Remedies To Cure Toenail Fungus

Fungal infections of the toenail are not uncommon. The fungi that cause nail infections thrive in warm, moist environments, like in shoes and socks. Infections often start as a small yellow or white spot under the nail bed. Later, you may find your nails thickening, brittle or crumbling at the edges, discolored and possibly even pulling away from the nail bed entirely. Mainstream medicine often prescribes oral antifungal drugs that can have serious side effects, so you may wish to try a home remedy or pursue alternative treatment.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil, derived from a native Australian shrub, is a potent antifungal agent. Apply it two to three times a day, undiluted--use a cotton swab or soft toothbrush, and try to get under the nail, if possible. Many commercial products marketed to fight toenail fungus contain tea tree oil as well. To be truly effective, treatment may take up to a year, until the old nail has completely grown out, but you should see progress within a few weeks or so. Once you've eliminated the infection, tea tree oil can also be applied as a preventative measure. Add a couple of drops to your sock laundry, too.

Yin Care

Yin Care is a concentrated liquid blend of several herbal essences available through practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM such as acupuncturists and naturopaths to treat a variety of skin infections and conditions. For nails, it is typically diluted and used as a soak. This product is best utilized under the supervision of your TCM practitioner but as it is a topical remedy, the side effects are minimized.

Vicks Vap-O-Rub

VIck's Vap-O-Rub contains thyme oil and eucaplyptus oil, both with antifungal properties. Many people swear by this off-label remedy. Apply to the affected area every other day for 2 or 3 weeks.

Oregano Oil

Oregano oil is known to possess antifungal and antibacterial properties. Apply the undiluted essential oil with a cotton swab or soft toothbrush three times a day. Health 911 notes that oregano oil may irritate your skin; if so, dilute it with olive oil.