Nail fungus occurs frequently in populations vulnerable to these infections, including the elderly who may have a depressed immune system, athletes who frequently have moist feet and people who wear toenail polish that holds in fungus and moisture. Nail fungus penetrates deep in the nail, which results in symptoms including discoloration, thickening and jagged, split edges. Herbal treatments can effectively heal nail fungal infections. Discuss herbal treatment plans with a qualified health care provider.
Oregano Oil
The persistent nature of nail fungal infections often requires a series of treatment plans. First, recommends acupuncturist and herbalist Christopher Hobbs, treat the infection with antifungal oregano oil mixed with a mild carrier cream twice per day for two to four months. If the infection persists, next apply a mixture of oregano oil and a prescribed antifungal cream according to a physician's instructions.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil comes from the Melaleuca alternifolia tree, which that grows exclusively in Australia.The active ingredient in tea tree oil, terpinen-4-ol, destroys trichophyton fungal nail infections. Apply one or two drops to the affected nail two times per day, or tape a gauze pad saturated with tea tree oil to the nail. A foot bath containing approximately 20 drops of the essential oil is also recommended.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil comes from a tree native to Tasmania. The tree's leaves contain the active compounds used for medicinal purposes. A distillation process extracts the essential oil from the eucalyptus leaves. The use of eucalyptus oil to treat fungal nail infections originated with the traditional herbal repertoire of the Aborigines.
Lavender Oil
Lavender originated in the Mediterranean region and eventually became a popular medicinal herb across all of southern Europe. Most of the 40 lavender varieties have the herb's characteristic clean, soapy smell and vibrant blooms spanning in color from deep blue to purple. Lavender's name is derived from the Latin word "lavare," which means to wash. The antifungal herb is an effective nail fungus treatment.
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