Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common fungal infection that can lead to discolorations and distortions of the toenails. Common symptoms include yellow, brittle nails. In more severe cases, nails may thicken, separate from the nail bed, or become painful. While there are many over-the-counter antifungal medications, these products are often associated with harsh side effects. Moreover, they can be expensive and produce inconsistent results. Toenail fungus home remedies are often derived from inexpensive household ingredients and offer fast results with minimal to no side effects. Here are 12 natural home remedies for toenail fungus that will not disappoint you.
Try these home remedies for toenail fungus to get rid of the unpleasant symptoms.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is one of the more popular home remedies for toenail fungus. According to a study published by Medscape General Medicine, its medicinal use dates back as far as Hypocrites and was used in mainstream medical practice well into the late 18th century. It is anti-infective, helps cardiovascular functions, and can destroy a fungal infection.
Instructions
- Mix one cup of apple cider vinegar with three cups of warm water.
- Pour into a plastic basin that is large enough to fit your feet.
- Place your feet in the basin, making sure that the toenails are fully submerged.
- Soak for 20 minutes.
- Repeat daily until desired results are reached.
2. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil (TTO) has been used medicinally for hundreds of years in its native Australia. It is both antimicrobial, meaning it kills and inhibits the growth of microorganisms, and anti-inflammatory, being also recommended as a home remedy for warts. According to a study by the American Society for Microbiology, tea tree oil is known to damage the function of fungal membranes, preventing it from continued growth. In a scientific comparison, oil and clotrimazole, a common over-the-counter antifungal cream, exhibited nearly identical results. As an added bonus, it bears a refreshing, titillating scent.
Instructions
- Use a coarse nail file to remove any dead layers of the nail.
- Rinse your nails with a mild soap and warm water to remove any excess dirt or film.
- Use a Q-tip or cotton swab to carefully coat each nail.
- Repeat all steps daily.
3. Virgin Coconut Oil
In recent years, coconut oil has gained significant popularity as a cheap folk remedy for a number of ailments. Its contains three fatty acids which are highly effective when it comes to fighting off candida, the yeast that is most commonly responsible for most fungal infections. According to a study produced by the Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, coconut oil was more effective than the prescription antifungal medicine fluconazole.
Instructions
- Soak and scrub your entire foot in warm water and soap before applying coconut oil.
- Pat dry with a small wash cloth.
- Withdraw a quarter-sized portion of virgin coconut oil from the container. Remember, coconut oil is solid at room temperature. If you live in a warmer climate you may wish to keep your coconut oil in the refrigerator for easier application.
- Massage the oil into your nails and the skin surrounding them. Be sure to cover the entire nail bed.
- Repeat twice a day.
4. Corn Meal Soak
Corn meal may seem like an unusual home remedy for toenail fungus, but many people swear by it. For bargain-hunters, it is also one of the cheapest cures you can come by. While there are not many studies done on the antifungal properties of cornmeal, many people claim they’ve cured their toenail fungus with persistent cornmeal bathes. Similarly, organic gardeners often use cornmeal to deter plant fungus. One disadvantage of cornmeal soaks is the length of time it takes to see results.
Instructions
- Measure one cup of ground cornmeal.
- Combine with five cups of lukewarm water.
- Place the mixture in a receptacle large enough to soak your feet.
- Allow the mixture to set for one half hour before use.
- Place your feet inside the cornmeal bath and allow to soak for half an hour.
- Remove your feet and wash with soap and water.
- Repeat once a day.
5. Thymol Oil
Thymol oil is another unusual but highly effective product as far as home remedies for toenail fungus go. Though not discussed often, it is a key ingredient in medicated chest rubs. According to a study by the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Milan, Italy, it is proven to effectively combat the common strain of yeast that causes those pesky toenail fungus growths. Not easily found in grocery stores, it can be purchased online.
Instructions
- Use a dropper to apply a single droplet of thyme oil to each area containing fungus.
- Massage the oil into the nail and nail bed.
- Allow to dry.
- Leave the oil on the nail for 20 minutes.
- Repeat twice a day.
6. Baking Soda
Researchers in Strasbourg, France concluded that baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, effectively combatted yeasts, dermatophytes, and molds, all of which can lead to the growth of toenail fungus. But what makes this common cupboard ingredient so helpful? Baking soda is an alkaline or base. While it isn’t antifungal, it does not possess the properties that allow toenail fungus to grow. If that isn’t enough convincing, you’ve probably already got some in your kitchen cabinet. If you don’t, a good-sized box will set you back less than a dollar. Best of all, it also rids feet of odor.
Instructions
- Mix one-half cup of baking soda with three cups of lukewarm water.
- Add one-half a cup of apple cider vinegar. While this is optional, it will speed up results.
- Place the mixture in a container large enough to accommodate your feet.
- Soak your feet for 15 minutes to allow for proper penetration.
- Remove feet and rinse with a mild soap and lukewarm water.
- Repeat one to three times per day.
7. Garlic
Garlic doesn’t just possess strong flavor attributes. It also contains several compounds with medicinal properties that make it an excellent choice as a toenail fungus home remedy. One of those compounds is Ajoene, which is made up of sulfoxide and disulfide. According to the Journal of Applied and Environmental Microbiology, the growth of both aspergillus and candida, which are both leading causes of fungal infections, was stopped by this natural antibiotic. The best way to apply garlic is in the form of oil. You can purchase garlic oil in most supermarkets or make your own by slowly simmering fresh garlic cloves in oil.
Instructions
- Use an eye dropper to carefully apply a droplet of garlic oil to your toenail fungus.
- Allow the oil to penetrate the nail for as long as possible.
- Reapply three times per day for the best possible results.
8. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is yet another common household ingredient that can serve a multitude of purposes. In a study published in Food Science and Nutrition, lemon juice demonstrated amazing antifungal properties. In fact, like many of the other home remedies for toenail fungus, lemons possess the ability to fight off drug-resistant strains of yeasts. Lemons are cheap, smell great, and you can combine them with another one of the home remedies for toenail fungus to create a powerful concoction that will destroy persistent toenail fungus.
Instructions
- Cut a ripe lemon in half and squeeze out the juice.
- Run the juice through a fine strainer to eliminate any pulp or seeds.
- Use a dropper to apply the lemon juice to nail fungus and surrounding areas.
- Allow the juice to penetrate the nail.
- Leave lemon juice on for one half hour.
- Repeat two to three times a day.
- Consider adding to coconut oil. You can store the blended oil in the refrigerator and apply by massaging into the affected area.
9. Probiotics
While very few studies have been done to determine the fungus fight properties of probiotics, live bacteria has long been known to improve body functions. Currently, a professor from the University of Madison is taking a look at how probiotics fight off athlete’s foot, which stems from the same strain of yeast that causes toenail fungus.
Instructions
- Stock up on probiotic supplements or probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, or fermented vegetables.
- Follow the supplement’s dosage recommendations.
- Eat probiotic-rich foods daily.
- Avoid sugary yogurts, these can actually worsen the candida.
10. Epsom Salt
An Epsom salt bath is a soothing option that will likely deter your toenail fungus from spreading. Unfortunately, there is barely any research on the salt. Nevertheless, you can try this cure for only a dollar or two. If all else fails, the warm water and salt will likely take your mind of irritating fungus for a few minutes.
Instructions
- Add two tablespoons of Epsom salts to four cups of lukewarm water.
- Place water into a large container.
- Soak feet for 20 minutes.
- Repeat daily.
11. Borax
Borax, or sodium tetraborate decahydrate, is a common household cleaning agent that has recently gained popularity for its versatile uses. While it has a slight risk of toxicity if ingested, Borax is safe to apply topically. According to an article in Nexus Magazine, borax is antiseptic, antifungal, and insecticidal. Best of all, it’s cheap and if it doesn’t work, it makes an amazing laundry detergent.
Instructions
- Combine one tablespoon borax, one tablespoon baking soda, and two tablespoons water.
- Mix until it becomes a thick paste.
- Scrub fungus infected nails.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
- Repeat twice every day.
12. Listerine Mouth Wash
While home remedies for toenail fungus often sound strange, this one may be the oddest of them all. Nevertheless, Listerine mouthwash truly contains a cocktail of fungus fighting ingredients. Thymol oil, eucalyptus oil, and salicylate all deter fungus. Plus, it will leave your feet smelling minty fresh.
Instructions
- Combine half a cup of Listerine with four cups lukewarm water.
- Place in a large plastic basin.
- Soak for up to one-half hour.
- Repeat one to two times per day.
Conclusion
In summary, toenail fungus home remedies are cheap, easy to use, and often yield additional perks or uses. Regardless of your choice of home remedy, you will likely see faster, longer-lasting results without the added worry that comes from using harsh pharmaceuticals with adverse side effects. Moreover, your wallet will thank you. Which folk remedy helped you finally get rid of your unsightly toenail fungus? Tell us about your experience below.
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