Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus also known as Onychomycosis is characterized by swelling and inflammation of toe, yellowing and thickening of toenail, which results in crumbling of the nail itself. It occurs mainly due to abnormal pH balance of skin, wearing synthetic socks, more exposure to moisture and several other reasons.

Modern medicine is suggesting several medicines for treating this condition with oral anti-fungal or topical medicines and sometimes by removing nail using surgical procedures. There might be few side effects such as blisters, rashes etc. However, traditional medicine helps in addressing the same conditions, but through natural oils and other stuff, which is readily available at your home. These home remedies do not cause any side effects and are easy to use as well.

Neem Oil

Neem Oil is a potent anti-fungal and reduces itching. It helps in ringworms, athlete’s foot and nail fungus. It is a powerful alternative measure for skin infections and diseases.

Neem oil contains NIMBIDOL and GEDUNIN two powerful anti-microbial and anti fungal compounds. It helps destroying fungus and cures toenail fungus.

How to Use

• Wash your toes with warm water.
• Apply Neem Oil to the toes and leave it for at least 3 hours.
• Repeat this three times a day and before going to sleep.

The results will start appearing within three days, but you should continue it for at least a month for permanent eradication of fungus.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is known for its antifungal and antiseptic properties and is effective in treating toenail fungus.

You need to use undiluted tea tree oil along with any carrier oil such as olive oil in the ratio of 1:1.

How to use

• Firstly, clean the affected area and later apply little undiluted tea tree oil over it and allow it to soak.
• After few minutes, gently massage and then scrub the area using a soft bristle brush.
• Follow this treatment until you see the growth of healthy nail. Later, continue it for few more weeks to prevent re-growth of fungus.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda

Apple cider vinegar can be used either orally or topically.

Oral Use

You can add a tsp. of organic Apple cider vinegar to one tsp. of honey in a cup of water and consume it regularly.

Topical Use

• You can also add Apple cider vinegar in a tub of water and soak your feet for few minutes.
• Later, add baking soda in it and again soak your foot for at least 15 minutes.

Baking soda is alkaline and helps prevent growth of fungus. Apple cider vinegar is little acidic and can help kill fungus without changing the pH balance of skin. The reason behind this is, first Apple cider vinegar will kill the fungus and then baking soda will inhibit fungal growth.

Orange Oil

Orange oil can be applied directly to the toenail because of the antifungal properties in it that help in killing toenail fungus.

How to use

• You can use a dropper to apply orange oil on the infected nail and between toes.
• Later, give a gentle massage so that oil seeps into the nail.

Note

However, people having citrus infections or people with sensitive skin can dilute orange oil with any other carrier oil such as olive oil or coconut oil.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is effective in combating fungal growth without using any harsh chemicals. Fatty acids such as CAPRYLIC ACID, can penetrate into the wall created by fungus and can disturb it. Without the protective wall, the fungal growth is not possible and it dissolves thereby killing every trace of infection causing fungi. You can follow this treatment several times, as coconut oil is good for skin and causes no side effects.

How to use

Apply coconut oil several times in a day or at least three times a day for 3 to 4 weeks or until the growth of new nails.

Extract of Olive Leaf

Another effective remedy for killing fungi in toenail is by using the extract of olive leaf. It has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. This extract is available as a supplement and can be taken orally for combating against toenail fungus as well as to lower cholesterol.

The extract of olive leaf is a powerful detoxifier and consuming it might show symptoms such as uneasiness and nausea when taken orally for the first time. So, initially lower the dosage of this extract until you sense some relief. Later, after you feel revitalized, you can increase the dosage. However, consult your GP and know about the recommended intake of this extract.

Borax (Sodium Borate)

Sodium borate or simply borax, a natural occurring mineral is a fantastic fungicide.

How to Use

• Make a thick paste of sodium borate and baking soda as the latter can help in inhibiting growth of fungi.
• Mix equal portions of both these substances in water and make a thick paste.
• Apply it on the infected areas and make sure it peeps into nails.
• Do this at least twice a day for few weeks until the fungus clears up.

Oregano Oil

Oregano Oil is known for its antiviral, antifungal, antiphrastic, analgesic and antibacterial properties. Hence, it shows effective results in treating toenail fungal infections.

How to Use

• Dilute few drops of oregano oil with carrier oil (coconut oil or olive oil).
• Apply it over the infected area and leave it for few minutes.
• Rinse it off leaving no residue. Follow it thrice a week to see great results in three weeks.

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is known for its antifungal properties and can help combat mild cases of toenail fungus.

How to Use

• Apply two or three drops of lavender oil onto the infected areas and leave it overnight.
• Continue following this remedy for few more weeks even after seeing good results as you may not know whether the infection is completely gone or if there is any mild trace of fungi.

Garlic

ALLICIN in garlic has antifungal properties and helps in killing fungi in toenail. You need to mix garlic extract with white vinegar in equal proportions and apply it on the affected area and cover it with bandage. This treatment can slow down the process of fungal growth.

How to Use

• Crush two to three garlic cloves and use this extract along with few drops of olive oil.
• Allow it to rest on the affected area for few minutes.
• Later, clean it well.
• Follow this treatment thrice a week to see visible results in a month.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice has antifungal as well as antiseptic properties that help treat toenail fungi. Citric acid in lemon juice helps in inhibiting the growth of fungi.

How to Use

• Dilute it with olive oil or apply lemon juice directly on the toenail and leave it for at least half an hour.
• Clean it off and pat dry.
• Follow this treatment at least twice a day for a month to see good results.

Using olive oil will also soften your skin whereas lemon juice will kill the fungi present in your toenail. It will also prevent its growth.