If you’re looking for a toenail fungus home remedy, you have many options from which to choose. Not all home remedies really work, but we’ll tell you about some that do. Of course, there may be other effective remedies for toenail fungus out there, but before deciding to try a particular home remedy, look for evidence that it actually works. You don’t want to waste time trying useless remedies.
When considering a home remedy, you should take into consideration many factors, including safety, effectiveness, cost, and ease of use. Treatments for nail fungus, including prescription medications, often take a long time to work fully and completely kill the fungus, so that’s something else to think about when considering a home remedy for this condition. How long will you need to use the remedy before you can expect to see significant results?
Feel free to email us if you have questions about any home remedies for toenail fungus. Of course, discussing your treatment options with your physician is always a good idea, too. You should definitely see your physician if home remedies don’t seem to be helping your nail fungus or if you’re experiencing significant pain due to toenail fungus.
Here Are Some of The Best Home Remedies we Were Able to Find For Nail Fungus.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree essential oil comes from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree, which is native to Australia. It’s long been used as a toenail fungus home remedy and as a home remedy for various other kinds of infections, including other fungal infections like athlete’s foot and other forms of ringworm. At least one study has shown it to be effective in the treatment of nail fungus. You can apply it directly to the affected nails or it can be used in a nail cream with other ingredients. We didn’t find any scientific evidence showing how long it might take to successfully treat nail fungus with tea tree essential oil, though.
Snakeroot Extract
According to the Mayo Clinic(1), one study found that applying snakeroot extract (which, despite the name, comes from a plant related to sunflowers, not a snake) to nails infected with the fungus was as effective as ciclopirox, a medicated nail polish available by prescription, in treating the fungal infection. This makes it a very effective toenail fungus home remedy. In addition, ciclopirox must be applied every day for six months or more, but in the study mentioned, the snakeroot extract only needed to be applied every third day for the first month, twice weekly for the second month, and once a week for the third month, making it a lot more convenient to use.
Vicks VapoRub
According to the Mayo Clinic Website, one small study(2) found 56 percent of people involved experienced improvement in their symptoms of nail fungus after applying Vicks VapoRub (yes, the same Vicks VapoRub you rub on your chest to relieve congestion) to their infected nails. The Mayo Clinic website says the VapoRub was applied daily but doesn’t mention for how long.
Medicated Nail Creams
Medicated nail creams are available over the counter as well as by prescription and can be used at home to treat nail fungus. Ask your pharmacist if you need help selecting the right one for your needs. Most are used twice daily for as long as six months. Follow the direction on the package and ask your pharmacist if you have any questions.
Our Favorite Toe Nail Fungus Home Remedy
Our favorite home remedy nail fungus responds to is Funginix. It contains a medication called undecylenic acid that fights fungal infections along with natural ingredients such as clove flower oil, lavender oil, and tea tree essential oil. The unique combination of ingredients works together to kill nail fungus and restore healthy nail growth. It’s effective for use on both toenails and fingernails. You can follow the link to learn more about it.
(1)Mayo Clinic: Alternative Medicine
(2) Mayo Clinic: Home Remedies