Can coconut oil be used to treat fungal infections?

There are many health benefits of coconut oil. Gargling with coconut oil, for example, can prevent tooth decay and bleeding gums. Another benefit that many people believe so far is as a cure for skin fungal infections. However, is that true? Find out the answer in the following review.

Is it true that coconut oil can be used as a fungal infection medicine?

Skin fungal infections can cause discomfort, a burning sensation on the skin, and unbearable itching that interferes with daily activities. These skin infections can actually be easily treated using antifungal creams that are available at pharmacies or drug stores, either with or without a doctor's prescription. However, not a few people are looking for more natural alternatives to avoid the risk of drug side effects. Coconut oil is one of the natural skin fungal infection options.

Coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids (MCTs), which are not only more easily absorbed by the liver, but also metabolized quickly. Apart from that, coconut oil also has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help relieve various skin infections.

A study conducted by scientists from Nigeria in 2007 reported that the MCT content in coconut oil was effective against candida albincans yeast infection, even more effectively than the anti-fungal cream drug fluconazole and without side effects.

How do you use coconut oil as a fungal infection remedy?

Coconut oil does not only have to be consumed by mouth for you to feel its health benefits. If the infection occurs on the surface of the skin, coconut oil can be applied directly to the problem areas of the skin. Continue to use it every day until the symptoms subside.

If the part of the mouth is infected with fungus, follow these directions:

• Heat the coconut oil for a few seconds
• Cool the oil until it's cool enough not to burn the skin, put it in your mouth for about 30 seconds
• Remove the coconut oil from your mouth
• Avoid eating or drinking for half an hour afterward

If you have a vaginal yeast infection, coconut oil can be applied directly to the infected vaginal skin for 4-5 days. The second way, coconut oil is applied to a tampon and inserted into the vagina until it reaches the opening of the uterus. Before doing these two things, you should consult a doctor first.

Make sure the oil you use is extra virgin coconut oil (VCO), which has not gone through a variety of manufacturing processes.

Don't use coconut oil for too long

Although it is known to be effective, no further medical studies have been conducted in humans to determine the risk of side effects of using coconut oil in the long term. Hence, possible side effects can occur.

So you should first consult with your doctor before using coconut oil as a cure for skin fungal infections. Doctors will usually recommend antifungal drugs, such as fluconazole. Maintaining personal hygiene, reducing sugar consumption, and regularly consuming yogurt also supports health recovery from this condition.