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.
Oregano Oil
Posted by Michelle (West Palm Beach, Florida) on 03/05/2008
★★★★★
I couldn't find this one so here goes. Best for kids, as it helps whatever is causing the fever, especially virus. Two drops of Oreganol Oil, on each foot rub it in and fever will break in a matter of five (5) minutes. I have four kids and have used this on ALL of them. It has absolutely always worked.
You can rub a few drops on chest for congestion or sinus trouble too. I have used two drops behind ear (rub all around area) for curing ear infections, ear pain, etc.
You can't beat it for cuts, they will never get infected! Best for little finger cuts as they are hard to keep clean! Also cures toenail fungus, especially seriously infected ones, drop several drops around nail bed, under nail, and around affected toe, with in hours, the pain is gone! Three times a day and the toe infection will be gone in a few days. My friend 6'11" male, was about to go to the ER when I told him to try this, he could barely walk! It was easy to walk in a matter of hours and completely cured in a few days! Three times a day several drops. Epsom salt soaks help to draw out infection and help pain too.
Earth Clinic is my Favorite for everything!
Vicks
Posted by Laura (Lodi, Ca) on 03/18/2015
How or where can I get oregano juice?
Vicks
Posted by Robert (Naples, Florida) on 01/05/2008
The question of whether Vick's Vapo-Rub works on toenail fungus was the subject of a University of Michigan study about a decade ago. Their conclusion was positive; they isolated the specific ingredients that worked, and received U.S. Patent 6,361,785 (look it up to see the results of the research).
Also note that 90% of toenail fungus is caused by four dermatophytes that are the same culprits in athlete's foot and jock itch. (Therefore, to prevent re-infection, one must get the fungi everywhere -- nails, feet, & crotch. Also change towels regularly, and don't dry your feet first, then transfer the fungus to another place.)
The formula (based on the research study, (which I've adapted for a more natural cure) is:
1 part Menthol oil
1 part Thymol oil
1 part Camphor oil
1 part Lemon Eucalyptus oil
1 part Tea Tree Oil
5 parts DMSO
5 parts Aloe Vera
5 parts Rubbing Alcohol
(the oils can be bought on e-bay, DMSO in a health store)
Apply twice a day to nails and feet. I've suffered from this vexing problem for 40 years, as did my mother and grandmother. It works.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Ron (San Jose, ca) on 08/25/2007
★★★★★
There may be two prevalent forms of nail fungus so I am qualifying my comment. Nail fungus that causes delamination starting along the edge with the nail weakening substantially may be cured with Hydrogen peroxide. I needed to pry up the nail at each treatment being careful to pry up only the discolored portion. The nail began to regrow from the root. It looks good. I noticed some foaming with the initial treatments and the color was bleached a little. The healthy growth is quite clear.
Manuka Oil
Posted by Ann (Middlesbrough, UK) on 04/07/2007
★★★★★
On 9/19/2006, I wrote about my use of Manuka Oil. As 6 months have passed, I thought I should update you with my progress. I have fungus on 2 toenails, the large toenail and the middle one but both are affected differently. The large toenail was separated from the nail bed from about a third across. I would cut the hollow part off but it would always grow back in the same way. The middle nail was thick and yellow on one side. I could not cut the affected part off so would file it flat. That was basically how I dealt with it. I have been using tea tree oil and manuka oil on alternate days. Instead of using an eyedropper, I cut off the cotton buds on a Q tip resulting in a narrow plastic straw and use this as a dropper. I am pleased to report some success. The big toe nail has grown properly and is no longer separated from the nail bed. It may be a coincidence but when I ran over my foot with an airline trolley, I bruised the big toe nail quite badly but only the hollow part filled up with blood. When the bruised part grew out it was no longer separated. (I do not suggest that you hammer your nails. That would be silly.) I have not been so successful with the other nail. I had been consistently filing it down with an emery board and applying manuka oil. I know that it is a long process but find it difficult to see how progress can be recognised within a few days. I stopped filing the nail but continued with the application every day. The nail grew but grew back thickened and yellow. I am now using coconut oil, tea tree oil and manuka oil and every now and again I put a few drops of surgical spirit on it. This is war! I think that I have not made much progress with this nail because I have been wearing boots and shoes for the past 6 months. For the next 6 months, I intend to wear open toed sandals until the Autumn kicks in. I hope to update you then, meanwhile I think I shall get some lemongrass oil. It must be very satisfying to see the fungus turn black, yeah! turn black and die you fungus!
Rubbing Alcohol
Posted by Rebecca (Victoria, BC, Canada) on 03/15/2007
★★★★★
I had a severe fungal infection under my big toenail. My doctor prescribed antibiotics that I would need to take for a year (lamisil?); this drug had a risk of serious side effects and also required completely giving up drinking alcohol for a year! Before taking the antibiotic, I decided to try just applying rubbing alcohol (50% alcohol readily available and cheap at any pharmacy) twice a day.
I put the alcohol in an eye-dropper and was careful to get as much under the nail as possible; I also cleaned out dead skin if necessary. I did this twice a day, and also at any time when my feet got wet. I saw progress very soon, and the fungus was completely clear in 6 months. I did not lose the nail as had been predicted. I did not change my diet, stop drinking, or take any special supplements - just the external rubbing alcohol directly on/under the infected toenail.
Worth a try for a month; if you are diligent you will see progress and this has to be the cheapest, easiest way to handle the problem.
Iodine
Posted by Lee (Garland, Texas) on 12/26/2008
Amonia added to iodine will decolor it. It will also remove iodine stains from surfaces etc.
Alkalize
Posted by Rula (Los Angeles, California) on 06/01/2008
Hi John, I was wondering how you found out about your ph level and how to measure it, keep it in check, so forth. I have nail fungus on my big toe and am prone to candida as well. I've been trying a variety of cures for this and would like to be fungus free! Thanks, Rula
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.
Garlic
Posted by GG (Houston, TX) on 01/14/2007
★★★★★
I've cured toenail fungus with pure garlic oil, also i take it internally to kill fungus inside which the fungus does start inside plus it has so many other cures, But also I want to note that toenail and foot fungus is from your bath tub and getting pedicures and wearing items that are used, it is contagious! Just wanted to share... thanx guys love the website.
Lemongrass Essential Oil
Posted by Maddi (USA) on 12/28/2006
★★★★★
LEMONGRASS ESSENTIAL OIL CURES TOE FUNGUS. RECOMMENDED BY MY NIECE WHO IS A PODIATRIST. BETTER STILL, MIX IT WITH TEATREE OIL AND DROPPER-APPLY INSIDE THE NAIL. ALSO SCORE THE TOP OF THE NAIL WITH EMERY BOARD AND APPLY DIRECTLY TOWARDS THE BASE OF THE NAIL. THE FUNGUS GOES BLACK IN MINUTES SO IT MUST BE WORKING.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Dave (Colonia, NJ) on 11/12/2006
★★★★★
olive leaf extract and an antifungal diet cures toenail fungus. Starve the fungi! Cut the carbs and sugars. check out knowthecause.com -- much of our health problems are caused by fungus.
Iodine
Posted by Patricia (Durban, SA) on 03/28/2015
HAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Believe me I've thought of doing the same thing!! This really had me laughing out loud, thanks for that, needed a good giggle! I'm now using peroxide 10 and Aragan Secret nail oil, I'll let you know how it goes in time to come :)
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 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!
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Daisy (Elk Grove Vlg. IL)
★★★★★
My BIG toes are victims of injuries from "new" shopping carts 2 summers ago. I was wearing sandals both times. Our visiting podiatrist said that due these injuries I may have a nail fungus. But, my nails are NOT yellow. They were only bruised and the "mother cells"/half-moon seem to be helping them to grow to the "free edge." The podiatrist removed the loose nails and now the left toe "new nail" has nearly reached the "free edge." The right toe was re-injured accidentally and only has grown 1/2 way to the "free edge." My Dr. said the remedy he had in mind would be unaffordable for me. I have resorted to "peroxide" treatments and my toenails look like they are healing.
Peroxide seems to help the "mother cells" grow a new nail. I apply it once every day with a cotton ball saturated with the peroxide. Naturally it dries it out, but I do see some growth on the nail. Time will tell and I will keep in touch with the results.
I don't know if it because I have a 9 1/2 shoe size that my wonderful grand kids keep stepping/jumping on the "trying to heal" big toes of mine ..........or what. But, it certainly slows it down.
Also, my primary Dr. didn't know how to cure a "root type" ....which could be a cyst on a node on my ring finger. I used a prescribed ointment called HYDROCORTISONE CREAM USP 2.5% strength. The sac became irritated again. I use this "lightly" as directed about 3 times per day with the results that it has cured the irritation although I can still see the dried up tiny sac. The cream I use is comparable to the "off the shelf" hydrocortisone cream USP but, it has a stronger effect on the affected area.
Hope this feedback helps and you can pass it on. These are only my ways of curing and rather experimental.
Black Walnut Tincture
Posted by Dano (Ontario) on 06/25/2025
I am thinking that combining it with DMSO would make it far more effective. I have the beginnings of a toenail fungal infection. I will report back with my findings.
Milk of Magnesia
Posted by Sue (New Jersey) on 09/24/2017
★★★★★
I've used milk of magnesia (dry COMPLETELY) for skin fungal infections. Desitin works too.
Bleach
Posted by Erika (Hawaii) on 09/18/2017
My history with fungus started 6+ years ago. The infection was acute and was on the nails on both big toes. I went to a podiatrist who removed what remained of both nails and told me to use vinegar at home. At the time I was in a residential treatment facility and had no access to vinegar for the 3 months. Now the new growth about mid-way was reinvented and for the next 5 years was this tug of war with the infection. I used vinegar soaks every night for a month with hardly any improvement. I even used straight the distilled vinegar and no success. I was using bleach soaks with moderate success and stopped after the third try. Well, guess what? It seemed like the fungus built up an immunity to bleach and came back with a vengeance! That pic is what it looks like now. I am going to try the bleach but won't stop it until I know for sure it's been eradicated. I ordered colloidial silver with a high ppm number to use that am/pm. I will update my progress ( hopefully ) and include pics. Wish me luck!
Hot Springs
Posted by Anne (Glasgow) on 06/09/2017
★★★★★
I suffered from fungal nail on my big toe for over ten years.
Pain... thick nail... lifted off nail bed with thick undergrowth. Tryed many meds nothing worked
I am just back from Thailand and spend days going on trips. 2 that I went to were hot springs.
On the first trip I noticed that night that the undergrowth became soft and I was able to cut my nail
Few days later went back to hot spring and again that night undergrowth fell away
Been home a week and now looking at my toe I can't get over it ... it's looking normal again. Going to get my nails done at the salon now as I do t feel embarrassed by my big tow nail as it's no more and nail has went flat onto nail bed.
Am planning on having foot spas to keep my nails clean and soft to minimise any regrowth. Going to enjoy flashing my toes in my sandles first time in years.
Bleach
Posted by Ruralady (Illinois) on 11/23/2024 223 posts
I tried everything to cure my toe nail fungus. I finally found a tea tree oil on Amazon which states it also cures nail fungus. I had tried TTO b/f but this one seemed to work better. I got my toenail back.
Lemongrass Essential Oil
Posted by Cc (Slc, Utah ) on 02/01/2015
★☆☆☆☆
Two years ago I tried Lemongrass oil on my toe nail fungus and all it did was to make my nail color go black. It never worked. I had a black nail for months also the nail was curved due to the amount of fungus under the nail.
I finally got it to clear up by using Iodine and Castor Oil applied to the nail and over time the new nail grew in clear and the problem has not come back.
Bleach
Posted by Js (New York, Ny) on 08/03/2014
I am following up to my post in June. I am continuing to soak my foot with a bleach solution for nail fungus twice a week. 2 of the infected nails are clear (yahoo!!! ). The big toe which was the worst of the lot, looks a lot better and has grown out halfway mostly clear. The issue is that the big toe nail is very weakened from fungus, so it looks like it can get reinfected very easily. Does anyone have a supplement recommendation to strengthen nails that have been infected with nail fungus? That seems to be what is needed to prevent reinfection. Thanks!
