Black Walnut Treatment for Athlete's Foot

Athlete's foot is a common, persistent ailment caused by fungal growth on the feet. This type of infection occurs when the highly contagious tinea pedis fungus contacts the skin. Because the fungus is picked up in warm, damp places such as public pools, showers, or locker rooms, it is known as "athlete's foot." Often the most affected area of the foot is between the toes, where it is especially warm and moist; however, it may also spread to the rest of the foot.

When athlete's foot is given a chance to grow, it may first result in an itchy red rash, typically beginning between the fourth and fifth toe. Unfortunately, cases of athlete's foot are often ignored until they become almost unbearable. If the infection is not remedied, the skin may become soft and extremely sensitive to the touch. In the most severe cases, the edges of the afflicted area will become white and the skin can peel away, creating a milky discharge.

As the infection progresses, large cracks may develop in the skin, making the body vulnerable to additional bacterial infections. It is possible for the infection to be transmitted to other parts of the body by excessive scratching or tainted bedding or clothes. Sufferers with severe forms of athlete's foot may also contract what is known as "moccasin foot," a rash that covers the bottom of the foot in the pattern of a shoe. The soles of the feet may become thick, rough and scaly.

Many oral and topical medications can be prescribed to fight athlete's foot; however, they may come with undesirable side effects. It is wise to seek out one of many natural solutions to this problem. Often it is best to rely on treatments that are natural, safe, and have been time tested. One such herbal remedy that has shown significant promise in the treatment of athlete's foot is the black walnut.
 
 Also known as the English walnut, the black walnut has been used for hundreds of years to treat skin disorders such as eczema, infections and rashes. It has also proven effective for internal problems such as fever, diarrhea and asthma. It is a source of vitamin C and alkaloids. The hulls of the black walnut contain quinone and tannis compounds. These substances are what give the herb the ability to fight infections, parasites, and fungus. Not only does this herb oxygenate the blood and balance sugar levels, it also used to combat parasites, candida and fungus. It is the latter of these properties that makes it useful in the treatment of athlete's foot.

 Different components of the black walnut may be made into tinctures, baths, compresses and skin washes. For use in treating athlete's foot, it is best used externally in the form of black walnut extract, which is made in distilled water and grain alcohol. This extract can typically be found at many natural health stores or through an online herb supplier. A black walnut foot soak is a soothing therapy for skin that has become raw and cracked from an extended or recurring case of athlete's foot. Add ten to twenty drops of black walnut extract to a warm tub and soak the feet for twenty minutes. Gently clean the feet before and after this treatment. For less severe cases, or in addition to the foot soak in especially serious conditions, rub the affected area with black walnut extract twice daily.

As preventing athlete's foot it typically much easier than curing it, it is sensible to take some precautions to lessen your exposure to the fungus. It is important to reduce the risk of exposure by wearing waterproof sandals or shoes in public showers, locker rooms, and any other warm damp place that may host tinea pedis. The most vital step you can take is to keep the feet dry, especially between the toes. Ensure that the environment in your socks is inhospitable to fungal growth by making sure that there is no moisture present. Socks that are made of cotton, wool, or other natural materials allow feet to breathe and remain dry. If your feet commonly sweat, see that your socks remain clean and dry, even if this means changing socks during the day. Choose shoes that are well ventilated and give them a chance to dry out before wearing them again. It is also vital to immediately treat any case of athlete's foot at the first sign to reduce both the discomfort and the healing time. Treating existing cases of athlete's foot with black walnut and following these general rules to maintain dry, healthy feet is a sure way to eliminate the fungus that causes athlete's foot.

Jonathan N. Group, R.D., D.C.
Doctor of Chiropractic
Registered Dietitian
CEO - Fungus Research, L.L.C.