{"id":2375,"date":"2018-10-24T11:36:19","date_gmt":"2018-10-24T11:36:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=2375"},"modified":"2021-05-20T14:31:35","modified_gmt":"2021-05-20T14:31:35","slug":"15-powerful-home-remedies-for-toenail-fungus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/15-powerful-home-remedies-for-toenail-fungus\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Powerful Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The technical term for toenail fungus is onychomycosis. This infection is caused by a fungus that can become ground within the beds of the toe or finger nails and then stay. Some of the symptoms of nail fungus include discolored nails that become thick. There may be a foul smell that comes from the area. During later stages the edges around the nails may start to crust or become scaly.<\/p>\n

Toenail fungus is actually quite common with estimates of around ten percent of the population being infected at some time. When the toenails become infected, many people become embarrassed by the way that the nail looks. While the body can heal the toenail with time, many people do not want to wait for this to occur. The good news is that there are some home remedies that can help to speed up the process. Here are fifteen home remedies that can be used to help cure toenail fungus.<\/p>\n

1. Tea Tree Oil<\/h3>\n

Tea tree oil<\/a> comes from a tree located in Australia called the Melaleuca alternifolia. This oil is known for its powerful antifungal and antibacterial properties. In order to use tea tree oil as a treatment for toenail fungus you will want to mix a few drops of it with about a tablespoon of olive oil. Soak a cotton swab with the oil.<\/p>\n

Next, take the cotton swab that has been soaked in the oil mixture and apply it to the nail or nails that have been affected with the fungus. Try to move the nail up using either a toothpick or your fingernail to make sure that the oil gets to the skin that is below the nail. To clear up the fungal infection quickly you will want to use this oil mixture on a regular basis. Another option for using tea tree oil is to add some of the tea tree oil to a footbath and soak your feet in the solution at least once per day. <\/p>\n

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2. Barefoot is Best<\/h3>\n

While this is not necessarily what some people may consider to be a home remedy,one of the best things that you can do when it comes to combating toenail fungus<\/a> it is best to go barefoot. The main reason for this is because fungus hates air. Fungus grows best in places that are warm and moist. In fact, it needs that moisture in order to grow.<\/p>\n

When you cover your feet in socks, slippers, or shoes, you are providing the fungus with exactly what it needs in order to keep growing. When you are home you should go barefoot as much as possible. When you have to wear shoes, try to keep your feet as cool as possible. Keeping a small fan under your desk at work can help to cool down your feet. Air blowing on your feet can also help alleviate some of the itching that is associated with toenail fungus. <\/p>\n

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3. Coconut Oil<\/h3>\n

There are many health benefits associated with the use of coconut oil<\/a>. One of the things that coconut oil can be used for is to help cure toenail fungus. The reason that coconut oil can be an effective remedy for toenail fungus is because it has powerful antifungal properties. Coconut oil contains caprylic, capric, and lauric fatty acids, which all help to fight off fungus. To use coconut oil for toenail fungus you will want to purchase cold pressed extra virgin coconut oil.<\/p>\n

Wash the area that is affected by the fungus and make sure to dry the area completely. Once the area is completely dry, apply the oil on the nail as well as all around it. Use a cotton swab to get the oil underneath the nail. When it dries, add more oil. You may need to reapply several times as the oil is absorbed into the skin. <\/p>\n

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4. Apple Cider Vinegar<\/h3>\n

When it comes to home remedies apple cider vinegar<\/a> is found on almost every list that you come across. This is because there are many healing properties of this liquid. To use apple cider vinegar as a cure for toenail fungus you will first want to boil some water. After the water boils, let it cool off and add the apple cider vinegar. You will want to use one part apple cider vinegar to two parts of water. Slip your feet into a bowl of this mixture.<\/p>\n

The apple cider vinegar creates an acidic environment when mixed with water. This is not an ideal growing situation for fungus. Apple cider vinegar works the best and is recommended, but you can use other types of vinegar as well such as balsamic or white vinegar as they will also help to kill the fungus that has infected your toenails. <\/p>\n

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5. Mouthwash<\/h3>\n

Mouthwash that contains thymol can be used as a cure for toenail fungus. There are many companies that make this type of mouthwash. When purchasing mouthwash with the intent to use it as an antifungal<\/a> you will want to make sure that it contains thymol, which is also called thyme oil.<\/p>\n

This compound comes from thyme and can be beneficial when it comes to fighting off fungus. To use mouthwash as home remedy for your toenail fungus you will need to soak a cotton ball in the mouthwash and then apply the cotton ball directly to the affected nail as well as around the skin. Mouthwash can also be mixed with warm water and used as a soak. However, this dilutes the thymol which is the active component. This will make it less effective at killing the fungus that is causing the toenail issues. <\/p>\n

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6. Cinnamon<\/h3>\n

Cinnamon<\/a> is another spice that is often found in home remedies for many ailments. The reason that it is often an ingredient in a home remedy is because this spice offers both antifungal and antiperspirant properties. In order to use cinnamon to help cure toenail fungus you will want to boil about ten sticks of cinnamon in some water.<\/p>\n

Let the cinnamon sticks boil for around five minutes and then leave them soaking in the water for another 45 minutes. Once the mixture has started to cool down, you will want to put it in a footbath. Soak your feet in the mixture for about twenty minutes. Another option is to purchase cinnamon oil. This oil can be used just like tea tree oil. You can apply the cinnamon oil directly to the nail bed using a cotton ball. This oil works well at treating fungus.<\/p>\n

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7. Olive Leaf Tea<\/h3>\n

Olive leafs<\/a> are known for their immune boosting properties. When you have an infection it is important to make sure that your immune system is focused on the infection. One of the best ways to do this is to provide your body with what it needs to support the immune system. Olive leaf tea can easily be made and drank each day as a way to help fight off the fungal infection that has taken over your toes.<\/p>\n

To make the tea you will need some olive leaves. Infuse around a tablespoon of the herb in 300 ml of water. Boil this mixture and then cover for fifteen minutes to let steep. Drink the tea once each day. This can be a great way to boost your immune system. Drinking the tea will provide your body with the help it needs to fight off the fungal infection. <\/p>\n

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8. Epsom Salt<\/h3>\n

Epsom salt<\/a> is something that should be in every household. These salts can help alleviate all sorts of ailments, including toenail. Epsom salt helps to feed the skin both sulfate and magnesium, each of these minerals can help to reduce inflammation. To create a salt soak for to help cure your toenail fungus, simply add a few tablespoons of the epsom salts to a foot bath.<\/p>\n

Soak your feet in the salt bath for ten or fifteen minutes. Dry your feet thoroughly after the time is up. In order to get the best results from salt soaks you will want to use them two or three times each day. Adding epsom salt to a bath and soaking your entire body can be beneficial as well. The minerals found in epsom salt are good for the skin and can help to relax the body and soothe muscle aches and pains. <\/p>\n

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9. Vapor Rub<\/h3>\n

When it comes to curing toenail fungus it is likely that you would not think about using vapor rub<\/a>. After all, vapor rub is something that is associated with colds and helping to alleviate stuffy noses and chest pain. However, if none of the above home remedies for toenail fungus are working, using vapor rub may just be the cure that you have been looking for. This rub not only has a cooling effect, but will also kill the fungus.<\/p>\n

There are several brands of vapor rub and any of them will work to kill the toenail fungus. To use, you will simply take a small amount of the rub into your hand and then apply it quite generously to the toenail that is affected. You should do this every night before going to bed or if putting it on in the morning or afternoon, keep it on for at least three hours. <\/p>\n

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10. Home Pedicure<\/h3>\n

Pedicures do more than make your feet feel good. A quality pedicure can also keep your feet from becoming infected with a fungus in the first place. To give yourself a pedicure you will need to get a pumice stone or nail file and gently scrub around the edges of the nail that has been affected. Doing this will prompt the nail<\/a> to grow on the inside. It also promotes faster healing. Keeping the nail in good shape is helpful.<\/p>\n

Anything that comes out should be scraped off regularly. Since the nail has already been damaged it is important to make sure that you are not too harsh with it. If the nail protrudes out, make sure that you cut it with some nail clippers first. After cleaning the nail with a file or pumice stone you will want to soak it in warm water and use some special soaps to clean your feet. <\/p>\n

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11. Neem Oil<\/h3>\n

Neem oil<\/a> comes from the neem tree and has long been used as a topical treatment for several skin issues including anti-aging purposes, to soothe eczema, and to help clear up acne. In addition, neem oil is commonly used to treat fungal infections.This oil does not have a pleasant smell, but most people see improvement as quickly as overnight. The oil is a strong insecticide, antiseptic, and works well against all types of fungi and bacteria. Most people can apply this oil directly to the skin without any issues.<\/p>\n

However, it is best to only apply a small test amount first to make sure that there is no adverse reaction to the oil. Unlike some of the other items on this list, neem oil is not something that is commonly found in most households. However, it can be purchased quite easily and when it comes to treatments for toenail fungus, neem oil provides some of the fastest relief. <\/p>\n

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12. Sunshine through a Magnifying Glass<\/h3>\n

As mentioned, fungus needs moisture to grow. In fact, a warm moist area is where fungus is most often found. One of the ways that you can treat toenail fungus that is a bit unorthodox, but can work quite well is by using a magnifying glass and the sun. you will want to sit outside in the sun and use the magnifying glass to focus the sunlight<\/a> directly on the toe that is affected. Make sure that you do not burn your skin.<\/p>\n

Heat the nail up to a point that you can bear. The focused sunlight can help to kill the fungus. There are studies that have confirmed that heat of around 60 degrees Celsius will begin killing the fungi. It is important to not do this excessively as it can cause damage, but it is fine if done every couple of days or so and make sure that you do not do it for more than ten minutes at a time. <\/p>\n

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13. Garlic Juice<\/h3>\n

Garlic<\/a> has many antifungal properties. In fact, garlic is an herb that is often found in many home remedies. In order to use garlic as a remedy for toenail fungus you will want to crush about two cloves of garlic. After you have crushed the cloves, strain the juice of the garlic. You will want to use this juice directly on the nail that is affected by fungus.<\/p>\n

You should not apply the garlic juice on the nail or skin directly as it can sting and may even cause a chemical reaction or burn. Mix the garlic juice with a bit of olive oil. This mixture can be applied directly to your toe. You can also apply the mixture to a piece of gauze and then tape the gauze to the nail. Garlic will kill the fungi and also provides relief from the itching and it is also a natural antibiotic. <\/p>\n

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14. Bleach Water<\/h3>\n

When it comes to curing toenail fungus, using bleach<\/a> may not be the first thing that you want to turn to. However, bleach is used to kill mold and can be powerful at killing fungus as well. While bleach is not something you want to put directly on your skin, you can make a quick solution of bleach mixed with water that may be able to help cure your toenail fungus. When making this solution it is important to make sure that you measure correctly.<\/p>\n

You should only use a tablespoon of bleach per half gallon of water. Any more than this may harm the skin. Once you have mixed the solution you can soak your toe that is affected by the fungus. Do not keep your foot in the solution for more than ten minutes. While this may not be the best remedy for toenail fungus it is something that can be considered. <\/p>\n

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15. Snakeroot<\/h3>\n

There are several herbal remedies that may be used to help cure toenail fungus. One herbal remedy that may be considered is snakeroot<\/a>. Snakeroot is a plant with roots that look similar to a snake. Creating an extract from the leaves of the plant can help cure toenail fungus. However, it is important to know that snakeroot is very poisonous. When using this root it may cause milk sickness if it is not used correctly.<\/p>\n

For this reason, it is important to not make the medication for yourself. An herbal practitioner should be consulted if you are considering using snakeroot for your toenail fungus. The herbal extract should only be purchased from a well-known firm and any product that you purchase should be confirmed with a practitioner. This is the only way to ensure that it is safe to use and will not cause further complications that are unnecessary.<\/p>\n\r\n

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