If your toenail crumbles when you cut it and looks yellow or white, you may have nail fungus. Fungus begins as a small yellow or white dot underneath the nail and grows slowly, but treating the infection may be difficult, according to MayoClinic.com. If your doctor approves, you can treat mild or moderate fungal infections at home using natural remedies.
Antifungal Vinegar
In her book, "Herbs for Health and Healing," Kathi Keville recommends treating your fingernails or toenails in an antifungal vinegar to reduce nail fungus. Mix 4 oz. of white vinegar -- or oregano vinegar if your fungal infection is particularly bad -- 1/4 tsp. tea tree oil, 1/4 tsp. lavender essential oil, 2 tbsp. tincture of pau d'arco and 1/8 tsp. peppermint essential oil in a bottle or container. Using a cotton ball, dab a small amount of the mixture several times a day until the fungus is gone.
Antifungal Dusting Powder
Keep feet dry by coating them with a homemade antifungal dusting powder before putting on socks or shoes, recommends Keville. Place 1/4 cup bentonite clay in a large plastic baggie, then drop in 1/8 tsp. tea tree oil and 1/8 tsp. lavender essential oils and shake the bag to mix the ingredients thoroughly breaking up any clumps of clay. Leave the ingredients in the bag for three days to permeate, then transfer them into an airtight bottle or container.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has antibiotic and anti-fungal properties, according to the natural remedies website Health911.com. Using a cotton swab or cotton ball, apply a small amount of 100 percent tea tree oil to the nail two to three times a day until the nail completely grows out -- up to 12 months for toenails and six months for fingernails.
Nail Removal
Your doctor may opt to remove the nail completely if the fungus is so bad, it cannot be salvaged, according to MayoClinic.com. It may take up to a full year for the nail to grow back completely, if it grows back at all. To prevent having to get your nail completely removed, treat nail fungus as soon as you detect it.
References
- "Herbs for Health and Healing"; Kathi Keville; 1996
- Mayo Clinic: Nail Fungus
- "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies"; Deborah Tkac; 1998
- Health 911: Nail Infections
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