The Mayo Clinic defines nail fungus as fungi infecting one or more nails. It affects toenails more than fingernails. Nail fungus penetrates the skin through a scrape or cut under or near the toenail. Without treatment, nail fungus spreads to the bed of the nail and causes discoloration and thickening. An infected toenail is painful to the touch. Symptoms of a nail fungus range from brittle nails to nails pulling away from the toe. Nail fungus should be treated early.
Oregano Oil
Oregano oil, with its anti-parasitic and infection-fighting properties, is a natural anti-fungal for use in the treatment of athlete's foot and nail fungus, nurse-author Linda Skidmore-Roth writes in "Mosby's Handbook of Herbs and Natural Supplements." Lesley Bremness, author of "The Essential Herbs Handbook," advises applying three to four drops of infused oregano oil on the infected area three times daily.
Burdock Root
Burdock is one of the top herbs used in Chinese medicine, largely because of its applications as an antibiotic. Natural Health Magazine says burdock root has both antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Burdock helps treat urinary infections, ringworm and nail fungus. Charles Kane, an herbalist with more than 20 years of experience, suggests applying 15 drops of a fluid extract of burdock root to the nail fungus three times daily.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil, whose strong fragrance may be too much for some, is, in fact, an extremely effective anti-fungal remedies. It is used in the treatment of warts, candida and fungus, as well as gum disease. Skidmore-Roth suggests the anti-microbial properties of tea tree oil break up infections by destroying the cell membranes, thus allowing the infection to dissipate. Application of tea tree oil should start with clean, freshly washed feet. Begin by rubbing the infected area with a clean cotton ball soaked in tea tree oil. Let the oil dry slightly and cover the infected foot with a clean cotton sock, preferably white. The application should be done at least three times daily, with the same washing of the feet and covering with clean white cotton socks each time.
References
- Mosby's Handbook of Herbs & Natural Supplements; Linda Skidmore-Ross, R.N., MSN, NP; 2010
- The Essential Herbs Handbook; Lesley Bremness; 2009
- Complete Guide to Safe Herbs; Natural Health Magazine; 2002
- Herbal Medicine: Trends and Traditions; Charles W. Kane; 2009
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