Tea tree oil comes from the Melaleuca alternifolia tree in Australia. It is antimicrobial, antiviral, antiseptic and antifungal. Tea tree oil is a natural remedy to fight all types of infections on the skin. It can be an effective treatment for toenail fungus, which causes yellow discoloration, deterioration and toenail pain and discomfort.
History
Australian aborigines used tea tree oil for many years to treat cuts and wounds. They would crush the leaves and apply them directly to the skin. According to Tea Tree Wonders, in 1770, Captain James Cook of the British Royal Navy sailed to Australia and learned of the medicinal benefits of tea tree oil. When Europeans began settling in Australia in the 19th century, they too learned about tea tree oil. In the 1920s curator and chemist Dr. A. R. Penfold studied the antiseptic properties of tea tree oil. He discovered that it is 13 times stronger as an antiseptic bactericide than carbolic acid, which was the standard treatment in the 1920s. Many people commonly use tea tree oil today to treat a variety of bacterial, viral and fungal infections.
Toenail Fungus
Fungal infections commonly occur in and around your toenails. This area is generally dark and damp, making it an ideal breeding ground for fungus. Your nails may become a yellowish or brown color, thicken, become brittle and possibly shed. Your toenail may also appear to separate from the nail bed causing pain and discomfort, especially while walking.
Application
The Buy Tea Tree Oil website recommends applying tea tree oil regularly to get the best results. Soak a cotton swab in 2 to 3 drops of undiluted tea tree oil, and apply underneath and around the affected toenail. Allow to dry, and leave on overnight. Repeat daily until your toenail fungus completely resolves, usually within three to six months. You will eventually notice your toenail growing healthy and normally.
Tips
Wash your hands thoroughly after each tea tree oil application. While treating your toenail fungus with tea tree oil, avoid using toenail polish. Keep your feet and toes as dry as possible. Wear cotton socks, and go barefoot or wear sandals as much as possible to allow your feet to "breathe." Try not to pick at your toenails so you don't exacerbate the problem or allow the fungus to spread to your fingernails.
Precautions
Although tea tree oil is generally considered safe, some people are sensitive to it and may have an allergic reaction. You can place a drop of tea tree oil on a cotton swab and dab it onto your inner forearm to test for sensitivity. If your skin becomes red, inflamed, excessively itchy or painful, do not use it. Avoid applying tea tree oil to deep wounds or in or around your eyes, ears and nose. Do not ingest tea tree oil internally.
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