Alternative Cures For Nail Fungus

Nail fungus is among the most common causes of nail infections. According to pdrhealth.com, up to 14 percent of Americans are thought to suffer from nail fungus, with incidence increasing with age. A variety of natural remedies for fungal nail infections exist, and many can be bought rather inexpensively at a health supplement store.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a substance extracted from leaves of the Australian plant, Melaleuca alternifolia. It has potent antimicrobial properties and can be applied topically to infected nails to kill a variety of fungi. According to nih.gov, tea tree oil is effective in treating fungal infections of the mucous membranes, skin and scalp. The active alkaloid in tea tree oil is terpenin, which has antiviral and antibacterial properties as well.
To use tea tree oil for nail fungus, apply it directly to the affected area using a cotton swab two to three times daily until the nail has grown out completely (up to six months for fingernails and 12 months for toenails). Use only 100 percent tea tree oil, and make sure to wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water before application.

Garlic

Garlic (Allium sativum) is an herb used in many food and alternative medicine products. It can be applied topically or taken internally for its ability to kill harmful microbes and strengthen the immune system. According to nih.gov, garlic contains allicin--a compound with potent antifungal properties that's especially effective in killing candida yeast organisms.
To use garlic topically for nail fungus, apply the oil or extract to the affected area using a cotton ball three times daily. To fight fungus internally, add crushed garlic liberally to your favorite dishes or take garlic supplement capsules.

Olive Leaf Extract

Olive leaf has been used for its healing properties since ancient Egyptian times, and is considered a powerful natural medicine today. When taken internally, olive leaf's antimicrobial properties and can be of benefit in treating nail fungus infections. According to nih.gov, olive leaf extract has combined antifungal and antibacterial properties and is effective in killing harmful microbes even in low doses.
Olive leaf can be taken as a tea, capsule or powder. However, the concentrated medicinal properties of liquid olive leaf extract may be more effective in treating conditions such as nail fungus.

Prevention/Solution

When it comes to nail fungus, prevention is the best method of treatment. Though not all cases are caused by poor hygiene, good hygiene practices can play a significant role in preventing fungal growth. Avoid sharing socks and shoes with others and wash thoroughly after using public showers. Keep nails short and avoid using nail polish when possible. Wearing white cotton socks allows the feet to breathe and can help prevent the sweating that contributes to fungal growth.

Warning

Though not dangerous in itself, recurrent nail fungus can be a sign of a more serious illness such as diabetes or immune suppression. If you experience persistent nail infections, talk to your doctor about your treatment options.