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Nail fungus is known to be a common condition, which causes thickening and discoloration of nails. This problem is known to occur in almost 15 percent of the people in the United States. In many cases, this condition is extremely painful as well. Toenail fungus is usually treated with topical creams and medications. These medications and creams are highly effective, but may also cause allergic reactions and other side effects.

You should use natural remedies for treating toe nail fungus, as they are readily available and do not cause any negative effects. Listed below are some highly effective natural cures for nail fungus.

Natural Cures For Nail Fungus

Vinegar

Vinegar is an excellent home remedy for treating nail fungus. Health experts recommend soaking one’s feet or hands in a mixture of vinegar and water. This home remedy helps in combating fungus and bacteria, which causes nail fungus, due to the high acidity content of vinegar. For treating nail fungus, it is recommended that you mix equal amounts of vinegar and water, soaking your hands or feet for around 15-20 minutes, four times a day.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is an effective herbal treatment for nail fungus. This herbal oil is applied topically to the skin for treating nail fungus. Avoid taking this herbal oil orally, as it can lead to toxicity inside the human body. Tea tree oil contains strong antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties, which help in killing bacteria that causes nail fungus. Soak few cotton balls in tea tree oil and apply it to the affected areas. If you experience irritation of skin, add a few drops of olive oil to this essential oil.

Garlic

Garlic is another potent home remedy that is used extensively for treating nail fungus. To treat nail fungus, garlic can be taken orally or applied topically to the skin. This home remedy is a strong anti-fungal agent, which helps in treating nail fungus effectively. You can apply garlic paste to your nail/nails three to four times each day, leaving it on for at least 20-30 minutes.

Chamomile

Chamomile is an herb that is helpful in treating nail fungus. This is because chamomile displays strong anti-bacterial activity. Apart from that, this herb also displays anti-inflammatory activity, which helps in decreasing pain that occurs due to nail fungus. Chamomile tincture can be applied topically to the nail for treating nail fungus. You could also drink chamomile tea to treat this condition effectively.

Clove

Clove is considered an effective kitchen remedy for treating nail fungus. This home remedy has been used extensively in countries such as India and Philippines to treat a host of health ailments. The oil derived from cloves has been used successfully in treating fungal infections such as ringworm as well. For treating nail fungus, dip a piece of cotton in clove oil and place it over your nail, leaving it there for a few hours.

Pau D’Arco

Pau D’Arco is an herb that is considered beneficial in treating nail fungus. This is because it exhibits strong anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, which aid in destroying fungi. You can soak your feet in tea made from this herb, for relieving nail fungus. You can prepare the foot soak, by steeping around five tea bags of this herb in around 6-7 cups of water for 5 minutes. You should soak your hands or feet in this solution for 10-15 minutes, two-three times a day. Apart from that, you can also take Pau D’arco orally in the form of tea. Add one teabag or teaspoon of dried root to a glass of water and boil it for 5 minutes. Strain and consume it twice daily for treating nail fungus. Prior to consuming Pau d’arco orally, it is advisable that you inform your physician.

Listerine

Listerine is a well-known mouth rinse that can be used in treating nail fungus effectively. The effectiveness of Listerine is due to an active ingredient named thymol. This active ingredient displays strong anti-bacterial properties, which help in treating nail fungus. Health experts recommend soaking your nails in a solution containing Listerine for 10-15 minutes each day. To prepare this solution, add 20-30 ml of Listerine to five-six glasses of water.

Baking Soda

Baking Soda is considered an effective home remedy for dealing with nail fungus. This home remedy helps in neutralizing Ph levels, which further help in reducing fungi growth, due to the fact that acidic environments promote growth of fungi. In addition to being an effective home remedy for nail fungus, baking soda is added to several mouthwash and toothpaste, as it helps in destroying bacteria. However, it is advisable that you use baking soda to treat nail fungus by soaking your feet in a solution made from baking soda and water. You can also take this home remedy orally, but it can result in toxicity, when consumed in high doses.

Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil is an effective home treatment for nail fungus. This is due to the fact that it contains high amounts of caprylic acid, which helps in boosting immune system and destroying fungal growth. You can use this oil topically for treating nail fungus. You can also cook food using this oil; however, it may cause symptoms of indigestion in certain cases.

Neem Oil

Neem oil is extracted from the neem tree, and is found mostly in India. This herbal oil has been used in the treatment of more than 60 health ailments caused by fungi. This herbal oil exhibits strong antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. To treat symptoms of nail fungus, it is advisable that you apply this oil to the affected areas, three-four times each day. You should continue using this oil until the infection goes away.

Thyme

Thyme is another effective herbal remedy for nail fungus. This herb contains an active ingredient named thymol, which displays strong antimicrobial properties. To treat nail fungus, you should soak your feet in a solution made from thyme and water. To prepare the solution, add half-cup thyme leaves to 2 cups of water and boil it for around 15 minutes. Allow it to cool and soak your feet in this solution, three-four times each day.