How to Treat Toenail Fungus Naturally At Home

Another word for toenail fungus is onychomycosis, a fungus that infects the toenails of the toes. Toenail fungus’s most obvious symptom is a brown, white, or yellow discoloration in one or more toenails. If not treated on time, toenail fungus can spread to other nails and cause them to thicken or crack.

Fungal nail infections can affect any person and usually result from many different types of fungi. Treatment for the illness can be challenging and often does not leave without prescription-strength antifungal medications, including antifungal pills. Unfortunately, most effective medicines might cause an upset stomach and skin-related issues.

Whether it is the sandal season or not, the toenail is not something you want to see whenever you look at your feet. Fortunately, many natural, effective forms of toenail treatment can be used for individuals suffering from the condition.  

This document discusses some of the most popular natural methods people may try if they want to know How to treat toenail fungus naturally at home, plus their effectiveness.

How To Treat Toenail Fungus Quickly?

The following are some tips to consider when trying to cure toenail fungus quickly.

• Baking Soda

Baking powder supporters may propose it as a treatment since it assists in absorbing the moisture that results in the formation of toenail fungus. However, baking soda may also have fungistatic qualities, meaning that rather than killing and eliminating toenail fungus, it can stop them from growing and proliferating.

This factor is supported by research that indicates baking powder can be used to prevent fungal growth. However, little evidence suggests that baking powder eliminates toenail fungus. However, additional study is still being done to demonstrate if it can be relied on for treating the condition.

• Oregano oil

Oregano oil contains one of the most potent components known as thymol. According to research conducted in 2016 on thymol, the product has antifungal and antibacterial properties. To treat toenail fungus using the product, apply it on the affected toenails at least twice a day with a cotton swab. Most people combine oregano oil with tea tree oil to get better results when it comes to the curing of toenails.

Unfortunately, both oregano oil and tea tree oil are potent and might cause an allergic reaction or irritation. Combining them might increase the risk.

• Tea tree oil

Also known as melaleuca, tea tree oil is an essential oil containing antifungal and antiseptic abilities. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative health claims that small clinical studies indicate that tea oil may be among the most efficient treatments for toenail fungus. Users should apply tea oil on the infected toenail by painting it directly onto the affected areas with a cotton swab for a minimum of two times a day.

• Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is also a product that can be used at home to treat toenail fungus. Users can directly wipe hydrogen peroxide on their infected toenails with a clean cloth or cotton swab.

Alternatively, they can use hydrogen peroxide in a foot soak. Users can prepare the water-hydrogen peroxide mix by adding 1/8 cup of hydrogen peroxide to approximately five cups of water and soaking their feet for about 20 minutes. They should then rinse their feet with warm water and pat them dry.

• Apply snakeroot extract

A 2008 study indicated that routinely applying snakeroot to toenails can help eradicate fungal infection. The study suggested that using snakeroot extract on the affected toenails after three days for one month, for the second month, at least twice weekly, and at least once in the third month can be as effective as using an antifungal doctor-prescribed medicine.

The excellent news about snakeroot extract is that it is available on many online platforms and is relatively cheaper than antifungal medicines.

Add a few drops of snakeroot extract on all affected toenails directly. Alternatively, you can soak a cotton pad or gauze and tape it to the affected nail for more prolonged absorption.

• Soak Your Feet in Vinegar

Vinegar is a pantry item that delivers optimal results for toenail fungal infections. The professionals claim that applying white vinegar to fungal-infected areas can be very effective, mainly because the product contains antibacterial properties. Using white vinegar typically on fungus-infected toenails has some anecdotal evidence that supports its antibacterial benefits.

Users should soak their feet in warm water containing vinegar for approximately 20 minutes daily. Doing so helps with the fungus, not just the discoloration, but also reduces some pain that might result from toenail infection.

• Apply or eat garlic

Research conducted in 2019 indicated garlic is an antifungal powerhouse that can treat toenail infection. Garlic is best used in its crushed form. Chop and crush the garlic before applying it to the infected area daily. Also, read Our guide on How to Get Rid Of Fungus On Your Toes

However, the patient must be careful when following this method because garlic is capable of causing chemical burns to the skin. Taking garlic supplements is better for anyone interested in overcoming chemical burns. Additionally, garlic supplements are better and less smelly than natural garlic.

• Olive leaf extract

Olive leaves contain an active substance called oleuropein, which is thought to have antifungal properties and immune-boosting abilities. Patients can apply olive leaf salve directly to their infected nails, or they can also take them in capsule form.

A 2012 review showed that taking approximately three olive leaf capsules accompanied by meals at least twice daily effectively treats toenail infection. However, the professionals suggest that patients drink lots of water throughout the treatment.

• Ozonated oils

Ozonized oil functions in the same fashion as olive and sunflower oil. They are oils that contain injected ozone. A study conducted in 2011 indicated that exposure to ozone in low concentrations for a short time could inactivate many organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and yeast.

Another research stated that ozonized sunflower oil was more effective in toenail fungus treatment than medicinal prescriptions for toenail fungus.

The Bottom Line

Home remedies for treating toenail fungus may be more effective than medicinal prescriptions, primarily when used for a prolonged period. Several factors come into play when treating toenail fungus, including the infection severity, nail penetrability, and the person’s general health.

Although natural remedies might take longer to eradicate toenail fungus, you will begin to see the wanted results after a few months. Reinfection is also uncommon when someone uses natural forms of toenail infection treatment.