The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Listerine and White Vinegar
Posted by Barbara (Orlando, USA) on 10/13/2007
★★★★★
I have cured a very stubborn nail fungus using a half and half mixture of original Listerine and white vinegar. I had previously tried just vinegar, tee tree oil, clorox, a prescription,Vick's and hydrogen peroxide. I believe it was the mixture of mouthwash and vinegar that finally did the trick. Plus, I applied it to my toe (drenched it) with a Q-tip at least 4 to 6 times a day. I made up a new solution in a covered jar every week. It has taken almost a year for the nail to grow out and I never failed to apply the mixture every day. I learned that missing a day or so allows the fungus to return. I tried to avoid toenail polish. If I did need to go to a social function I applied polish just before I left the house and took the polish off as soon as possible. Fungus loves polish! I just had to pass this on as I have been very frustrated wasting time for years on other remedies.
Listerine and White Vinegar
Posted by Carol (Houston, Texas) on 08/31/2011
★★★★★
Doctor recommended Lamisil cream for big toe fungus. Did not explain much about how it should work and it didn't seem to help. Then, I used tea tree oil for about three years morning and night... But lived in a cold climate, always wearing closed toes shoes. The big toe nail would peel off ocasionally but no real success.
Have now retired and moved to a warm climate. Wearing sandals ALL the time. Soaking my foot in listerine and distilled vinegar once daily for about 10 minutes (and drying carefully afterward). Following up with daily application of tea tree oil. Filing down surface of nail frequently, trimming nail very short, cleaning out under the nail regularly. Improved my diet to reduce sugars and flour. After four months, I see success! The nail is no longer peeling and looks almost normal now. Will continue this regimen for another month or so and hold off on nail polish for six months to ensure it is all gone.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Coconut Oil
Posted by Pete (Fort Collins, Colorado) on 11/05/2011
I eat VCO and cook with it daily for its healthy properties. I started using it on the bags under my eyes and they were gone it a week with tight young looking skin there. I thought this to be amazing and started using it on my bad toenails. I don't think this will work by itself so I'm going to start the organic ACV treatment. The VCO will probably make the sore skin around the toenails a lot better though. Maybe use it after I heal my nails with the ACV. I also would like to know how you applied the ACV and/or if you drank it too. Thanks in advance.
Epsom Salt
Posted by Ellen (Redwood Shores, CA) on 07/29/2007
★★★★★
For my toenail fungus, I've noticed with various soaking type remedies that the infection actually spreads--too much moisture for me. I was a little skeptical of the epsom salts in very hot water, but nonetheless I purchased the epsom salts and microwaved a couple of cups of water in a bowl. Stirred in the salts and then began dipping my feet in the water. It's too hot for me to leave in for more than a second or two, but it quickly cools down and the feet do get used to the hot water. I just keep dipping a second or two at a time. Normally, when I do use a remedy, I do both my big toenails. But this time, due to my problem with too much moisture, I decided to only treat my toenail with the most stubborn long standing fungus as I didn't want to make my "good" toenail worse. So then a month goes by and I notice that my "bad" toenail is half "pinkish" and I start to wonder why my toenail with the long standing stubborn infection is looking better than the other. Then the lightbulb comes on in my head. I did treat it differently. Then about a week ago, once I realized that it must have been the epsom salts and the very hot water, I did it again, on both feet. Then the next day, I didn't feel very good and I realized that I was probably experiencing the die-off effect, with the fungus releasing their toxins as they're dying. I still am doing multiple (6 or so) remedies, concurrently. In addition, I stopped drinking alcohol and having any sugar--cakes, donuts, candy bars, ice cream, etc. I still do have pasta, potatoes and bread. Since I just did the other toenail only one week ago, I'll still have to wait to see the effects. But I am extremely gratified to see the worse toenail now is half pink with the outer half being brown with white marbling growing out.
Iodine, Epsom Salt
Posted by Clark (Highland, Indiana) on 05/23/2007
★★★★★
I just wanted to say that this website is great. I searched and searched but never found any real life usefull feedback on remedy's. Iv had a nail infection for 7 years now, started with one toe nail and it spread i guess to my hands. I usually have 5 of my fingers infected at a time, some get better, than the good ones go bad. A few years ago i had 2 toe nails that were like the claws of a terridactal but they healed up in time. My fingers however are not so easy. I read about natural cures but they say to buy like 10 different things and all this stuff to cure the infection but your site has real people who cured there problems with simplicity so i am here to say iv been soaking my fingers in epsom salt and i use iodine 2 times a day and in the morning i dip them in listerine, well i belive the iodine and epson salt ( in super hot water) are really helping. My right hand middle fingers nail and digit tip was super red and looked like it was gonna burst, very swollen. Since iv been doing the remedy the redness and the constant i mean constant swelling pressure is gone. I can actually see the swelling is starting to go down and the goofy nail is starting to repair but just needs to go, lol. I am so happy i found this site and ill keep you posted. As of now I have 2 large thumbs and a still large middle finger tip, lol that sounds so gross.
Iodine, Epsom Salt
Posted by Mel (Orlando, FL) on 05/20/2009
★★★★★
I was wondering if you had good progress/results with the iodine and salts? I've had tremendous progress with vinegar applied by q-tip in the a.m. and iodine by q-tip in the afternoon. I dry my nails with a blow dryer after a shower, and re-apply iodine for the night. How's it going for you?
Iodine
Posted by Ninette (Cincinnati) on 06/10/2018
I found Iodine ( not clear) its true brown color at a pharmacy in Tampa FL. DAVID PHARMACY.
My grandmother in Cuba used iodine to cure much. Health issues. Is a great Desinfectant. ..
Iodine
Posted by Marilyn (Grand Rapids, MI) on 02/26/2007
★★★★★
I have recommended white or clear iodine for 23 years for the treatment of nail fungus. Iodine increases nail growth while treating the fungus at the same time. Adding a few drops of vitamin e along with the iodine to the underside of the nail is helpful in keeping the area from becoming too dry. Iodine can be used on healthy nails to increase growth. In that case I wouldn't apply more than once a week.Until recently colorless iodine was hard to find in Michigan. There are expensive over the counter treatments for nail fungus which usually don't work.If purchasing these check the label to see if iodine is an ingredient.prescriptions for nail fungus,(lamisil) can be damaging to the liver and it's very expensive, often not covered by insurance. It usually takes 6 months and lots of blood work to have a healthy nail back. Try the iodine first! marilyn-the digithelper-manicurist
Alkalize
Posted by Peter Wilson (USA) on 05/13/2024
I just wanted to point out that there are higher-quality baking sodas available if one is going to ingest baking soda; which is typically not the brand name most are familiar with.
Two that I can suggest:
1. Bob's Red Mill Baking Soda
2. Unpretentious Baker's Baking Soda
Note that the latter currently advertises itself as "aluminum free"; whereas, the Bob's Red Mill website has this about its baking soda:
"Our Baking Soda does not contain added aluminum, but because its naturally mined from the earth, it could contain trace amounts of naturally occurring aluminum. Because of this, we chose to remove 'aluminum free' from our packaging."
I would suspect (though I don't know it for sure) that Unpretentious Baker's baking soda is probably the same, not 100% "aluminum free." But would need to double-check with them.
Alkalize
Posted by Maria (Gippsland, Australia) on 07/15/2011
Hi Carol, I have used the ph strips which are cheap but found them to not be accurate enough. On EC Ted said the meter is beter and they are now cheaper to buy so I had a look around and have now bought a ph meter. Plus they have come down even more, mine was just under $20 and it is great. It is easy to check your urine 1st thing in the morning and also at other times throughout the day. It allows you to check your progress when using any alkalizing remedies, you may even find that you need to take them at different times or you may need to use Ted's carbicarb (especially at night if your 1st morning urine ph is very acidic). Also in addition to Debbie's suggestion you may also get some benefit with soaking your toes in an ACV & water mix, or just dabbing them with straight ACV. All the best, Maria
Alkalize
Posted by Ck (California ) on 12/27/2016
What is ACV?
EC: ACV = Apple Cider Vinegar
Oregano Oil
Posted by Charles (Hillsdale, NY) on 01/08/2007
★★★★★
Oil of Oregano and wearing sandals cured my nail fungus. My injured toenail grew yellow fungus! I found that oil of oregano stopped progression. After reading all info I could find about this, I realized that it always states nail fungus thrives in "dark, moist conditions" So I now wear sandals open air at all times ( not at some work of course) and now the fungus is hardly visible; I don't bother to take oil of oregano that often, now, either This easy step definitely reduces easily the effects of toenail fungus, but I do not know if it actually cures it I hope this info is helpful!
Distilled Vinegar
Posted by Fred (Hobart, Tasmania Australia) on 12/25/2006
★★★★★
I used distilled vinegar to cure toenail fungus. Applied twice a day from a dropper bottle (as described by Nedra from Berkeley.
Mouthwash
Posted by Gerardo Lares (Brooklyn, Ny Usa) on 04/28/2011
hi everyone..... I had this problem for a long period of time and tried everything with no results, but learned on the way that the most recommended were vinegar, garlic, peroxide water, and some other products..... I mixed half garlic (fresh) and vinegar blended them and then mixed again 50/50 with fungi cure (i guess any brand will do it) but thats the one I used and after three weeks of using this twice a day im almost home free, do it you wont regret it.
Sea Salt
Posted by Daisy (USA) on 11/23/2006
★★★★★
You can go to any Whole Foods Store and buy Himalayan Salt, like I did. It works! Bleach and Vicks are not natural remedies. Please do not do these remedies you will harm your liver and kidneys not to mention bleach is also a skin irritant. Read the warning labels and you will see that they are completely toxic. Rule of thumb, if you can't eat it don't put it on your skin. Also, Monostat is not a natural remedy either. It is a fungicide. After a while it will not work. Your fungus will grow immune and will need stronger stuff. You can create a super fungus that can eat your skin away. Don't do it.
Sea Salt
Posted by Laura (Lbi) on 02/17/2016
★★★★★
No, you pack the salt under the nail bed.
First, clean it out as much as possible with a nice soak and scrape out any gunk under there. Then cram as much salt under the nail as you can. Use some coconut oil on your skin so the salt doesn't burn it. Repeat each day. Wash, clean out, pack with salt. Within a couple days, you will see new pink nail bed growth. It really works!
Mouthwash
Posted by Willard (Wapwallopen, PA) on 11/19/2006
★★★★★
I have been using Listerine on toe nails with good results. I tried many other things for the fungus. It is going to side 3/4 of fungus is gone now It be all gone but forget to put on every day. I would like people to try it and would like to know if it helped anyone else. Both of my big toe nails are 3/4 clear from the side not from the bottom.
Ted's Remedies
Posted by Margaret (Victoria, BC, Canada) on 09/24/2006
★★★★★
I cut nail short, soaked it in above solution for a few minutes and used small nail brush to get solution under nail* this is the important part. did this several times a day and before going to bed. lamasil didn't work and vick's only made it worse as it keep the nail moist. I've done this for 4 weeks and my ugly nail is now looking 80% better I can't believe the difference. I'll keep doing it until the new nail grows in. I did hear that soaking it in diluted bleach for a few minutes helps also. I may try that with this treatment. Thanks
Cayenne
Posted by Alice (Sierra Vista, AZ) on 12/11/2006
★★★★★
I was hoping Vince, or someone would explain the concentration of cayenne/salt/ and water. Not knowing, I made a paste where the cayenne and salt were approximately equal, and added enough water to make a paste. I pressed that beneath the nail as best as possible and rubbed it on the top. I have been using Store Brand mouthwash which is identical to Listerine, for the past 3-4 weeks. This has made a huge and fast improvement in my toenails, almost immediately. It was amazing! But I wanted to know more about the cayenne, because I have learned a remedy can be way way way better than I might have imagined! Plus I did not want to give the fungus any opportunity to become resistant to one treatment or the other.
Iodine
Posted by Jay (Rockland County, NY) on 08/24/2006
★★★★★
Iodine Tincture (2.3% solution cured 'Toenail Fungus. I whacked my infected toenails using a large hammer. In about two weeks the nails fell off and I applied iodine. When my new nails grew back, I had no more fungus.
Ted's Remedies
Posted by David (Redding, CA) on 08/24/2006
★★★★★
Over 25 years ago my big toe was injured. Fungus set in and also infected every toe on both feet. Lived with the problem way too long for 25 years. I did not want to take any prescription medications after reading the side affects!!! Then I came across this site by accident! I am so glad I found this site. Got me going and got me thinking from a different perspective.
In the summer of 2005 I started using white distilled vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. I applied with Q tips to each toe twice a day or more diligently.
First thing I noticed was the fungal smell went away! I started to notice a distinct improvement! I would make sure to cut and file my toenails and then sterilize the clippers and file as not to spread or reinfect myself or anyone else. I drank ACV twice a day. 12 oz. of water to 2 tablespoons of ACV. I cut way back on my grains and sugar in my diet as fungus loves these foods. Also don't drink alcohol and beer. You will be feeding your enemy the fungus. I also take probiotics and anti-fungals, such as a good multi vitamin, olive leaf extract, oil of oregano, and beta glucan. I took the time to study up on fungus.
My smaller four toes began to clear up completely and the big toes showed big improvement. My big toe nails were more stubborn to clear up. Then in summer of 2006 I started to soak my feet in white vinegar and peroxide for 20 to thirty minutes a day. Wow, my big toes are almost all cleared up! Once they are done then the fungus will have been defeated! But do not let your guard down. Continue with the applications and the foot soakings on not as often. I spray the inside of my shoes with Hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle and then I spray my toes during the day. The fungus has not returned to my smaller four toes. You must STARVE the fungus you have living inside your body, then you must take the anti fungals to ATTACK the fungus living in your body, then finally you must ATTACK the fungus externally with what I described above. It is working for me. I hope it works for you. The science behind this says it will from my research. Best of luck to you and best wishes. Warmest Regards
Goldenseal Extract
Posted by Kathy (Carrollton, TX) on 08/04/2006
★★★★★
I had toe nail fungus on one corner of one big toe for a few years. Over-the-counter products didn't work. I read that GOLDENSEAL EXTRACT worked, so I tried that. Used an eye dropper and also gently worked some under the nail with a metal nail file. It tended to stain the nail yellow, but it worked. I sometimes used tea tree oil too. And I'm thinking I may have tried hydrogen peroxide or vicks - can't remember right now. I think trying various of these home remedies helps. I also read that PAU D'ARC extract worked too, but I never bought it, since I got rid of the fungus without needing to try something else. Also, made sure the nail was dry before putting on socks and shoes.
Olive Oil and White Vinegar
Posted by Ellen (USA) on 07/11/2006
★★★★★
I've been using Ozonated Olive Oil & 2 drops of white distilled vinegar at the base of the toenail @ 12 hour intervals. The fungal part is growing out and there is a growing "pink" area between the half-moon and the fungal part. This has been a 30 year fungal infection and this is the most progress that I have ever seen. April through June, I was using many different remedies. But in the last 3 weeks, I have been using the 2 drops at the base of the toenail every 12 hours. This is the cheap white (clear) distilled vinegar that is 4% or 5% acetic acid. And I've been using the ozonated olive oil every 12 hours. I apply it to the toenail and then I cover the toenail with a bandaid, to keep the olive oil in place. I bought the olive oil on ebay. It is working and I am excited! I've been using prescription Thymol in an alcohol solution for over 3 years, and it hasn't done this much. Did I say that I am excited?!
Urine Therapy
Posted by Rollo (Silicon Valley, CA) on 08/05/2008
Please don't drink your urine. It is a waste product that your body is trying to get rid of. It is full of toxins. However, it is sterile, and can definitely be applied externally. The easiest way is to urinate on your nails in the shower.
Urine Therapy
Posted by Becky (New York, Ny) on 12/26/2014
Hi Tassi,
I am with you on all these remedies! They have been NAY NAY NAY all the way for the past 5 years. I've tried oregano oil (made it spread), laser (the filing part before they applied the laser spread the fungus to 3 more toes.. grrrrr), weekly bleach soaks (does keep it under control), apple cider vinegar (zip, nada) and tea tree oil (made it look worse). I am currently trying the borax protocol as I think that is the only thing that will actually work but it's going to take months. Only on my first week, but plan to do 5 days on, 2 days off for at least six months. Look into that. Would be great to have someone else in the same boat trying the protocol. Good luck!
Niacinamide
Posted by Ted (Bangkok, Thailand) on 06/19/2006 392 posts
It has been known in academic circles for sometime that vitamin B3 in the form of niacinamide (non-flushing) is relatively toxic to yeast. A scientist found several years ago and concluded (wrongly) that taking vitamin B3 niacinamide will shorten your life span or longevity, through suppressing the SIR2 silencing gene, which is responsible for longevity.
As a result of this little misinformation, people stopped taking niacinamide and candida and yeast infections skyrocketed. Now the reason for the mistake was relatively simple, the scientist was apparently doing a study on longevity on yeast cells. Apparently in higher animals, fruit flies included, the effect of adding niacinamide resulted in longer life of 15%, as well as human embryo cells.
Therefore, if you have candida, yeast infection, or possibly even a UTI (urinary tract infection), taking niacinamide between 100-500 mg/day could solve this mystery that doctors have a hard time suppressing. In fact, you can expand this idea into applying the use of niacinamide NOT NIACIN, as a means of controlling fungus, since fungus is a relatively close cousin of the yeast also.
This is interesting, since in medicine the two most hardest organism to kill is actually fungus and yeast. It is almost a death sentence if you have this and getting rid of it may mean endless nightmare. Who knows, perhaps dissolving niacinamide with vinegar will be helpful in relieving your toe nail fungus infections.
Therefore a possibility exists from the point of view of biological terrain, candida, yeast and fungus infection is a form of niacinamide deficiency.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Anti-Yeast Cream
Posted by Eric (Sequim, WA) on 06/24/2008
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
Just a heads up. I was just on Wikipedia looking at the definition of bleach and stumbled across the following. It warned that mixing common houshold bleach with vinegar can be quite hazardous.
Olive Leaf Extract
Posted by Marylynn (Louisville, Kentucky) on 04/23/2006
★★★★★
I tried olive leaf extract for overall infection in my body. About 3 months later, during a pedicure, I noticed that my toenails were perfect! I stopped taking it after a while, so finally after a long time, maybe almost a year, the fungus came back. I work in a hot, humid and dirty environment where toenail fungus is a common problem. After discovering this, I looked it up on the internet and read that it does indeed cure toenail fungus!
Iodine
Posted by Jedidah (Spring, TX) on 07/22/2008
I purchased decolorized iodine. It is clear out of the bottle but when it comes in contact with the skin it turns orange red immediately. It doesn't wash off and stays that way for days or weeks. I find that strange since the red colored iodine washes off very easily. Using it with Peroxide soaks and my skin around the nail is very dry and cracking and a little red. I'm going to keep using peroxide and not sure what else. There are so many ideas and opinions. In six weeks I have a trip to a lake resort area. Ikes!!!!!!!!!
EC: Not the colorless brand of iodine we use! It stays clear on the skin unless we've used peroxide first, in which case it does dye the skin orange for a while...
