Onychomycosis, which is usually known as toenail fungus is characterized by pain, inflammation, swelling, thickening, yellowing and crumbling of the nail. Most common reasons for toenail infection include abnormal skin pH level, synthetic socks, exposure to moisture, poor foot hygiene, sweat build-up in shoes, compromised immune system, and weak circulation due to diabetes.
Modern medicine treats toenail fungus with oral anti-fungal medicines, topical treatments and surgical removal of the infected nail. However, there are several side effects associated with these treatments.
Thus, it is always better to take the route of natural treatments. Here are some tried and test natural remedies to treat toenail fungus.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is considered as one of the best natural remedies for toenail fungus. It can be used topically and internally or both at the same time.
Topical Application: Take one part of Epsom salt, one part of ACV and six parts of hot water. Mix them all properly. Let the water cool down a bit so that it is warm to the touch. Soak the affected foot for 30 minutes in the solution. Do this two times in a day till it is able to kill the fungus completely.
Take a Drink: Mix two tablespoons of organic ACV, one teaspoon of organic honey and eight ounces of water. Drink this drink along with the topical application to get quick results.
Olive Leaf Extract
Olive leaf extract is another exceptional choice to confront toenail fungus. You can take supplements containing olive leaf extract daily. It would not only help to cure toenail fungus but help to lower cholesterol as well. It has antiviral and antibacterial properties which make it a good remedy to treat many other ailments. It is a powerful detoxifier as well. Thus, you may have some discomfort when you start to take the supplements. If such thing happens, lower your dosage of daily intake as your body sheds the most of its stored up toxins. As soon as you start feeling rejuvenated and revitalized, increase the intake as recommended.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has antiseptic as well as anti-fungal properties. Thus, it is a great herbal remedy to treat onychomycosis. Start by cleaning the areas on and around the fungal infection with rubbing alcohol followed by applying undiluted tea tree area directly on the infection and let the oil soak in. After ten minutes, gently scrub the affected nail using a soft bristle toothbrush. Then mix equal amount of tea tree oil and a carrier oil like almond oil and olive oil. Repeat as long as a new and healthy nail grows completely. Continue with the treatment for another two to three weeks to thwart regrowth.
Orange Oil
Orange oil has anti-fungal properties. Thus, it can be used to cure toenail fungus. It has to be used daily. Put a few drops of orange oil between toes and on nails. Let it soak for an hour. People with sensitive skin may found orange oil to be too strong for their skin. If the same is applicable to you, dilute this essential oil with a carrier oil. Moreover, citrus allergy is a common phenomenon. Thus, it is better to go for a patch test in a spot of healthy skin before applying it directly to the affected area.
Corn Meal
Organic corn meal is supposed to the most interesting home remedy to treat toenail fungus. Corn hosts a type of fungus in its natural form which is harmless for a human being but deadly to Candida which is the most common type of fungal parasite causing infections in people. Take a big container and pour in one cup of corn meal and two-quarters of water. Allow the mix to set for one hour. Then, submerge your foot or both feet if required in the solution for 30 minutes or more. This remedial measure has to be used only once in a week as per some experts. While others of the opinion that since cornmeal does not harm human skin or nails, it can be used daily or as frequently as needed.
Sodium Borate and Baking Soda
Fungus needs an acidic environment to grow. Thus, alkaline based baking soda can prevent toenail fungus from growing and spreading by making the environment uninhabitable for it. Sodium borate is a naturally occurring mineral with anti-fungal properties. Thus, both borax and baking soda, if combined, can cure the infection quickly. Mix equal parts of baking powder and borax with some water to make a paste. Wet feet and rub the paste on the infected areas gently. Follow this procedure twice daily and continue with the same for at least two weeks even after the fungal infection is gone so that it does not reappear again.