About the Author

Asti Renaut

Asti Renaut (BHSc. Comp Med, BA, Adv Dip Nat, Adv Dip Herb Med, MNZAMH)

Asti Renaut is a degree-qualified medical herbalist and naturopath with over ten years clinical experience. Asti practices in Christchurch, New Zealand, treating a wide range of health issues. She especially enjoys working with infants and children, and finally has one of her own to practice on! One of the cornerstones of Asti's practice and philosophy is the importance of education and sharing information. She believes that empowering clients to understand their own bodies and health, and giving practical tips and tools to use from the garden and kitchen are just as important for wellness as qualified professional care. 

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Have you heard of Trichophyton mentagrophytes? Its one of three kinds of dermatophytes or fungi that cause Athlete’s Foot, also known as tinea pedis. If you’ve ever suffered from this flakey itchy peeling infection between the toes or on your feet, you’ll know it can be stubborn! It is also very unpleasant and rather contagious. So, better to get rid of it, and with some haste.

Essential oils and plant extracts have long been used for killing bugs- even the Ancient Egyptians used them for embalming to stop bacterial and microbial growth. These days, modern scientific literature acknowledges that many drug treatments for fungal skin infections can be rather toxic, and that plant-based treatments are extremely effective and much safer.

The essential oil from Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) has been shown in trials to be extremely effective against Trichophyton mentagrophytes, as well as many other fungi, bacteria and microbes.

An important consideration when choosing a topical anti-fungal product is its ability to not only kill the fungi, but also to promote the healing and strengthening of your skin. Calendula (Calendula officinalis) has just this capacity. Naturally nourishing, Calendula not only has inherent anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties, it also speeds up tissue repair and regeneration.

New Zealand native Kanuka (Kunzea ericoides) is the taller, more graceful cousin of the slightly-more-famous Manuka. Manuka and Kanuka are chemically similar, both showing antimicrobial activity and a powerful anti-fungal action.

All these extracts combine to provide a natural approach to treating fungal infections of the skin that not only attacks the fungi, but also reduces inflammation, itching and redness, and helps heal and strengthen the skin to prevent further infection.

Because Summer is not only the time that you notice your feet more, but also the time that Athlete’s Foot often flares up (due to sweaty feet), now is the time to act!

• Dry feet thoroughly after showers and swimming, especially between your toes!
• Don’t share towels
• Wear jandals to pools and shared showers at camping grounds
• Choose well ventilated footwear such as sandals or jandals, and always wear socks if wearing closed shoes/sneakers
• Apply your natural Foot & Nail Care cream twice daily to affected areas
• Keep up all of the above for several weeks, it takes patience and perseverance but it will work.

Give your hard-working feet the attention they deserve and get them ready for a long and lovely summer with some powerful natural support.