It obtains nutrients from keratin-rich skin, nails and hair, releasing enzymes during its digestion that elicit a host immune response as seen in ringworm.
It is also effective in controlling fungal infections such as ringworm, and in the treatment of bacterial infections including its use in treating leprosy.
Diluted with a suitable carrier oil, it is used externally in traditional medicine for abrasions, anxiety, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, cuts, ringworm, scabies, stress-related conditions and wounds.
If there are several ringworm lesions, the lesions are extensive, complications such as secondary infection exist, or the patient is immunocompromised, oral antifungal medications can be used.