6 Effective Ways To Treat Nail Infection With Herbs

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Nail infections are commonly caused by fungus and occur mostly in environments favoring their growth. Moisture, dampness, low immunity, poor hygiene, synthetic socks, hormonal imbalance, and frequent use of antibiotics are some of the factors that predispose nail infections. Nail infections show a number of manifestations such as pain, swelling, tenderness, and itching, thickened and brittle nails.

It sometimes also discharges a yellowish fluid from the affected area. It is firstly important to prevent ourselves from predisposing factors, and secondly if you get affected by a nail infection, then take precautions and general measures like avoiding moisture, avoid itching else it may spread. Further decreasing the growth process of mail infection can be done with herbal treatment.

Effective Herbs For Nail Infection

Black Walnut

Black walnuts are considered to be a mixture of antifungal, antibacterial and anti parasitic properties. The skin and leaves of the walnut are a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids, iodine, sterols, and quinone making it a natural antiseptic. Its tincture can be used to alleviate the symptoms and colonization of fungi. It may be used topically or internally.

Garlic

Garlic is the most potent herb in fighting fungal infections along with its other medicinal uses. Add one teaspoon white vinegar to one teaspoon garlic oil and apply this on and around the affected part.

Alternately, you can crush two cloves of garlic and add 1tsp of olive and allowing it to stand overnight. Before use add white vinegar in the same quantity and apply. Eat one clove of garlic daily to help reduce the fungal growth and promote health.

Barberry

It is rich in antifungal properties due to a compound, berberine, present in it. Along with reducing the Candida species of fungus, a common source of nail infections, it enhances the gut flora; the eco-friendly fungi.

It slows down the colonization of Candida by preventing the release of lipase, the enzyme known to enhance its growth. Barberry tincture can be used externally as well as internally to achieve benefits.

Clove

It is packed with anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antimicrobial traits. Its fungicidal nature is attributable to certain phenols present in it. Clove oil is the most easily available natural forms of clove.

Add two drops of clove oil to 1tsp sweet almond oil, and then apply this gently on the affected nails. It helps in decreasing pain and inflammation due to its antiseptic nature.

Licorice

Imbibed with anti-inflammatory properties, it helps in reducing the associated inflammation and pain. It also has the potential to kill fungus. In a measure of boiling water add six teaspoons of licorice powder and allow its properties to be seeped in.

After this simmer the gas for 20 minutes and remove. Strain this mixture and let it stand to cool down. When it cools apply the strained mixture with a cotton ball on the affected nail, three times a day.

Oregano

Oregano essential oil is commonly used in treating fungal infections because of its fungicidal properties. Along with this it is also a potent bactericidal and antiseptic. Apply this oil on the affected area to help decrease the pain and it also effectively kills the fungal growth because of deeper penetration.