This Dr. Axe content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure factually accurate information.
With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to academic research institutions, reputable media sites and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.
This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) are clickable links to medically peer-reviewed studies.
Our team includes licensed nutritionists and dietitians, certified health education specialists, as well as certified strength and conditioning specialists, personal trainers and corrective exercise specialists. Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased.
The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.
DIY Antifungal Spray with Apple Cider Vinegar
October 20, 2022
Sometimes the stinky feet are a dead giveaway, but usually you’re well aware of your fungal infections before others are. The more common fungal infections are athlete’s foot, toenail or fingernail fungus, jock itch, candida or yeast infections, oral thrush, ringworm and meningitis.
Fortunately, there are many natural remedies that help solve the fungal problem, such as my jock itch home remedy and antifungal powder, and all can be made right at home. So before rushing out to the store to buy over-the-counter medications that are usually filled with chemicals, try this natural DIY Apple Cider Vinegar Antifungal Spray.
Frankly, making this antifungal spray couldn’t be easier, as you simply combine the ingredients into a 5-ounce or larger glass spray bottle and blend well.
The key is getting these skin-healing ingredients, including aloe vera gel, apple cider vinegar and witch hazel. The latter includes tannins which make witch hazel extract a natural astringent, since they remove excess oil from skin. Apple cider vinegar, meanwhile, contains probiotics and a type of acid that promotes the growth of probiotics that can help kill off Candida.
Similarly, I’ve chosen three essential oils — lavender, peppermint and chamomile — that can fight fungus and soothe skin alongside two excellent carrier oils, olive oil and jojoba oil.
Once all of these ingredients are blended together, keep the antifungal spray in the refrigerator to provide a cooling sensation upon use. When you are ready to use, simply spray onto the affected area and then allow to air dry.
Apply 2–3 times daily for several days or until the symptoms are gone. If you experience any irritation, please discontinue use or further dilute with olive oil and aloe vera and try again.
PrintDIY Antifungal Spray Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 20 uses 1x
Description
Fungal issues are common but don’t always need you going to get an over-the-counter medication. Instead, try this natural DIY Apple Cider Vinegar Antifungal Spray.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces pure aloe vera gel
- 1 ounce jojoba oil
- ½ ounce olive oil
- ½ ounce apple cider vinegar
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 2 drops of peppermint essential oil (optional)
- 10 drops chamomile oil
- ½ ounce witch hazel
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients into a 5 ounce or larger glass spray bottle. (Dark glass is best so the essential oils don’t degrade.)
- Blend well.
- Keep in the refrigerator to provide a cooling sensation upon use.
- Prep Time: 5 min
Keywords: DIY antifungal spray
Does it HAVE to be kept in the frig or will it keep if stored at room temp? What is your opinion on possibly replacing the peppermint oil with tea tree oil? And as for the witch hazel, should i be using one that is alcohol free or does it not really matter here?
I rescued a baby kitten from the alleyway behind my house and as it turns out, he has a severe case of ringworm which was unbeknownst to me auntil i began presenting the symptoms myself. Ive NEVER had ringworm before, despite having owned MANY cats throughout my lifetime..this is horrifying!
I have an appt to see the dr tomorrow but unfortunately, at this time, i am unable to afford a vet visit so im REALLY hoping im able to successfully remedy this on my own. Im currently bathing him in a ketoconazole/chlorohexadine shampoo followed by otc antifungal creams (clotrimazole AND terbinafine) but the creams arent easy to apply due to him being a long haired kitty and the number of rashes/lesions being so widespread. Im presenting with new lesions daily so im willing to try whatevers necessary thats within my financial & physical means to remedy this for both me and my kitten.
Tea tree oil
Is poison for cats … neurotoxin and hepatotoxin…
Ring worm is self limiting
Feed the kitten excellent nutrition and he will rid it..
can use acv on qtip too..
Does the product Meganail serum pro work on toenail fungus ? If not, what do you recommend.
Will a stainless steel bottle be ok for this mixture? Thanks for a great recipe!
Why can’t a plastic spray bottle be used?
Plastic bottles are notoriously poorly constructed and can leach chemicals into the mixture. Glass is better.
I am going ot try this and will let you know how what results I get.
Thanks I’ll try it I’m miserable 😩
I have read that toe fungus can not be healed externally. The infection is internal. Is that true?. It is an bacterial imbalance in the gut.
Serrapeptase with Nattokinase. Look up the book The miracle enzyme is Serrapeptase free book online by Robert Redfern. Nattokinase protein enzyme breaks up blood clots, and Vitamin K1 is reduced. I read this today. On amazon today, read that Serrapeptase inhibits an enzyme that breaks up blood clots, and the Serrapeptase protein enzyme appears to be more effective to eat up all the dead plaque. Dr. Axe, I have a question. Does this mean Vitamin K1 should be supllied more with food? I think it could be or just slow down the dosing of Nattokinase.
Can I use this recipe for fungals around the eye?
Where we can buy this treatment?please?? Need help..
Please 49 GFR.
68 year old women
I’m drinking ACV detox drink
Is that Ok for my kidneys?
Thank you
Jennifer German
[email protected]
Pls, can your Anti-fungal spray be used on cats?
Thanks
Maria
Folks please be careful w using essential oils on your pets because they can be highly toxic if not diluted properly as they are highly absorbable through the skin.
Did you ever get a reply about this whether it would work on cats are not? At this point, I would try anything.
Never use essential oils on cats!!!
Where can I get these oils
There are many brands but the one I use is Pure Essential Oils from Melaleuca. They are great!
Started getting itchy bumps on my hands . I don’t know where they came from. Tried this recipe. So far so good! No itching right now.
Just wondering can you use something else in place of chamomile oil since I don’t have it? What other options are good? And will clove andbor frankincense be helpfulwith spray or to use by itself?
Thank you for the great article
Can I use on my dogs yeast infection ???
Amazon or health food shop
This is great! Can I replace chamomile essential oil with tea tree?
My thoughts are that the chamomile is for soothing and calming. I don’t think tea tree does that. But I’m not an expert.
Lol i too asked a similar question…only im 6 years behind you and i was wanting to replace the peppermint with tea tree…i like the idea of chamomile thats one i would rather not replace.. did you end up trying it with tea tree oil by any chance? If so, how did it work?
Is it safe to use on the genital area
Did you get a respond about using it on your genital area?
Thanks Dr Axe
Are there any other oils I can use if I am allergic to chamomile oi?
Thank you..
What can I do for fungus on my toe nail?
Can I use this spray on genital area ??
How much of each ingredient?
Does apple cider vinegar work on ringworm by your eyes? If so do I apply it directly on where it is which is the inner part under my eyes
Tania
On the inside of your eye?? Come on Tania, please please say that your not kidding
Sounds like your the person who needs the Doctor hold your hand
C’mon LG, even children learn reading and comprehension at a young age. At least read a comment correctly before being so rude.
I wound line to say I have this too because up until now I didn’t know to get rid of this, I’ve felt with it for years.
i have ringworm around my eye lids because my apt had black mold
yes i am applying it around the eyes stings a little but dilute it and it seems to be working God bless
Hello Dr Axe, can i use this for my sebbhoric dermatitis?
Try using dead sea salts (Amazon sells) mixed with water and then pour on top of head and forehead/face after washing hair. 1-2 Tablespoons dead sea salt to 1 1/2 cup water. Do not rinse it out. Just dry your hair and leave. This has worked for my husband. You can adjust the salt to water ratio based on results.
We have also had success using shampoo bars made by Chagrin Valley Soap. The neem, tea tree shampoo/bar soap has helped a lot. Conventional shampoos just made things worse. Good luck!
Smoke?
COULD Dr. Axe please tell me what would he do if it were dicovered that he had blood clots in the lungs (I believe this is called pulmonary emboli) ; I would be very interested in knowing what Dr. Axe , or anyont would do. Thanks. Mika.
anyone
Nattokinase (natto)is an excellent natural blood clot dissolver. Vitamin E is an excellent natural blood thinner. It is necessary to go on an alkaline diet (plant-based). Avoid animal and dairy products, sugar and processed foods
and use a good source of omega 3’s, such as flax or hemp oil. Take a good source of natural vitamins and minerals. Eat organic, if possible. Grow your own food organically, if possible.
Eat juice garlic..makes bloid cells less sticky