Ayurvedic treatment for ringworm

Ayurveda describes ringworm-like skin disease as dadru, a type of minor skin disorder (kshudra kushtha). In the traditional view it arises from aggravated Kapha and Pitta, impurity of blood and tissue, and poor hygiene or damp, heavy, sour and salty food. This is an interpretive framework. Scientific evidence for Ayurvedic treatments of ringworm is limited, so they should be used only as supportive care next to proven antifungal treatment.

Traditional approach

• External application of medicated pastes or oils to the patches.
• Internal herbs thought to purify the blood, such as neem (nimba), manjistha, khadira and haridra (turmeric).
• Dietary advice to avoid heavy, oily, sour, fermented and very salty foods.
• Good hygiene, loose cotton clothing and keeping the skin dry.

What research says Laboratory studies show that neem, turmeric, tea tree oil and some other plant extracts can slow fungal growth, but clinical trials in people are few and small. They are not shown to match standard antifungal creams or tablets.

Safety points

• Do not apply strong, raw or acidic ingredients to broken skin, which can burn or cause allergy.
• Patch-test any herbal paste or oil on a small skin area first.
• Do not use steroid-containing "Ayurvedic" creams, which can worsen ringworm. Check labels and buy from reliable sources.