Fungal infections can occur in any part of the human body. Fungi can be found in and on the body together with other bacteria. It is when a fungus starts to overgrow and spread, that you may develop an infection. Onychomycosis is also known as tinea unguium. It is a fungal infection that affects both fingernails and toenails. Fungal infections develop slowly. Its symptoms may not be obvious at first until the infection worsens.
How does this develop?
A fungal nail infection appears because of the overgrowth of fungi whether in, on, or underneath the nail. Fungi may thrive in moist and warm environments. This is the type of environment that is favorable for fungi to overpopulate. This is the same fungi that often cause jock itch, ringworm, and athlete’s foot.
Fungi that are existing in or on your body may cause nail infections. It is easy for you to contract nail fungal infections when you have contact with someone who has been infected with it. Nail infections on the toenails are more prevalent than on fingernails because of the warm and moist environment inside one’s shoes. Be sure to go to a nail salon that uses sanitized manicure and pedicure tools.
Who is at risk?
You can find various causes of nail fungal infections. Each cause has an appropriate treatment. Several risk factors may also most likely lead to a nail fungal infection. These factors include having diabetes, being over the age of 65, having a nail injury, having a condition that affects blood circulation, having a weakened immune system, and walking barefoot in public places like pools and locker rooms.
How does it look?
The most common signs of a fungal nail infection are the following: a misshapen nail that may separate from the nail bed, an odor that comes from the infected nail, and a thickened and brittle nail.
How is this treated?
The most reliable nail fungus treatment is an oral antifungal medication that must be taken for several weeks. In some people, this may have side effects. Another type of treatment is a topical antifungal medication.
1All about the Rose of Jericho
Rose of jericho is an ancient herb that is popular for its ability to come back to life even after looking dry and dead. This is used widely in the Middle East and even in some parts of Europe. It is used even beyond its medicinal value as traditional medicine.
Rose of jericho (scientific name ​​Anastatica hierochuntica) goes by many names which include resurrection flower, Jericho rose, resurrection plant, Maryam’s flower, the hand of Fatima, the hand of Maria, Kaff Maryam, and resurrection fern.
This is often mistaken as another plant of the same name but with the scientific name Selaginella lepidophylla. This plant is native to the Chihuahuan Desert which is located in the US and Mexico. It is also known as the false rose of Jericho.
The original rose of jericho is a tiny flowering plant that grows up to 12 inches or 30 cm only. People also call it tumbleweed because of its strong resistance to drying out. This plant may also survive in arid climates.
When this plant is exposed to an extremely dry or desert-like environment, the rose of jericho curls up into a ball, resembling a tumbleweed. By doing this, it protects the flowers on the inside. This form is retained until water is received. This repeated hibernation has earned the plant the name resurrection plant. This flowering plant is a symbol of renewal, transformation, and prosperity, especially to people of various faiths.
People often prepare tea out of it, using the plant’s seeds, fruits, and dried leaves. It can also be bought as an oil and it can be prepared as holy water as well.
As an Antifungal or Antimicrobial
A study investigated the antifungal activity of rose of jericho’s organic and aqueous leaf extracts against several pathogens. It was observed that its methanol extracts showed the highest inhibitory effect against candida albicans, followed by Cr. neoformans. The acetone extracts of the flowering plant exhibited the highest activity against Cr. neoformans and P. digitatum. The aqueous extracts showed the lowest activity against A. niger. This inhibitory activity of the extracts against fungi forms the basis for the application of the leave infusion as a treatment for eczema and other types of skin infections.
Other Health Benefits
You can find a lot of claims about the health benefits of rose of jericho, but there is very little research done on the plant and its health benefits. It is loaded with disease-fighting compounds called flavonoids. It is particularly rich in the following: quercetin, luteolin, chlorogenic acid, and kaempferol, which according to studies may bring down blood pressure, inflammation, arthritis pain, and blood sugar levels.
Some people also believe that a rose of jericho has superb anti-aging benefits because of its high antioxidant content. However, there are no studies that will support the use of this flowering plant in skin care products and other home skin care treatments.
The plant has also become popular for its being an emmenagogue or an herb that can promote blood flow in the uterus. A study done on 460 Malaysian women revealed that 60 percent of them used the plant during their pregnancy, usually to facilitate labor.
Other Uses
People often use the rose of jericho as a decorative plant and as an important element in many spiritual ceremonies. Many people believe that it tends to resurrect several areas of one’s life, provides protection from negative energy and events, and lastly brings good fortune to those who use it.
In traditional medicine, most individuals consume the rose of jericho in tea form. You can also find a few commercial products that contain rose of jericho. However, most people purchase dried flowers of the plant and prepare a home remedy out of them. Anecdotal sources stated that a teaspoon of dried leaves or flowers can be added to boiled water and be allowed to steep for five minutes. Nonetheless, it would be much better for you to use a small amount of this powdered variety first.
Some products that claim they have a rose of jericho may contain the false plant. Before you buy one, try to look first for Anastatica hierochuntica or A. hierochuntica on the label.
