinea versicolor are often mistaken for other skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
What’s the Cause?
The disease is caused by a fungus called Malassezia that naturally exists in small amounts on the surface of your skin. It usually does not cause any problems for people with healthy immune systems but if you are susceptible, warm weather can trigger an overgrowth of fungal spores that produce scaly patches on the trunk and shoulders area. It most commonly affects people between 18 and 30 years of age. In some cases, tinea versicolor may be inherited from one parent who has had it before (this usually happens when there are no other family members with the same type of tinea). Luckily, there are some herbs for tinea versicolor, which are highly advantageous to treat tinea versicolor naturally.
What Part of the Body is Infected?
Tinea versicolor can appear anywhere on your body: arms, face, chest/back, legs, groin area and even inside ears! If you have tinea versicolor in one spot regularly (such as around fingers), then it may take longer for symptoms to show up elsewhere unless you scratch at those areas more often than usual.
The patches may be lighter in colour than the surrounding skin, or darker. The colour of the patch is not a reliable indicator of the severity of the infection.
Top 10 Herbs for Tinea Versicolor
1. Changeri
It is a natural antifungal herb which is rich in vitamin C and also has the properties of VataKaphahara (which pacifies Kapha and Vata doshas). It has proven to be highly effective in treating skin fungal infections. It has the richest source of Vitamin A, B, C, D, E, K, antioxidant properties, appetiser, Digestant, antifungal and wound-healing properties.
How to use it?
Changeri can be taken internally in the form of swaras (Juice) or extract based capsules with meal to treat tinea versicolor patches.
2. Rakta Chandana
It is a natural tan remover and has cooling properties on the skin. It is very active in treating blemishes, breakouts and burning sensation over the skin.
It has proven significant in dealing with skin diseases. It also has antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties.
How to use it?
Rakta Chandan can be mixed with rose water or honey and can be applied to the skin directly. It can also be blended with Haridra (turmeric powder) to heal breakouts and wounds. It is highly recommended for tinea versicolor patches.
3. Lodhra
It is a natural anti-inflammatory herb and is used widely to treat various skin infections including tinea versicolor. It is used to prepare various capsules, tonics, for local application and wash and powder (churnas) due to its antioxidant, antiseptic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
How to use it?
Lodhra can be used both internally and externally. Lodhra powder can be mixed with aloe vera gel or rose water and apply the paste on tinea versicolor patches to get treated instantly. This is one of the best Herbs for Tinea Versicolor.
4. Aragwadha
It is a natural anti-allergic and purgative herb which is used to treat various skin allergies and also treat those skin conditions where blood purification is needed. It has phytoconstituents that help to fight infections and prevent skin disorders.
How to use it?
It can be used both externally and internally but for skin conditions especially for the treatment of tinea versicolor, Aragawadha is mixed up with aloe vera gel, apply the paste on the patches directly, leave for a few minutes and wash with lukewarm water.
5. Coconut oil
It is an effective natural treatment for tinea versicolor and can reduce scaling, itching and inflammation.
Coconut oil (Prepared from Coconut) is a natural moisturizer that helps prevent flaking. It also has anti-fungal properties and can be applied directly to the skin, which makes it an effective home remedy for tinea versicolor.
How to use it?
Coconut oil can be used as a facial cleanser or body lotion after bathing by simply rubbing it on your hands, and then gently massaging it into your face and scalp. If you have sensitive skin, add one drop of lavender essential oil for an added benefit! Coconut oil is the most easily available among the Top 10 Herbs for Tinea Versicolor
6. Aloe vera
It has antifungal properties to treat infections such as tinea versicolor while soothing irritation, itching and redness.
Aloe vera gel is a natural alternative to treat tinea versicolor. It’s also a soothing, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal treatment.
How to use it?
Aloe vera gel can be used as a cleanser to remove dust and germs from the skin. It can also be used as a skin moisturiser which helps to retain wetness and prevent skin dryness. Aloe Vera gel is used along with other herbs for better results.
7. Eucalyptus oil
It has many uses including the treatment of fungal infections such as tinea versicolor because of its antifungal properties.
Eucalyptus oil is an effective treatment for tinea versicolor. It contains many anti-fungal properties, making it an effective treatment for fungal infections such as tinea versicolor. This is another most commonly known herb among the Herbs for Tinea Versicolor. Eucalyptus oil can be used in a variety of ways to treat tinea versicolor.
How to use it?
You can use the fresh leaves or dried leaves of the eucalyptus tree (eucalyptus pilularis) to make tea by boiling them with water and then drinking the mixture once cooled down. The active ingredient in this tea is called 1-8 cineole which kills fungi on contact, so you may notice some improvement in ageing 2-3 days after starting treatment!
8. Neem oil
Neem treats a variety of fungal infections because it kills fungi on contact, so you can apply neem oil to your skin to treat tinea versicolor.
Neem oil is a natural anti-fungal treatment. It’s been used for centuries to treat skin infections, and it’s also effective against fungal infections like tinea versicolor.
How to use it?
You can apply neem oil directly to your skin to treat tinea versicolor. Apply a small amount of neem oil to the affected area every day until the lesions clear up.
If you want any leftover neem oil after usage, keep it away from pets and children because it can be toxic if ingested!
9. Haridra (Turmeric)
Haridra is a golden-hued herb which is the most commonly used one for the treatment of a wide range of skin disorders including tinea versicolor. It has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antimicrobial and wound-healing properties. Top 10 Herbs for Tinea Versicolor has this most popular herb.
How to use it?
Do you know that intake of turmeric daily can boost immunity and keep you away from various infections including skin infections too? You can also turmeric directly on the affected patches daily and can also be mixed with rose water or aloe vera gel for added benefits.
10. Chakramarda
The leaves, roots and seeds of Chakramarda are widely used for various skin disorders. It is commonly called as Ringworm plant, the name itself indicates the importance of this plant in treating skin disorders. It has antifungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-psoriatic properties.
How to use it?
Chakramarda taila is used externally to reduce irritation and also heals the tinea versicolor patches. Seed paste is also available and applied directly on the skin.
Also Read:- Top 7 Home Remedies for Tinea Versicolor
Ayurvedic Guidelines for Tinea Versicolor Patients
Use gentle soap and water when washing with regular body wash. Don’t scrub too hard or use harsh detergents like those found in bar soaps or bath salts. You may also want to wear clothing made from natural fibers such as cotton instead of synthetics because these fabrics won’t irritate sensitive areas where there is an active infection present.
A Quick Wrap Up
In conclusion, the decent way to avoid tinea versicolor is by keeping hydrated and using a bunch of sunscreens. If you do get a case of tinea versicolor, many natural remedies can help deal with the fungal infection and skin irritation.
If the above-mentioned Top 10 Herbs for Tinea Versicolor are useful, do let us know, because your support makes us strive and bring to you more such articles. Share this blog with any of your dear ones who are suffering from Tinea Versicolor, they will be grateful to you.
If you are struggling to get treated naturally, then simply contact IAFA Ayurveda. We are available worldwide, with no barriers, just a simple click away. Our Ayurvedic allergy specialist and the founder of IAFA Ayurveda – Dr. Sahil Gupta will reach you and you can freely discuss your condition with him.