Herbal Remedies for Jock Itch

If you've ever suffered through a bout of jock itch, you know that herbal remedies for this infection are talked about on internet forums around the 'net. But do these remedies really work? And could they actually do more harm that good? Let's bring a little science to the discussion and see if there really are effective herbal remedies for jock itch.

What Jock Itch Actually Is

"Jock itch" doesn't refer to a specific germ; rather it is a catch-all term used to describe any fungal infection occurring in the groin area. Known medically as tinea cruris, jock itch is caused by microscopic fungi called dermatophytes. These mold-like germs are part of your body's normal "flora" but when conditions are just right, they grow out of control and you get that embarrassing, itchy rash.

Herbal Remedies for Jock Itch

If you have any concerns about your infection, don't hesitate to see your doctor. Only he is qualified to give you medical advice. But to address mild infections, here are a few "natural" herbal remedies for jock itch to bring up at your next appointment:

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Essential oil made from Melaleuca alternifolia is a popular home remedy for jock itch. Though it has not been extensively studied scientifically for jock itch, one study of athlete's foot found that a cream containing 10% tea tree oil reduced symptoms as well as the pharmaceutical to which it was compared.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus oil may not be a product most men think of applying to their most intimate body parts but a commercially-funded study published in a 2000 issue of
Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology found that a cream made with 5% essential oil from Eucalyptus pauciflora demonstrated 100% efficacy at stopping the spread and growth of the infection.

Prevention is Key