How to get rid of toenail fungus?: Who doesn’t love a pedicure? But did you know that sometimes it can leave behind onychomycosis – also known as nail fungus? Though this infection starts innocuously, as just a white spot here and there under your toenails, it can soon make your nails thick and crumble as the infection spreads and the fungus penetrates deeper. The fungus will continue to persist in your toenails as your tootsies are tucked away in the warmth of your shoes, where these lil buggers get more than enough moisture to thrive.
Thankfully, toenail fungus is not a deadly disease that needs expensive treatment. With just a few home remedies, you can curb this infection from spreading and cure it too. Read on for our list of the top remedies to get rid of toenail fungus.
9 Home Remedies to Get Rid of Toenail Fungus
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
One of the best remedies to treat a bad case of toenail fungus is none other than apple cider vinegar. This magical formula may be used topically, consumed internally, or in combination of both to treat toenail fungus. To use ACV for toenail fungus, mix one part of it with one part of Epson salt and six parts of hot water. Let the water cool till it is tepid. Now, soak your feet in the solution twice every day for no less than 30 minutes to kill the fungus.
If you are okay with drinking ACV to treat the infection, you may mix two tbsps., of organic apple cider and one teaspoon of honey in about 8 ounces of warm water. Drink this concoction at least once a day.
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2. Olive Leaf Extract
Yet another great remedy to get toenail fungus out of the way is olive leaf extract. This extract has anti-bacterial and antiviral properties and is known to help lower cholesterol levels apart from being able to help treat many other commonplace ailments. When taken in the form of a supplement, this all-natural remedy can help cure toenail infections and keep it from recurring.
This extract is a natural detoxifier and hence you may experience some discomfort at the initial stage of consumption. But, with time your body will settle in and familiarize with its properties. If you feel way too restless, you could consider lowering your daily dosage. And once you feel revitalized and charged up, up the intake to the recommended dosage again.
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3. Tea Tree Oil
There is no better remedy than tea tree oil to cure onychomycosis. Buy a fresh bottle of tea tree oil to treat the infection. Start with cleaning the areas in and around the infection using rubbing alcohol. Then, apply undiluted tea tree oil to the affected area and allow it to soak in. After ten to fifteen minutes, scrub the nail using a soft bristle toothbrush. We recommend that you blend tea tree oil with a carrier oil such as olive or almond before you apply it to the affected area. Repeat this regimen every day till you see healthy new nails growing out. Continue the treatment for two more weeks if you want to prevent regrowth.
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4. Orange Oil
Among all the oils that can be used to treat toenail fungus, orange oil deserves a special mention. It is highly potent and can be applied every day to toe nails to cure and get rid of toenail fungus. Use a dropper to topically apply the oil on the affected nail and between your toes. Let the oil soak in for a few hours before you wash it off. If you find the oil too strong, you could dilute it with a carrier oil such as olive oil. Be sure to test the oil on a healthy spot of skin before you apply it on the infected nails.
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5. Corn Meal
This is an interesting remedy that works like a miracle. Organic cornmeal is a host to a fungus that is harmless to humans but can wreak havoc to Candida – the most common fungal parasite that causes toe nail infections. Mix one cup of cornmeal in a tub holding two quarts of water and let it stand for an hour or so. Later, soak your feet in the tub for about half an hour. You can do this as less as one week or every day if you want faster results. As cornmeal has no side effects whatsoever, you can repeat the treatment as many time as you like.
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6. Baking Soda
As you may already know, fungus requires an acidic environment to grow and flourish. And, baking soda does all it can to destroy the acidity in and around your feet and make it an uninhabitable environment for toe nail fungus to grow. Borax is a naturally occurring mineral which is a powerful fungicide that does not have any side effects when used on toe nails. A combination of borax and baking soda is all you need to treat a bad case of toenail fungus. Simply mix equal parts of baking soda and borax with a few spoons of water to make a uniform paste without any lumps. Wet your feet and gently rub this mixture unto your affected nails and let it stay for a while before you wash it off. Do this twice a day for 3 weeks to get rid of toenail fungus for good.
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7. Coconut Oil
One of the medium chain fatty acids present in coconut oil called capryllic acid can penetrate through the cell wall of Candida and other fungi too. When the protective coating of these cells dissolve, it effectively destroys the infection. Apply a thin coat of coconut oil onto the infected areas and let it soak in for about 15 minutes or so. Since coconut oil is one of the healthiest discoveries of man, it can be used as and when you feel like and as many times as you may please.
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8. Lavender Oil
Lavender is fragrant and it has antifungal properties that make it a great remedy for mild cases of toenail fungus infections. Apply a few drops of the oil to your infected nails every night before you sleep. To ensure that the oil doesn’t get rubbed off, you may wear a pair of woolen socks. Avoid using synthetic socks as it can worsen the infection. Remember, that your nail may begin to show signs of recovery, but will still have hidden traces of the fungus. And, that is why we recommend the use of any treatment for at least a few weeks till the infection is fully gone.
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9. Oregano Oil
Another potent herb that is abundant with anti-fungal properties is oregano. You can use this remedy eyes closed to treat toe nail fungus. Just mix a few drops of oregano oil into the same quantity of a carrier oil. Use a stopper or a cotton ball to dab onto infected nails. Since oregano is easy to grow in most climates, you may also plant a pot of it, if you are susceptible to recurrent toenail infections. Regular use of the oil will help prevent you from contracting toe nail fungus.
These simple home remedies can help treat and get rid of toenail fungus effectively and keep it from recurring. Try them today and get back to us with your feedback!
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