in

Natural Remedies For Toe Nail Fungus

Natural, Holistic Solutions To Fix Your Toe Nails

natural remedies for toe nail fungus

Here are the best natural remedies for toenail fungus. While topical applications, oral anti-fungal drugs, or surgical removal of the affected toenail are standard treatment options, they come with side effects, and often natural remedies work better anyway.

pinterest share image

natural remedies for toe nail fungus
Pin for Later

Toenail fungus is not a pleasant thing. It happens when moisture gets trapped in areas where there's a lack of circulation. Socks, shoes, and boots create a perfect environment for this to occur.

 

If one way is better than another, that you may be sure is Nature's way.  ~Aristotle,

More than 75% of all people in the U.S. have some sort of feet problems at some time in their life… So a total foot care routine can reduce your chances of being one of them. Our feet are our center of energy. Healthy feet hold us up, balance our bodies and take us where we want to go in life.

Take care of your feet and they will take care of you ~ Melanie Sachs

Causes of Fungal Nail Infection

Nail fungus is a sign of an imbalance of the digestive flora that can lead to Candida. Sometimes Candida is associated with too much sugar in the blood. natural remedies for toe nail fungus

The growth of fungi within, on, or beneath the toenail(s) can trigger infection. While fingernails are also prone to this disorder, the toenails are extremely susceptible because of:

  • Warm, damp environments trapped in your shoes or boots
  • Lesser blood flow and poor circulation lowers the immune system’s power to prevent and cure the infection

Other factors that risk of infection:

Signs and Symptoms of Toe Nail Fungus

natural remedies for toe nail fungusThe fungus begins with a tiny yellowish-white spot on your nail’s tip. Then the nails begin to slowly thicken, become darker in color, and crumble. They also lose their shape. In worst-case scenarios, the affected toenail separates from its bed. This can lead to a painful condition called onycholysis.

The most common signs and symptoms of onychomycosis include:

  • natural remedies for toe nail fungusScaling beneath the nail(s)
  • Yellowish white spots
  • White flaky area atop the toenails
  • The tip of the toenail or the corner starts crumbling
  • Bad odor from the infected toenail
  • Thick, brittle nails
  • Distorted nail with a dull color
  • Loss of nail after separating from the nail bed

These natural remedies are safe to manage and prevent toenail fungal infections. Yet, it could take weeks or even months to see noticeable changes.

So, please be patient with yourself! But, if you feel that you're unable to manage the condition with these natural solutions, please visit your physician… Especially if you have any other underlying conditions.

>This Vietnamese Rice Tonic Helped Me With My Fungus

Natural Remedies For Toe Nail Fungus

Lifestyle Remedies and Preventive Measures 

A few changes to your lifestyle could help to prevent nail fungus:
  • Use an antifungal soak, and always trim your nails to keep them clean
  • Keep the skin around your toenails clean and safe by preventing injuries. If the area is injured, make sure you take care of it to prevent infection.
  • Choose the right shoes or boots if you are going to be in damp environments for any length of time.
  • Wash your socks regularly
  • Dry your feet well after taking a shower
  • Get a pedicure only from trusted salons. It is ideal to own your personal pedicure kit
  • Do not walk barefoot in public places
  • Go barefoot at home
  • Don't use nail polish regularly. Give your nails a break and let them breathe in the winter. (Besides nail polish has known endocrine disruptors that are dangerous for women and teenage girls.

Home Remedies for Toe Nail Fungus

Natural remedies for toe nail fungus1. Vinegar

You can use either Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar. Vinegar is mildly acidic and helps to prevent toenail fungus from spreading. Simultaneously, it kills bacteria and other organisms. Mix vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio and soak your infected toenail in this solution for 30 minutes daily. Dab dry the nail using a soft, clean cloth. You can repeat the process until your infection disappears.

natural remedies for toe nail fungus2. Rice Flour

Apple cider vinegar mixed with rice flour is a powerful antifungal scrub. Cleanse your toe with lukewarm saline water and apply this paste to the affected area. Scrub off the region in gentle circular motions. You can do it 4 times a week to help your nail heal faster. You can also warm a mixture of rice flour with turmeric powder and a little coconut oil. Apply the mixture to the affected area and bandage the nail using a clean cloth. Keep changing the pack every 24 hours. The infection could vanish within 48 hours.

natural remedies for toe nail fungus3. Vicks VapoRub

According to a study that appeared in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine in 2011, using over-the-counter mentholated ointment offered relief from toenail fungus. Just apply a generous amount of the ointment on the nail after cleaning and dabbing it dry. Leave on! It is advisable to do it at night. But if you are applying it in the morning, do not forget to secure it using a sterile cloth bandage.

natural remedies for toe nail fungus4. Listerine Mouth Wash

A powerful anti-microbial solution Listerine can help to heal a fungal infection. Mix about 2 TBS of this alcohol-infused mouthwash with an adequate amount of lukewarm water. Soak for 15 minutes daily.

natural remedies for toe nail fungus5. Vitamin E Oil

Rub Vitamin E oil gently into the affected toenail to eliminate the fungus. You can mix vitamin E oil with a little powdered turmeric to boost the former’s anti-fungal merits.

natural remedies for earache6. Hydrogen Peroxide

It is one of the most tested and tried natural remedies for toenail fungus. Add 3 tbsp 3% hydrogen peroxide to one cup of water and soak the infected nail for 25 minutes. You can slowly increase the quantity of the peroxide solution if you feel the mentioned proportion is very mild for you.

natural remedies for toe nail fungus7. Coconut Oil

This healing oil has anti-fungal properties with a full infusion of healthy, healing sources of fats. Coconut oil also contains lauric acid which is a strong antimicrobial and antibacterial fatty acid. Just apply it topically on the affected area and include it in your diet to see noticeable differences.

8. Unsweetened Cranberry Juicenatural remedies for toe nail fungus

Cranberry juice is one of the best antidotes for a yeast-triggered toenail infection. Include two glasses of unsweetened cranberry juice in your diet for quicker recovery.

natural remedies for toe nail fungus9. Olive leaf extract

According to a study in 2003, the Olive leaf has powerful antimicrobial properties that can help eliminate yeast within your system. The powerful compounds found in olive leaves destroy invading organisms and promote faster recovery.

Ayurvedic Remedies for Toe Nail Fungus

Ayurveda teaches you Nature's great principles of health and natural living. If you're new to Ayurveda, start here: What is Ayurveda About? The emphasis in Ayurveda is on self-care, taking responsibility for your health, preparing your own food, appropriate exercise, eating seasonally, and keeping a positive state of mind. Ayurveda treats the person, not the disease…

So get to know yourself, learn what combination of qualities you have in your body and mind. When you know which elements make up the majority of your constitution, you will know which conditions you thrive in.

According to Ayurveda the finger and toenails are a by-product of the bones. This means that the condition of the nails reflects the condition of all other body tissues. So the solutions for problems with the nails need to address the nourishment of the whole body.

Ayurveda and Digestion

Digestion has prime importance in Ayurveda. The complete digestion and assimilation of nutrients make up the building blocks of your body. Good digestion results in a glowing, healthy body and that includes hair, skin, and nails. Paying attention to how well you are digesting is the single most important thing you can do to maintain the health and beauty of your nails naturally.

Dietary Modifications for Toe Nail Fungus

Here are a few food rules that will help in curing and preventing fungal infection:

Eat seasonally, considering your constitution. One of the Ayurvedic sloka (ancient writings of Ayurveda) says “food is medicine when consumed properly.”

So avoid processed foods, genetically modified foods, foods with preservatives, or other synthetic chemicals. Include plenty of colorful fruits and veggies to replenish your gut health and revamp your immunity levels.

Probiotics, boost your immunity. So eat non-sweetened yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kombucha, or kimchi in your diet to maintain good gut bacteria which fight infection.

natural remedies for toe nail fungus1. Turmeric

A powerful antiseptic herb, Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial power.

Add some water to 1 tbsp Turmeric powder and prepare a paste. Apply it to the affected nail after cleansing the area with lukewarm saline water. Wash off the application after the paste completely dries.

You can repeat this twice or thrice a day till the infection completely heals.

natural remedies for toe nail fungus2. Garlic

Garlic has antifungal compounds making it one of the most potent natural remedies for toenail fungus.

Prepare garlic oil by simmering 10 cloves of freshly crushed, peeled garlic in half a cup of coconut oil on low heat.

Store the oil in an airtight container after it cools.

Mix 1 tsp garlic oil with 1 tsp white vinegar and apply to the affected toenail.

Cover the area with a clean cloth bandage and leave it on overnight.

You can repeat this application daily for 2 weeks.

A mixture of 1 tbsp garlic juice and turmeric powder can also be used as an anti-fungal cream.

natural remedies for toe nail fungus3. Lemon

The juice of lemon has rich antiseptic and antifungal properties. In addition, it also curbs the infection from spreading to the affected area.

Use lemon juice alone as a topical natural solution for the fungal infection or mix it with equal amounts of sesame oil to be applied to the infected nails. You need to use it for at least four weeks to see positive changes.

natural remedies for toe nail fungus4. Neem

One of the most powerful anti-fungal plant extracts in Ayurvedic medicine. Use it in the form of neem oil. Soak the nail in Neem oil for about 20 minutes to ease the pain, inflammation, and infection.

natural remedies for toe nail fungus5. Licorice

A highly potent anti-fungal herb. It can be used in the form of tea.

Boil 1 tbsp dried licorice in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes. Strain, cool, and sip this tea two times a day for effective healing.

You can also make a paste of licorice, turmeric, and yogurt that can be applied topically to the toenail to ward off the infection.

Alternatively, you can prepare a rinse by steeping 3 tbsp powdered licorice in 1 cup of water for 20 minutes.

Soak your nail in this concoction for quick relief.

natural remedies for earache7. Ginger

Packed with 20-plus antifungal constituents, ginger is a wonderful natural toenail fungus remedy.

Steep 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger in 1 cup boiling water for 15 minutes.

Strain, sweeten with honey, and sip 3 x a day to eliminate your fungus.

Alternatively, dip a cotton cloth in the tea and apply topically on the affected nail.

Essential Oils for Toe Nail Fungus


With the Simply Earth Essential Oil Recipe Box, you get step-by instructions to help you create unique items like hand soap, multi-surface sprays, candles, and more!

1. Oregano

Packed with antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, making it is an effective treatment for toenail fungus. Add 6 drops of oregano oil to 2 tsp olive oil. Rub into the affected area and washing and dry the area. Wait for half an hour before rinsing off with saline water and drying your nails. Repeat twice a week for 3 to 4 weeks to see the changes.

2. Tea Tree Oil

Well-known for their fungicidal properties, tea tree properties are a great antidote for nail fungus. Cleanse the area and then apply the oil without diluting using clean cotton. Wait for 10 minutes before scrubbing with a soft toothbrush. You can also use coconut oil or olive oil as a carrier oil if your skin is very sensitive. Repeat twice a day for three to four weeks for complete recovery and to prevent a recurrence.

3. Orange Oil

Yet another anti-fungal essential oil that can be mixed with tea tree oil to be used as a topical toenail fungal antidote. Just make sure that you do a patch test to avoid allergic reactions. You can also add a few drops of orange oil to lukewarm water and soak your feet in this concoction for 15 minutes.

4. Lavender Oil

Last, but not least in this list is lavender oil whose anti-fungal properties are beyond words. Mix 5 drops of lavender oil to half a teaspoon vitamin E oil and rub into the affected nail after cleaning and drying the area. Wear a pair of socks to allow the skin to absorb the oil. Repeat daily for 3 weeks.

**Here's my review of the Simply Earth Essential Oil brand, their essential oils, and their very popular monthly subscription “Recipe Box”.

Conclusion

I've given you many natural remedies for toenail fungus here so please bookmark for future reference.

Treat toenail fungus as soon as you notice it to prevent it from becoming a serious problem. Natural solutions are very effective but do keep in mind it may take some time and persistence to see results. So, please be patient with the process.

Please promise me one more thing… You won’t hesitate to ask me questions in the comment area below. I’m here to help you out and I would love nothing more than for you to be the healthiest and happiest version of yourself possible. Let me know if you need anything and I will be sure to get back within “hours” most of the time.


References:http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nail-fungus/basics/risk-factors/con-20019319http://everydayroots.com/how-to-get-rid-of-toenail-fungushttp://homeremedyshop.com/17-home-remedies-for-toenail-fungus/http://www.top10homeremedies.com/how-to/how-to-get-rid-of-toenail-fungus.htmlhttp://www.naturallivingideas.com/top-10-natural-remedies-for-toenail-fungus/https://draxe.com/toenail-fungus-treatment/http://www.searchherbalremedy.com/effective-natural-treatment-for-toenail-fungus/http://www.ldfootcare.com/natural-skin-fungus-remedy.html

Don't forget to follow us on Pinterest. Thank you for your time and reading.

The information presented here is in no way meant to serve as medical advice. It is merely information and opinion. All information, content, and material of this website is for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or health care provider. If you are experiencing symptoms of any kind, please consult with your physician.

Written by Jackie Parker

20 Comments

Leave a Reply
  1. I’ve never had this problem until just recently. I had heard of using mouthwash to kill germs, but I hadn’t heard of any of these other remedies. I’m printing this one! I purchased a product at the store for this but it doesn’t seem to be helping. Will be interesting to see if something I already had in the house does the trick!

  2. I just discovered your website, you have quite a bit of natural remedies here for toenail fungus. Some of these remedies I have know about and some of them I haven’t. But I know that toenail fungus is extremely difficult to get rid of. I’ve had my condition off and on for three or four years. Very glad I found this website and article. Thank you

  3. This is one of the most informative websites I have seen lately. I had NO idea there were so many natural products that could be used to kill fungus. Vicks Vapor Rub :O ? And, sugar seems to be the cause of so many health issues. It’s amazing what heals when you eliminate (or greatly decrease it). Thanks so much for the information! I’m passing this website on!

  4. Hi Jackie,

    Great article, I’ve found your article absorbing!
    My husband suffers from nail fungus since years now. He tried so many remedies and to be honest, none of them has done the job. He got this problem because when he was younger, he uses to work as a fisherman. His feet were wet most of the time, so I suppose he got it from there.
    However, I will certainly show him this helpful article. I am sure he will try one of these suggestions you have mentioned in the article.
    Just a question, please. Are these natural remedies to prevent or to cure the fungus?
    Thank you very much for this excellent article!

    • Hello Daniella, Thanks for connecting. The post includes both prevention measures and different ways to cure fungus. If you have more specific questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. Thank you!

  5. This is an article on toe nail fungus. I have been fortunate that I have never had anything like this. I look at the pictures, and that looks quite painful for sure. I like the ideas of natural remedies. I try to do this whenever possible. I am surprised that vinegar was your number one remedy. I use vinegar for a lot of things. So I can see why. Thanks for the great information, and very informative post.

    • Hi Matt’s Mom…

      Thanks for commenting and connecting. It’s not that vinegar is the #1 suggestion remedy, there are many to choose from. Everyone’s constitution is not the same and what works well for one person, may not work for the next. Vinegar is just a home remedy that many people have already in their kitchen… which is a good place to begin. Vinegar is mildly acidic and helps to prevent toenail fungus from spreading. Simultaneously, it all kills the bacteria and other organisms.

      Be well,

      Jackie

  6. I’m using the oregano oil full strength… Not sure if that is OK to do since it is a pretty strong oil..
    The fungus Just delvoped under my big toe recently.. And I heard from another site that the oil is amazing for toe fungus. Fingers crossed!!

    • Hi Shirley,

      Oregano oil is a powerful fungicidal, so it can be very effective, but you need to be diligent in applying it. Also, note that because it is so powerful, it can irritate the skin. I suggest you dilute it with a good carrier oil like jojoba because it mimics the skin’s natural sebum. Try diluting two or three drops of oregano essential oil in about a teaspoon of jojoba.

  7. Oregano oil is a powerful fungicidal, so it can be very effective, but you need to be diligent in applying it. Also, note that because it is so powerful, it can irritate the skin. I suggest you dilute it with a good carrier oil like jojoba because it mimics the skin’s natural sebum. Try diluting two or three drops of oregano essential oil in about a teaspoon of jojoba.

  8. Can I do more than one of these at one time? Like a vinegar soak, and coconut oil and vitamin e at night all night long?
    I already put vitamin e and coconut oil on my face!
    And instead of rice flour, could I use baking flour to make a scrub?

    • Hi Jessica, Yes, you can most definitely use more than one of these remedies at a time. I believe the reason rice flour is called for (over wheat) is that it has anti-fungal properties. If you do not have it, use baking soda to substitute.

  9. I just came across your website, very informative and the information I need. I suffer from toenail fungus tried over the counter products but nothing seems to work.very thankful for the information, I will definitely try these remedies 🌸

    • Thank you for taking the time to acknowledge, Karen! 🙂 Often effective treatment requires a combination of approaches. In the article I talked about Neem oil and I would definitely try this one first because it’s such a powerful anti-fungal oil. I have had great luck with the brand I featured in the article.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.