On several occasions, I have read or heard people say one cup of this will destroy your nail fungus. I sincerely wish it was so. The treatment of nail fungus is never a quick fix; it will normally take months to achieve a complete treatment. Hence, to say a cup of even the most effective treatment option will destroy your nail fungus is rather sales driven.
Nail fungus is by nature notorious; it begins beneath the tip of the nail and white or yellow spot and progresses fast to cause nail discoloration, thickening, and crumbling. A mild nail fungus will require months of treatment before the fungus can be totally destroyed and the nail becomes clear and healthy once again. Following this full process, without seeking shortcuts, is very important given the very high rate of recurrence of nail fungus. There are effective home remedies for nail fungus. They are rich in antifungal, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties that destroy the nail fungus. Let’s consider a few.
Home remedies for nail fungus
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is one of the best home nail fungus treatments and it is one of the most effective oils when it comes to the treatment of nail fungus. This oil gotten from the Australian Tea tree is rich in antifungal and antibacterial properties which help it to effectively cure nail fungus. Besides working topically to destroy nail fungus, tea tree oil also contributes to an improved immune system hence aiding the destruction and prevention of fungal infection. It completely and permanently cures nail fungus, restoring a clear and healthy nail. It is a key component of many over-the-counter products for treating nail fungus.
For higher effectiveness, mix tea tree oil with a carrier oil such as olive oil and coconut oil. A carrier oil will ensure deeper absorption of tea tree oil into the nail bed where it can then fight the fungus.
Application
- Cut and trim the nail. File it to reduce the thickness of the nail for greater absorption.
- Wash it with warm water and soap to wash off all debris and avoid spread.
- Dry thoroughly
- Then apply a thin layer of the mixed tea tree oil to the affected area. You can do this at least twice per day for faster and more effective work.
Tea tree oil could cause irritation if the quantity applied per time is too much. If irritation persists after reducing quantity, you may want to stop the usage and try any of the following options.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is one of the essential oils. It has proven to be effective in the treatment of nail fungus perhaps because of its antioxidant properties. It can be used both as a topical solution as well as consumed without any side effect especially if you get the organic, unrefined, and 100 percent pure coconut oil. Coconut oil is used to treat several body conditions including skincare, haircare, as well as nail fungus.
Prepare the nail as described above and apply coconut oil to the affected area about three times a day. Coconut oil will effectively destroy the fungus and help to prevent a recurrence.
When combined with other essential oils such as olive oil and jojoba oil, coconut oil works even better.
Apple Cider Vinegar
This is another great antifungal agent. If used long enough, nail fungus will be destroyed and will have close to zero chance of recurring.
Half-fill a basin with warm water and add half apple cider vinegar. Soak your feet or hands in it for about 30 minutes at least three times a day.
Lemon juice
A good thing about these antifungal agents is that most of them are readily available at home. Lemon juice contains citric acid, an amazing antifungal agent. Therefore, it will effectively stop nail fungus in its track.
Apply the juice to the affected nail and leave it for about 30 minutes for proper absorption. Then wash it off completely with water.
Lemon juice is acidic hence should not be used more than twice per day to avoid damaging your skin. If you have open cuts, a burning sensation will follow the use of lemon juice. In this case, use soak your feet or hands in diluted lemon juice.
Olive oil
This is an essential oil loaded with antifungal properties. It works better in combination with stronger agents such as lemon juice. Olive oil softens the nail and skin hence allowing deeper penetration of the lemon juice to destroy the fungus. Other essential oils include oregano oil and jojoba oil.
All of the above home remedies are effective in the treatment of nail fungus but it will normally take months to achieve complete treatment.
