Toe Nail Fungus Home Remedies That Work

Taken from the book  Collected Home and Herbal Remedies by Tony Isaacs

Toenail Fungus

•  Apple cider vinegar.  To eliminate toe nail fungus, soak your nails for 15 minutes a day in a basin of half warm water and half apple cider vinegar. The apple cider vinegar restores the proper pH balance to the skin, making it more resistant to fungal infections. When you are done, be sure to dry your feet and toes thoroughly. Using a hair dryer on low heat on and in between the toes will help to be sure that there is no moisture left in which fungus can thrive.  You can also put undiluted apple cider vinegar on the entire nail with a medicine dropper or Q-tip. 

• Teal tree oil and lavender oil.  Swab a 50/50 mixture of each under the top edge of the toenail and around the nail two or three times a day using Q-tips or a small brush.  Tea tree oil is a natural antibiotic, an antiseptic, and anti-fungal. Lavender will fight the infection and prevent skin irritation. 

• Oregano oil and olive oil.  Oregano is antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-parasitical, antiviral, analgesic and antifungal. Use only two drops of oregano oil per teaspoon of olive oil. More is not better with oregano oil, and use this oil for no more than three weeks.  Warning: Do not use during pregnancy or on children under 5. Oil of oregano may reduce the absorption of iron, so take the oil at least two hours before or after consuming iron supplements. Do not use near eyes or mucous membranes. This is not the oregano you find in the grocery store. Pure essential oils are not for cooking, and very few can be taken internally. Any oil of oregano which might be safe enough to be taken internally is not pure but will be already diluted in a carrier oil.

   

• Apply the oils or apple cider vinegar on the affected area two or three times a day until the new nail has completely grown out. This can mean about six months for fingernails and up to 12 months for toenails.

   

• Nail fungus is not an external problem only. You should also take acidophilus, which you can get in pill form or liquid, or in yogurt which contains active cultures.

   

• If possible, you should also cut down on sugar, wine, beer, white bread, melons, tea, mushrooms, dried fruits, and berries.

   

• Wear sandals as much as possible, or shoes that are not tight.

   

• If you wear socks, use 100% cotton, wool, or silk socks because they absorb moisture from your feet (from sweating) and provide good ventilation.

   

• Thick nails should be thinned by filing before applying medicine.

   

• Keep your nails cut short, and don't use nail polish.

   

• Dry your nails thoroughly after bathing or soaking in water.