Toenail Fungus
Natural Remedies

Natural Nail Fungus Treatments: Effective Home Remedies

Multiple Remedies

13 User Reviews
5 star (6) 
  46%
4 star (2) 
  15%
3 star (1) 
  8%
1 star (4) 
  31%

Posted by Kitchenwitch (New York) on 06/12/2017
★★★★★

I've been reading this forum and using the curse to no avail. I realized that under my sink I now had tea tree oil, vicks, oregano oil, lugol's iodine, white iodine and coconut oil. I figured maybe if one didn't help I would bombard my nails until I used everything under my sink. I started with filing the nail down and whenever I got out of the shower I put a drop of iodine on the nail bed. Sure it turned my nail and ugly brown but I was tired of twenty yeas of fungus on each of my pinkie toenails. For the next three months, whenever I walked into the bathroom I applied and alternated between cures basting my nails up to five times a day. I also took a nail brush and used some coal tar dried scalp shampoo taking up space in my shower. Before I put on socks I applied either one of the several oils or vicks and changed my socks daily. Shock and Awe worked. I am fungus free for the first time. These natural solutions work but maybe you just haven't found the right combination.


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Kristina (Evergreen, Co) on 05/19/2016
★★★★★

I've had toenail fungus for years but was slow on the uptake. At first my last two nails on each foot grew in deformed and separated from the nailbed, growing upward. Eventually my big toenails grew in ribbed and discolored. They also began to separate from the nailbed and developed white patches. I also developed my first Ingrown nail. After a lot of research I began using tea tree oil along with alcohol, hydrogen peroxide and ACV. Two months in my nails are growing in clear and smooth!

Here's the regimen that works for me: (I keep the nails trimmed very short. I clean my tools regularly as well. ) In my morning shower I scrub my nails with a designated toothbrush and Dr. Bronners peppermint oil soap. Before I step out of the tub, I spray my toes with hydrogen peroxide. ( It comes in spray bottles at my local drug store)

Next, I swab my nails with alcohol on a cotton ball, then with ACV on a cotton ball, then I paint my nails and cuticles with a qtip and tea tree oil. I follow the same regimen at night. From other posts I've learned I've got to keep this up long after it appears the fungus is gone. I use this regimen because it's easy, cheap and I can sustain it over time. And it's working! It took only a few days for the white patches to disappear and of course the whole nail needs to grow in to see results.

I also have begun drinking lemon water to alkalize. Don't know which is helping the most but I suspect it's the tea tree oil given that's what I use the most of. These items are inexpensive and I'm grateful I didn't try medication as my friend did. Her fungus has cleared up but she's concerned about liver problems.

As an added bonus... My feet are always clean and I feel I am nurturing myself every time I take care of them.


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Kristina (Evergreen, Co) on 05/19/2016
★★★★★

I've had toenail fungus for years but was slow on the uptake. At first my last two nails on each foot grew in deformed and separated from the nailbed, growing upward. Eventually my big toenails grew in ribbed and discolored. They also began to separate from the nailbed and developed white patches. I also developed my first Ingrown nail. After a lot of research I began using tea tree oil along with alcohol, hydrogen peroxide and ACV. Two months in my nails are growing in clear and smooth!

Here's the regimen that works for me: (I keep the nails trimmed very short. I clean my tools regularly as well. ) In my morning shower I scrub my nails with a designated toothbrush and Dr. Bronners peppermint oil soap. Before I step out of the tub, I spray my toes with hydrogen peroxide. ( It comes in spray bottles at my local drug store)

Next, I swab my nails with alcohol on a cotton ball, then with ACV on a cotton ball, then I paint my nails and cuticles with a qtip and tea tree oil. I follow the same regimen at night. From other posts I've learned I've got to keep this up long after it appears the fungus is gone. I use this regimen because it's easy, cheap and I can sustain it over time. And it's working! It took only a few days for the white patches to disappear and of course the whole nail needs to grow in to see results.

I also have begun drinking lemon water to alkalize. Don't know which is helping the most but I suspect it's the tea tree oil given that's what I use the most of. These items are inexpensive and I'm grateful I didn't try medication as my friend did. Her fungus has cleared up but she's concerned about liver problems.

As an added bonus... My feet are always clean and I feel I am nurturing myself every time I take care of them.


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Sbs3915 (Louisiana) on 03/28/2016
★★★☆☆

WORKED TEMPORARILY

Hi, I've had toenail fungus for the last six years. It bothers me aesthetically, but also causes concern that I have fungus in the rest of my body causing aflatoxins.

I've tried Listerine, Vicks, Potassium Iodide, Oregano Oil, and pretty much every other common OTC "cure" including methylene blue topically and orally.

The only time my nails mostly healed I was drinking a gallon of milk a day and heavily supplementing zinc. This led to other problems such as IBS and lower libido so I stopped that regimen.

The other sensitive "cause" is once I start supplementing selenomethionine or even eating more Brazil nuts, the nails start getting more yellow and brittle.

Just looking for any other advice? Or does anyone have luck with internal pharmaceutical antifungals?

Replied by Suzy
(Indiana)
03/29/2016

I sure understand your frustration with toe nail fungus. I suffered from it for years. Raised, discolored thick and painful nails that nothing would fix until I started taking apple cider vinegar daily, a decent size shot in water in the morning and another at night. I did it for weight loss and my nails grew out beautiful. I wasn't expecting it and I wasn't taking the ACV for that reason. I had no idea it would clear up the fungus but it makes sense when you think about it. I kept the bad part of my nails cut short because they hurt if I hit my toe on something. When I realized they were growing out clean and pink, I kept them well trimmed as They grew out new. They reattached to the nail bed. I can't tell you how happy I am with this. It's the absolute only thing that worked. They are still as pretty as can be. Thank God. I hope you give it a try and stick with it. They take awhile to grow. Trash your old shoes too.


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Not More Nail Fungus! (USA) on 09/22/2012
★☆☆☆☆

I have had toenail fungus for over 10 years. Its disgusting and hurts.

Heres what I've tried: All of them keep the fungus at bay but after a few weeks do not regress the situation.
* H2O2 Foot baths - strength ranging from 3% to 12%
* vinegar foot baths
* vicks
* Lamasil toenail paint - did not work at all. Waste of money
* Oregano oil - too stinky
* tea tree oil - works but I was not consistent

I am now using listerine mixed with alcohol. Its working, but I'm at the 2-3 week stage where all the others have failed, so I'm keen to see what happens next.


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Kate (Pegram, Tennessee, Usa) on 09/22/2012

I am new to Earthclinic... I sent TED and email but have not received any answer as of yet.

I have never dealt with toenail fungus until June 22, 2012. I have checked both with comments here at Earth Clinic and all over the web looking for someone who has experienced a severe fungal toenail that is detaching from the nail bed... I have been to two podiatrists. The second one cut down the loose part of the fungal nail and told me to keep using my routine which has been apple cider vinegar. He said removing the nail was not a good idea because I don't have great circulation in my foot and there's a big possibilility that the toe would not heal and would get gangrenous.

So I have done as he said... I am to visit his office every two months.

I noticed the fungus growing out from under the base of what's left of the old nail as well as on the left side of nail. It seemed loose so I pulled the fungus away which detached the old toenail from the bottom. I already had space behind the old toenail where the fungus had died (I guess). I noticed liguid white discharge on my skin where podiatrist had trimmed toenail.... And also under my now almost detached toenail. I very carefully scooped it out and off with a sterilized toenail clipper (the file part) I was afraid to use anything else for fear of bacterial infection.

Now the area is still filled but the white discharge has turned brown. The fungus has attached my skin so severely that I do not put vinegar on everyday. I do soak my foot in plain water for about 20 mins, then dry thoroughly. I wear opened toe slides constantly so toes get plenty of air. I cover my bad toes with a thin sterilized, clean cotton handkerchief material. I don't want any bacteria to get into my toe.

So far before going to podiatrist, I have used Vick's, hydrogen peroxide and water, and vinegar from the grocery store. I read about DMSO, pharmacy grade . I am going to mix it with 50 % distilled water and apply it to toenail area after I have applied coconut oil. I don't think my skin can take anything stronger right now. My skin is still red, some swelling, sore and very, very tender... I could not wear shoes with toes in if I had to.

My question... after my nail was cut a clear water discharge came out from behind my nail, then after a week or so and vinegar soak the clear went to a white milky looking discharge which has now turned brown and seems to be serving as a scab of sorts, it's brown so I assume that it's fungus growing still.

Since there seems to be no real cure... I am desperately wanting to just eliminate the tender soreness and swelling. I hope this DMSO if used properly does not make my toe worse. I had blood work done. The fungal infection is not in my bloodstream... The podiatrist side it was a skin fungal infection. For now he did not want to remove nail as I said... For fear it will not heal. I do not have diabetes. I control blood sugar with my diet.

Does anyone have any comments?? I am worried, my mother lost her leg from a caregiver cutting a toenail too short.... so I know how easily this can become life threatening. All comments or help appreciated.

Thanks, Kate

Replied by Jay Mango
(Germantown, Ohio, USA)
09/23/2012

tea tree oil will kill toenail fungus you can buy it at walmart for pretty reasonable or at a health food store. Good luck

Replied by Kate
(Raleigh, Nc, United States)
09/23/2012
6 posts

Kate: If the tea tree oil remedy that was offered by Jay doesn't work, you may want to try a borax solution. I dissolve one teaspoon of borax in 3oz of hot tap water and pour it into a 3oz spray bottle that I purchased from [a] Beauty Supply [shop]. I spray my feet with this borax solution and rub it in. So far, it seems to help the small patch of athlete's foot fungus on my left foot. It may help your toenail fungus. I've been doing this for about ten days as of 09/23/12. I think it takes a while to completely heal. You may want to read the entries for the borax remedy on EarthClinic. Good luck. Your condition sounds very distressing.


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Irelandseyes (Topeka, Ks, Usa) on 01/27/2012

Hello everyone! I've been reading a lot of the posts regarding nail fungus, and I too have struggled. I never ever had a problem with my nails until I was in college living in a dorm and sharing community showers with about 50 other girls. Before that time my nails were strong, clear, pink and healthy. I had gorgeous nails and people would even tell me how beautiful my nails always were. Well.... It all started when I was 21 (I'm now 39) and I will tell you that you can aquire an isolated fungal infection apart from anything systemic going on in the body, and it can spread from that one nail to the others. Mine did not spread UNTIL I began having my nails professionally done just about a year or so ago. Then I began to see other toes and even fingers showing signs. That's when I declared war.

I would like to add that I am an RN. I've been practicing since 2005. I have an extensive background. And before I was a nurse I also struggled with systemic candida (I was 28 at the time) and that is an entirely different story. But I will say that during the time I was treated for the Candida my nail fungus did not improve in that one respective toe. I was treated with naturopathic herbal remedies such as colloidal silver, peppermint, numerous tinctures of essential oils, organic diet, Vit C and a plethora of natural flora. With this I experienced an explosive and lifechanging breatkthrough in my general health and my other nails did improve that were not already affected. Oh, but that toe! Oh my goodness...

I am so grateful to have found the posts from people who have been as desperate as I am to find help for this. I plan to try the vinegar and Vicks. I think that would be the safest. I will say that bleach, although it may be effective, can and will absorb into the system through the skin and kill natural flora in the body. That is precisely what you want to avoid. Bleach is very caustic. It is hard on the lungs when breathing the fumes and it can have potentially toxic and even fatal reactions with other substances. Please, please avoid bleach. There are so many other options.

However, as a nurse, and with my experience there are eight key things I would like to share with about preventing the spread of the nail fungus you already have and things you can do to aid your fight, which you may not have thought about.

#1. PETS and SHOES!!! First lets talk about pets. Pets (especially those who roam outside) bring all kinds of microorganisms into your home. If you are healthy and your immune system is strong, you generally don't need to worry. But if you have carpet, I promise you these microogranisms are hiding and reproducing there. If you are currently treating nail fungus and are walking barefoot on an infected carpet then beware, because you could be potentially reinfected. Here's what I would suggest to those of you who have pets OR are living in an apartment or other home where previous residents have lived (because you never know the lifestyle of the tenant before you). Keep in mind that you need to keep your floors clean. If you or your leasing agent can afford to change out your carpet then by all means do so. If you cannot, at least have it cleaned properly. I would recommend doing this in the warmer months such as Spring and Fall when it can dry completely and easily, and I recommend doing it often (twice a year). I don't believe Winter time is the best time to do this because it cannot dry as easily or quickly. Okay, so case and point -- keep your pets clean, keep your carpet clean, and don't roam barefoot. As for shoes... You drag plenty of microorganisms into your home as well. Wear sandals or socks to protect your feet, even when you're in the house. Have a pair of house flip flops you can scuttle around in. And if that doesn't suit you, then clean cotton socks are perfectly acceptable because you're feet will still be able to breathe. Personally, I try to NEVER wear my shoes inside my house. I keep that minimal, because when you wear shoes in your home you WILL inevitably track in organisms (including fungal spores) that can hide in your carpet.

#2. Enough cannot be said for good hygiene and housekeeping. Keeping your bathroom clean is a MUST. Carpeting in a bathroom is a recipe for fungus. Good grief, there is no worse combination. The resident moisture in any bathroom is enough to breed fungus. And even if you have tile, any bathmats used need to be washed routinely, at least every week if not more, depending on the traffic in your bath. Towels need to be hung up to dry, washcloths need to be wrung out, and wet surfaces need to be wiped down. Keep your bathroom ventilated. Keep it clean. Whether your shower or bathe, you need to be diligent in cleaning up after yourself and wiping things down the best you can. I suggest using a natual peppermint mist when you're done. I mix peppermint essential oil with a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid. It does wonders. That peppermint will halt the growth of any bacteria or fungus and your bathroom will smell fresh and clean. Get into a good habit, be diligent with it, and it will work for you. Develop a routine cleaning schedule for your bathroom!

#3. Do not ever use the same manicuring set on your hands that you use on your feet. EVER! I am convinced this is why I saw problems once I had my nails professionally done. I just spread. And once you've manicured your feet, place your manicuring tools in a clorox soak overnight. Not many of us have any home sterilization/decontamination other than a reliable dishwasher--and for God's sake that's the last place you want your tools to be! Use nail files that are made of metal, stone or glass. Do not use files that cannot be soaked or cleaned, because they harbor fine dust from your nails that is full of the infection you are trying to eradicate. Such files that are made of wood or sandpaper are meant for a one time use and need to be thrown away. If you do a lot of filing, clean up the dust and wear a mask if you think you might be breathing it in. However, excessive filing is really not necessary. I suggest a once-over and that should be sufficient for most to create a nail that will soak/absorb treatments.

#4. Washing your feet. I truly believe this fungus we deal with is such a huge issue because we fail to wash our feet frequently enough, and we fail to do it properly. We touch things all day long with our hands, right? But we get dirty and we wash them! If we are civilized at all, we're always washing them. But our feet? Not so much. We walk around all day long, even barefoot, and neglect to wash our feet. If you are one to roam barefoot, then perhaps this is something to consider. Simply practice good foot hygiene!

#5. Keep toenails trimmed. The longer the toenail is, the more it can harbor. Honestly, long toenails pack it in! We've all seen sock fuzz. We've all seen toe jam. We've all seen it! But if you leave toenails long, then all of that natural oil, dead skin, dirt and fuzz gives a breeding ground for fungus. Long toe nails are a big no-no!

#6. Use an antifungal powder when wearing socks. Most are cheap and it works for me at warding off other types of fungus such as athlete's foot, etc.

# 7. Enough cannot be said for a healthy diet. Believe me, I know. I was dying from a systemic Candidiasis infection that was literally decomposing me from the inside out. My organs were shutting down. I was at death's door before I found help. And I want you all to know that modern medicine didn't save me. I was too far gone. My MD told me I needed natural medicine because anything they were going to prescribe would have finished me off. I simply could not metabolize it safely. And as you all know, those antifungal medications are extremely hazardous. They DO damage to vital organs! I found an ND (Naturopathic Doctor) and with God's help, I turned around. It was a three year journey, but by the time it was over I was a radiant, glowing picture of health. And I am not exaggerating. I had compeletely rebuilt my body through painstaking regimen of herbs, hydration, organic diet, deep detox cleansing... It goes on an on. I am truly a miracle. Even my doctor couldn't believe it. And I can tell you that I am not the same. I have learned the value in investing in your body. We invest in all kinds of things --houses, careers, cars, education. But come on people, why aren't we investing in our health?! Isn't it amazing that we miss that? We have so misplaced our values. Here's the hard core truth: living healthy cells create living healthy cells. Period. You don't get them any other way. If you are eating junk, that is all your body has to work with. And when I say junk, I am talking about processed, canned, dead food that has no nutritive value. It may give you calories (energy), but there are no viable nutrients. If you eat like this then the results you will get in maintaining your health and creating your health will be fleeting and minimal. And you are setting up shop for disease. I encourage EVERYONE to please, please, PLEASE respect your body. Invest in it. If you invest in anything, invest in your health. Invest in your body. It is the only one you have. If you will take the time and resources you have to pay your dues and eat right, get adequate rest/sleep, fresh air, sunlight and exercise -- you will be glad you did. This is not rocket science. Eat well! Healthy living whole foods that provide you nutrient-rich energy are not hard to find. You need green food! At least one salad a day as a rule of thumb. They are quick easy fixes! Change it up! Lean meats, whole grains, fresh fruits, veggies, and yes, dairy (yogurt and buttermilk are FULL of awesome flora). Go buy a cookbook. Develop a menu for your palate (personal taste) that is healthy. Determine a budget. If you invest in anything, invest in your health--your body. And you will live a better life. Here is the rundown. Please take a look...

Living Healthy Food will contain the following 7 core components:

1. Kilocalories: the energy provided in food comes from three sources which are in all foods in varying ratios regardless of their origin:

--Carbs (sugars) 4 kcal

--Proteins (amino acids) 4 kcal: proteins are subject to heat. Their structure changes when they are denatured.

--Fats (lipids) 9 kcal

2. Water: all food, even if it is dry, has a resident amount of natural moisture inherent within it, even it if is not readily detected.

3. Microminerals/Macrominerals: these are readily stable in the presence of heat and light).

4. Water soluble and Fat soluble Vitamins: these are destroyed with heat and light.

5. Enzymes: these are the lovely little guys that help you ABSORB your nutrition and break down your food. You cannot obtain health from any food you cannot break down or absorb. Enzymes are inherent within living whole foods. They are destroyed with heat.

6. Fiber: soluble and insoluble. It's in every whole food. Fiber is destroyed the longer you cook something. It is indeed subject to heat.

7. Flora: Last but certainly not least! These are your very, very, very best friends. They come in all kinds of strains and actually account for approximately 80% of your immunity. They fight for you in ways you cannot imagine! They work synergystically and produce oxygen in the body through a production of a type of hydrogen peroxide which wards off fungus! Wow! All natural whole foods will contain flora (or should contain flora). Some contain more than others if they are organic, because pesticides will kill flora. If they kill bugs--they kill flora. So try to eat organic if possible. If you want to incorporate flora rich foods you can focus on supplementing with yogurt, buttermilk, natural sour cream, and a variety of cheeses. Not all cheeses are made with mold. Yes, heat and light destroy these friendly and lifesaving flora. If you do not like yogurt, buttermilk or cheese you can purchase flora in capsules, tablets or powder. Make sure the strains are DDS-I, so they can SURVIVE STOMACH ACID! Yea!

As you can see, dead, processed, canned food does not have all the necessary components to create living healthy cells in you. And we wonder why there is so much disease. We take processed, canned, previously cooked food and cook it again! Now, we all need to cook. But when you do cook, use low heat, and methods such as blanching or steaming that preserve nutrients as much as possible. Do not ever overcook your foods.

#8. Hydration and Alkalizing fluids and foods. Drink plenty of water and get lots of Vitamin C. Water should be your closest ally. It is the miracle worker! It is the fundamental fluid of every living thing. Your body is made of water, and it cannot cleanse without it! Water is the only fluid your body readily recognizes and can utilize to remove wastes and hydrate vital organs, joints and skin. When we don't drink water, we fail to "bathe" internally. We become cesspools. Cellular wastes, debris, and toxins build up in our cells, tissues, and organs which can cause disease. Fluid should be alkalizing to the body. It should bring moisture, rehydration, cleansing, and establish a pH balance that your cells can thrive and reproduce in. Water is by far the best, but other wonderful fluids are coconut milk, almond milk, natrual fruit juices that are high in Vitamin C. Any green food will create an alkaline environment. Now please understand (those of you who know chemistry will know this), Vitamin C is ascorbic acid, but when it comes in contact with your body, it turns alkaline instantly. Your body uses Vitamin C like a car guzzles gasoline. It's potentcy is very shot lived, so you need a lot of it throughout the day, especially if you are stressed or healing. The more you feed your body Vitamin C, the healthier your cells will be. Berries of every kind are WONDERFUL! Grapefruit is excellent as well --very rich in Vitamin C. Bananas are great. Now they are full of potassium, but they are also an alkaline forming food. Limes and lemons are awesome avengers! Add their juice to your water, smoothies, etc. Vitamin C helps carry oxygen and it is wonderful for cellular health. And that is really where health begins -- at the cellular level. If you can provide what your body needs to create living healthy cells, then you will live as a healthy person. So with that being said, drink, drink, drink! By the way, Vitamin C is destroyed in sunlight and excessive heat. So keep any Vit C supplements in the fridge and store Vit C rich foods away from direct sunlight. This is why citrus fruits have such a thick skin. It protects their Vit C content.

For those of you who have taken time to read this, I pray it truly helps you. Perhaps you can made some changes or adjustments. Just remember to look beyond your infected nail and realize that there are other factors contributing to your health (or the lack of it), your success in treating this infection, and possible reinfection. The old addage is true, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"! Be diligent, invest wisely where it really does count, and you will see positive lasting results.

One last thing... I hate to burst anyone's bubble, but plantar warts are a VIRUS. They are not fungal. Treating them with fungal medication/remedies will not cure them. This virus circulates in the bloodstream; it can pop up anywhere on the body creating a wart, and they are CONTAGIOUS, just like any other virus. The only way to deal with plantar warts are to have them cut out (surgically removed). They bury deep beyond the dermis of the skin, and are painful. Surgery is many times necessary and is not always lasting. So please keep this in mind if you are struggling with plantar's warts. So sorry for this bad news, but to treat these properly a physician is a must. Even still, keep in mind the aforementioned, and I believe it will help you in your fight.

Blessings to all!

E.

Replied by Debbie
(Melbourne, Australia)
01/28/2012

You have obviously gone to a lot of trouble with your post but I can't agree with some of what you are saying. I cured my toe nail fungus (which had spread to more than one toe) by just drinking the ACV a couple of times a day. I had had the problem for quite a few years. As the nail grew out so did the fungus and I just kept cutting it. Three months later it was pretty much cleared up. There is no need for me now to wash my feet differently or be careful with this or that, my body is healthy. The fungus will only be a problem if the body is not healthy. I heard a great saying once... "you can't fish in dirt". It is the same with our bodies, disease and sick only occur if the body is in a state that allows it to. The same with your immune system. Everyone around you can be sick but if your immune system is strong you won't get sick.

As for plantar warts Edgar Cayce (per the link below) had a great remedy for them without having to resort to cutting them out.

http://wartcure99.blogspot.com/2010/04/edgar-cayce-wart-remedy_17.html

Replied by Courtney
(Granite Bay, Ca)
01/28/2012

I beg to differ. Surgery is not the only alternative.

After trying countless conventional methods over the span of three decades, I was finally able to get rid of my plantar wart for good by using the duct tape method. It took patience and diligence, but it worked!

I suffered with every step I took for ages, and have been free of that pain (and the wart) for almost a year now.

Replied by Lisa
(Jacksonville, Fl)
01/29/2012

Thank you for this post; I have enjoyed reading. I have struggled with candida for the past (nearly) 3 years. After 18 months on a diet free of yeast, sugar, cheese, white flour and fruit, I have made a tremendous recovery. I suffered from taking antifungals - 4 months of colitis. You are right -we invest in so much junk, but not our health!

Replied by Stephanie
(Hari Hari, New Zealand)
02/04/2012

Hi, I used straight/neat good quality tea tree oil and massaged affected nails over 3 days. Nails now growing normal again and no recurrence or spread to other nails.


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Megny (Miami, Fl) on 08/27/2011
★★★★★

I had an issue with nail fungus for several years - hid it with nail polish until it finally got really bad. 5 of my toes were infected, and the worst was my big toe, which had separated from the nail bed and had debris under it. It's been about a month, and I'm noticing improvements in all my toes, especially the big toe - it's growing in clear and healthy, and the new growth is attached to the nail bed! Here is what I did:

1: After showering, I would dry my feet REALLY well with a paper towel and hair dryer - using your towel can spread the fungus.

2: I shower in the morning before work, so once my feet were dry I would put straight tea tree oil on all the nails. The big toe looked really bad, so I put a bandaid over that one, since I wear sandals pretty much year-round. I have some light-colored antifungal nail polish (there are several brands out there, I bought mine on Amazon) that I put on the toes that weren't as bad, since I NEVER wear socks and am a little vain about my feet :-)

3: Anytime I was home I made sure I was barefoot with nothing covering my toes. If I was working out and wearing socks, I made sure I wore a clean pair each time that were made of a moisture-wicking material - your feet need to breathe!

4: Every night I'd soak my feet in a 50/50 mixture of Apple Cider Vinegar and water. Make sure it's at LEAST 50% ACV. It will turn your toenails a sort of yellowish color, be forewarned. Soak them for a minimum of 30 minutes, if you can do more that's best.

5: before bed, when my feet were totally dry I'd put tea tree oil on all my toes and let it soak in. I didn't want to get the oil on my sheets so i'd usually put a pair of (clean! ) socks on once it had soaked in a bit.

I am totally sick of the smell of tea tree oil and ACV, but the remedy is working! It's slow going because the toenails grow so slowly, but if you stick with it and are consistent, you will see results. It's important to let your feet breathe and be exposed to air as much as possible, and also to keep your shower, nail clippers, etc. disinfected.


Multiple Remedies
Posted by K4thl33n (Wilts, England) on 02/14/2011
★★★★☆

I have been using Iodine Tincture for athletes foot, a toe nail infection as well as ezcema on my foot. Since using this tincture (2 months) I have noticed a major improvement in the condition of my feet. The toe nail is repairing itself nicely, the ezcema has almost disappeared and as for the athletes foot, I no longer suffer this ailment.

I am also using magnesium oil twice daily and taking selenium tablets 200mg a day, so between the 3 minerals I seem to be getting back to a healthier body. I am also taking Iodoral twice a day which has improved my energy levels as well as the texture of my hair. All in all Iodine is the missing link to what should be good health but is actually being denied because of ignorance and misunderstanding of its multiple properties and benefits.

On top of this I am also in the process of introducing 100% seaweed supplementation for my garden and allotment as it has been seen to improve growth and health all round. I also wonder if the lack of iodine, selenium, magnesium and other trace minerals is also causing the demise of Birds, Bees and Butterflies as well as many other species who all share our one biological factor - a THYROID GLAND!

Replied by Camilla
(Istanbul, Turkey)
02/15/2011

For athletes foot or any other fungi, try bikarbonate of soda. Look it up on Earth Clinic. Take it with maple suryp or honey, you will find lots of different 'recipes' on E.C. A friend of mine resently started taking karbonat of soda and flared up really badly on her feet. She didn't even know she had a fungi in her body. This is normal. It might get a little worse before it gets better. You can also do footbaths with BS.


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Julie (St. Joseph, Michigan) on 08/26/2010
★★★★☆

Severe fungus infection. Read all the comments here and yes, tried most of them. Started as blisters near two nails. Went to doctor, whom gave me 10 pills, that left me with not only chest pains, but tunnel vision, breathless, and, I think some allergic reaction. Doctor also gave me some prescription salve that burned the badooties out of my hands, they swelled up like something hitting them with blow torch, and the fungus spread down my arms, legs, feet stomach, This drug left me with continual hives for weeks.. In extreme agony, I went to different doctor who prescribed just taking benedryl, and staying away from any form of water, soap. His last words, do not get wet. After a week of agony, as my skin literally fell off my hands in thick cutting skin cutting the tender flesh underneath. I got a suntan, have not done this in decades, but, was so much less pain in the sun. After two weeks, eating yogurt and staying away from sugar, and yeast flour rice and carbs. Taking tons of Vitamin b's, calcium with D, Green tea. I can see it healing, Thank to the Lord above. I am writing this, just in case someone else out there finds themselves in the same predicament. This last doctor told me of many cases he has seen because of the perfect storm.

Two months prior, I was taking an antibiotic, then purchased some antiviral dish soap and antiviral hand soap. Hot baths and reaction to the fungus drug that messed up my liver. Mind you not only did I get rid of the fungus, but, old age spots, a spider bite on my leg finally healed, three moles disappeared, and, I look now at the fact that medicine is not a cure but a cause. Beware of cleansers, and getting too much sanitation in your life. Kills the good bacteria that protects the skin. I had to restore the good bacteria in my body on it's own. Hope this helps someone else. Fungus lives on sugar and water.


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Michele (Orlando, Fl) on 09/13/2009
★☆☆☆☆

I have read all the posts and am trying to rid my fingernails (both thumbs and index fingers) of long term fungal infection. I have used all over the counter remedies, been to my dermatologist who prescribed oral terbinafine for 6 months, which helped a little, but it stopped working when the Dr. stopped the oral med due to possible liver side effects. I make every effort to keep nails clean and dry, trimmed back to apply the topical remedies and still I have off white discolored sections from the end of the nail in half moon shapes toward the matrix of the nail. I clean out the nails with sterile tools but cannot seem to find a cure. Will the Vicks treatment work on fingernails? I read most people had success with toe nails. How do I treat the nails during the work day where I am in an office environment? Help!

Replied by Joyce
(Joelton, Tn)
09/14/2009
495 posts

Hi Michele,

Have your tried painting with iodine at nail bed and I would also try putting some underneath the nail end where it joins the finger. Once daily should do it and once you get those nails back in shape, don't be putting any nail polish on your healthy nails, not even the clear, strengthening type. Potassium iodide (SSKI or Lugol's solution will also work.


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Noelle (Minneapolis, Minnesota) on 09/06/2009
★☆☆☆☆

Hope someone can help me out. Since June I've been using one of Ted's remedies for toenail fungus: H202 ACV, let that dry, then Chlorox mixed one cap in 5 oz of water, let dry, then Tea Tree Oil, cover with socks. I already tried 1) Listerine, 2)Listerine & Vinegar, 3) Vicks 4) Tea Tree Oil. I started having some success only after I switched to spraying my toes with 3% H202 and distilled vinegar and upped the amount of Tea Tree oil in my vaseline to more than 50%. As I kept adding more Tea Tree oil, the nails looked better & better. Chlorox got the black streaks out of my toenails. When I occasionally bathe, shower or soak in Borax, the skin around the toes would come off in little sheets with nice new skin underneath. I had a nice line of demarcation where clear white nail was growing in.

But I noticed slight peeling of the skin around the toes when I sprayed the H202 mix.

Well, I suspect I may have made the tea tree solution too strong, because within a couple of days of upping Tea Tree/Vaseline mix, I noticed some painful tiny bubbles around the cuticle of the first & 2nd toes of the right foot. I applied the tea tree oil the next night & morning after spraying my toes and it got worse. I stopped all treatment for a week and did not wear socks to bed, waiting for what I thought was an irritation to cool down. Since I did not want to lose the progress I made, after a week I started using the H202 Vinegar and the tea tree combo again on the left foot only. The skin got irritated and itchy, but the only thing that would stop the itch was the tea tree oil. By this past Tuesday, I was waking up at 3am with the 1st two toes on each foot itching & burning. On Wednesday, I showed my chiropractor the feet to check if any medication I was taking could be causing this; she said she thought it was unrelated, but said when bubbles appear on the toes it was fungus migrating from other parts of the body.

By Thursday morning, I had many more bubbles on my left foot. I went to the movies Thursday afternoon and the foot was driving me crazy -- itchy and tender. When I got home I had a large blister between my 3rd & 4th toes, which I soaked in Espom Salts & Borax, which popped it. I covered the small crater with Aloe & Calendula gel & went to bed. I stayed in on Friday, applied Aloe, which seemed to cool it down. I applied Aloe before I went to work on Saturday morning. By 11 am I could feel lots of tiny blisters forming. When I got home there were lots of tiny blisters on the 1st & 2nd toes of the left foot. I soaked foot in sea salt, which soothed, and applied Aloe, which also soothed. I went out again; when I got home at 8:00pm I had a huge blister between the big toe & 2nd toe. I swear, it looked like a small condom! I soaked it Epsom Salt & Borax, but it would not drain.

I got up this morning, applied salt directly on the blister for 20 minutes, washed it off, bandaged it with Turmeric & Neosporin, then got dressed for church. As I was leaving the blister burst. The skin inside the blister was full of these little bubbles! As of this moment the first two toes are covered with these blisters and there are three more of the big honkers forming as we speak (one on the second toe, two on the big toe.) By the way, I am chugging Turmeric/Cayenne/Pepper/Coconut Oil in V8, and ACV & baking soda, like there's been a run on the market and I can't get any more! I'm also downing Garlic & Olive Leaf. I've lost all the progress I made over the past three months. The big toenail is now yellow and flaky, the toe itself is misshapen from the blisters/infection, and second toe is darkening again.

And all of this happened on my vacation!!! Does anyone have any suggestions? How do I get rid of this? Or at least get this under control. I go back to work on Tuesday; we're not allowed to wear open toed shoes!

Replied by Dora
(Volente, Texas)
09/10/2009

soak your toes in peroxide, fill a bowl up and soak your toes in it.

Replied by Iris
(Raleigh, Nc)
09/08/2011

Sounds like you might be allergic to the Tea Tree Oil. A couple of years ago, I tried it for fungus on both big toes, and after a few months, I was sure it was working. The fungus part of the nail was moving further out and healthy nail was replacing it. Then, my toes started itching and had blisters all around the toenails. Went to the dermatologist, who said to stop the Tea Tree Oil. It took weeks for my toes to stop itching and heal. After that, the fungus came back with a vengeance. A few weeks ago, I noticed nail fungus on one fingernail and tried Tea Tree Oil for one day. Once again, I broke out in itchy blisters all around the nail. So it's confirmed, no more Tea Tree Oil. It was the only thing I've tried that has ever worked on the fungus, but it's not worth the blisters! Be careful!

Replied by Diamonds And Solitaire
(London)
11/01/2014

You might have some sort of defficiency. If you don't eat lots of meat then it could be B6 and B12 defficiency. I would not suggest eating meat but up your B6 and B12 levels through supplements. Check your zinc, magnesium, vitamin D levels. 70% population is defficient in Vitamin D. I would suggest having juice of green leafy vegetables everyday. Dino


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Janneil (Tunapuna, Trinidad And Tobago) on 08/19/2009
★☆☆☆☆

well my case is defintley one of desperation, i believe it started off with me hitting my toe [big toe]it had swollen up and after a few days it came back to normal then, after a few weeks this little end of dicoloured nail appeared i took no heed to it and 5-6months later i still have it but it has nearly taken over half my nail it is yellowish white my nails always tend to go extremely fast so it keeps growing out pinkish but gets reinfected as the fungus travels down to the new nail. my remidies were boric acid and vaseline,then 2nail fungus removers one which was fungi cure this one worked a little but the fungus is still here and constantly for 2months now teat ree oil, it absoulutly did nothing ,it has been so difficult for me i dont ever wear nail polish but just to hide it i started, my mom told me to stop it because it may make it worse so today it was confirmed that it does make it worse.i will now try some of your methods the clorox tea tree oil thing and see what happens then i will try the ACV the results seem promising i will also keep the site of my updates, thank you

Replied by Misty
(Choctaw, Ok)
08/19/2009

I read that olive leaf extract cured toenail fungus. My mom is taking it for the same thing because the prescription medicine doesn't seem to be working. It's too early to say if it is working, but it's worth a shot.


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Sally (Toronto, ON) on 04/19/2009

My BF who has been neglecting the toe nail fungus for a couple of years has finally come to the realization that it's not only affecting his toes but possibly his health as well. I read all the posts of others' experiences then went to the natural health store. After a lengthy discussion with the store assistant (who had experienced a mild case of toe nail fungus herself), I bought the following based on her recommendation and the posts I read. My BF started the treatment yesterday:

Probiotics - 1 capsule 2 x/day with meals to re-balance the body's intestinal flora
silica gel - 1 Tbsp per day to strengthen the new nails to come (BF has v. brittle, thin nails)
ACV - sipping approx 2 tsp in 1 lg glass water 3x per day

I have also told BF he needs to cut out the sugars, acidic foods as much as possible. Our diet is pretty healthy, but with the fungus, I think it wouldn't hurt to be more mindful.
----------
Soak feet 2x per day (morning and night) in hot water bath for 10 mins and wash w/ natural anti-bacterial soap. Dry feet and apply cotton pad soaked w/ 50/50 ACV & hydrogen peroxide. Remove after 15 mins. and apply iodine drops and then neem oil (I was told it's stronger than tea tree). We're going to change the procedure in the evening and tape a cotton soaked pad w/ the 50/50 ACV & hydrogen peroxide on the toes overnight.

There was no pinching or fizzing the first night the ACV/hydrogen peroxide was applied as a few people mentioned in their posts.

The ACV used was not _____'s but an unpasteurized, unfiltered one from a local Ontario apple orchard.

Will report back on the results in a week.

Replied by Malcolm
(Chapel Hill , North Carolina)
01/04/2011

Did you get results? Would like to know what happened.


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Robert (Naples, Florida) on 01/05/2008
★★★★★

The question of whether Vicks 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.

Replied by Ellen
(Redwood Shores, CA)
01/06/2008

To Robert: Were you successful in fully eradicating the toenail fungus? Btw, it was Michigan State University's patent, not University of Michigan. I did look it up and skimmed the Doctorese. I was familiar with the Meijer's Chest rub study. Thanks for providing this information!

Replied by Robert
(Naples, Florida)
01/20/2008
★★★★★

Robert's Fungus Saga - Vicks Update

Part One: Feet

Q. Do the ingredients (camphor, eucalyptus, thymol, menthol) work?

A. I've applied the solution on my nails as well as to my entire foot to get rid of all the fungus that might eventually cause a reoccurrence. The results were obvious after 4-5 days: first, the athlete's foot symptoms between my toes rapidly got better and were healed in about a week. Then, at the seven-day point lots of skin started sloughing off all over my feet where the fungus was obviously in hiding -- including the heal callus. I was surprised to see so much sloughing of the skin around the base, sides and top of the toe nails -- this area apparently had been deeply affected by the fungus, but just looked like tough skin that I had become accustomed to expect. Within 2-3 weeks the unaffected new toe nails could be seen at the cuticle. Now, several months later, there is a clear line of demarcation between the old fungal nail, and the new clear nail. I expect that it will be 3-4 more months before all the old nail has grown out and gone.

Q. Is the formulation the right one?

A. After much research and playing kitchen chemist, I learned that coconut oil is a good anti-fungal as well as a great emollient. DMSO doesn't need to be at 25% concentration. 10-15% is sufficient. Oregano Oil is composed of Thymol and University of Western Australia research proved tea tree oil's anti-fungal capability, so I added it as well. The essential oil amounts are at least or a little more than what bio-chemists call the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). The formulation I like and use now is:

Revised Formula
1 part Menthol oil
1 part Thymol oil or Oregano oil
1 part Camphor oil
1 part Lemon Eucalyptus oil
2 parts Tea Tree Oil
2 parts DMSO
12 parts Virgin Coconut Oil

There is probably a synergistic (i.e. harmonious working together) effect of anti-fungal herbs, which has been demonstrated in several studies. In one test of ten plant species whose oils were anti-fungal, researchers noted that "combinations of the anti-fungal essential oils increased their activity remarkably." In a similar study, researchers stated that "in all the oil combinations, the anti-fungal potency was found to increase over individual oils."

Part Two: Adult "Acne"

This is where the "saga" starts to get interesting. After my adolescent acne should have cleared up 35 years ago, it got slowly worse. All over the bearded part of my face, what appeared to be sacs of hardened oil under the surface of the skin had been forming nodules. These didn't get infected,' each just grew larger. Over the years I've seen dermatologists who said, because of my otherwise great health, "you're just a middle aged adolescent," blaming it on high testosterone, etc. The apparent acne problem continued and worsened.

I've seen doctors, dermatologists, pharmacists, herbalists, laser specialists, and spiritual healers. I've bought every acne ointment known to man. I took pills, vitamins, and herbs. I changed diet. I get plenty of exercise. Nothing worked. I had extensive surgery to correct the problem three years ago, and within 18 months it looked just as bad as before. As a public speaker and author in my profession, the skin condition was emotionally upsetting and stressful.
Having conquered toe nails, I started researching down the path that maybe the acne was caused by a fungus (although the symptoms didn't look like my feet). Was I surprised when I found:

" Tinea barbae is a superficial dermatophyte infection that is limited to the bearded areas of the face and neck and occurs almost exclusively in older adolescent and adult males. Symptoms include inflammatory, deep, kerion-like plaques and noninflammatory superficial patches and lumps resembling bacterial folliculitis. The hair breaks off below the skin surface. It is caused by several dermatophytes. Trichophyton species are most common. Infection of bearded skin may be the result of autoinoculation from tinea pedis or onychomycosis."

In other words, the mess on my face that had caused me so much grief and been misdiagnosed for decades was caused by the same fungus that gave my feet a problem. Apparently the dermatophytes enter the hair follicle (nails and hair are similar biological structures), then attack the sebaceous gland, feeding off the body oil; then the body's immune system reacts with scaring and hardening the facial oil, leaving an oil nodule. The dermatophytes then migrate to the next follicle, and eventually dozens of affected follicles link as a nodule the size of a pea.

Now it became obvious what had happened: The athlete's foot I got as a teenager went to my toe nails, and, because I was ignorant of the relationship of using a towel on my face that might have been used on my feet or crotch, the fungus got transferred.

Not a single dermatologist who examined my face ever bothered to ask the question: "Do you have toe nail fungus or athlete's foot!"

Using the same solution on my facial outbreaks as on my toe nails (the revised formula with coconut oil), the facial condition is clearing up. Just like with my feet, skin is sloughing off and the nodules are beginning to eject. This is the best result I've seen in years. I expect it will take a few months for the problem to be cured, as the fungus is down below the level of the base of the hair follicle in the sebaceous gland.

Part Three: Chronic Sinusitis

For the last 15 years I've had chronic sinusitis, post nasal drip, clogged nose, etc. I was constantly clearing my throat, and sometimes coughing. I snored a lot, which my wife didn't appreciate, and the snoring actually would wake me up in the middle of the night, leaving me tired in the morning. I seemed to catch colds more easily than before, but I attributed this to my very frequent plane travel.

Doctors prescribed antibiotics, but I they did not fully cure the problem and when I stopped the treatment, every symptom returned. (And I just don't like unnatural treatments.) Others said it was allergies.

I wondered: Could my sinusitis be a fungal problem? More exploring on the internet found the answer:

In 1999 Mayo Clinic researchers found the cause of most chronic sinus infections to be an immune system response to fungus, and that this may kick off a secondary bacteriological infection. It is not an allergic reaction, but an immune reaction.
Again, I felt betrayed by the medical profession. Why hadn't anyone told me this?

I went to the health and vitamin store to look for an anti-fungal nasal spray, and nothing met my requirements or budget ($10-15 for a one ounce bottle of ingredients seemed way out of line.) Here's the formula I "invented:"

1. Rinse out a 1 ounce nasal spray bottle
2. Add one eye-dropper (approximately 1 ML) of Oregano Juice (NOT Oregano Oil -it's too strong and will not dissolve in water)
3. Add a pinch of salt (approximately ½ ML) (Iodized salt is OK - iodine is a good anti-fungal)
4. Fill the rest of the sprayer with distilled water, and shake well until the salt is dissolved.

Spray as frequently as once an hour until symptoms subside. For me, this solution began working within an hour; most symptoms were gone in three days. And the price of the ingredients per bottle is just a few pennies.

If the oregano/saline solution is too strong for you, dilute in half with water. If you want, you can add a drop of eucalyptus oil with ½ ML of glycerin, (which will bond the oil to water). I now spray once or twice a day, just to prevent any recurrence.

A very dear friend, who is 75, has had awful sinusitis for years. He heavily cleared his throat every minute or two. I told him of this simple formula, and two days later he called me to say it was working. He then said with amazement: "I don't believe it, we've been talking for over 15 minutes and I haven't had to clear my throat once!"

There are articles and books that claim that some cancers are caused by fungus. If this is true, taking action on fungus early may be very beneficial in the long run. It's time we gave fungus a deeper analysis.

Replied by Ellen
(Redwood Shores, CA)
01/21/2008

To Robert, Thank you for sharing your research with us. It is fascinating! I no doubt transferred my toenail fungus to my face and I also have Rosacea--do you? I did read somewhere recently that the oils are the best remedies and it certainly sounds like they are, judging from your research. Regarding your recipe, I do have a question. With coconut oil being a solid, how do I mix it with the other liquid oils? Thanks again for sharing! I am hopeful to see the line of demarcation, too!

Replied by Robert
(Naples, Florida)
01/22/2008

Coconut Oil melts at 80 degrees F. If it's solid, just run the container under warm water. The essential oils, when added, lower the melting point to below room temperature.

Regarding Rosacea, the following information may be helpful from internet research: "The Rosacea diagnosis includes a range of inflammatory events in facial skin. The range is so broad that it is reasonable to ask if Rosacea' is too fuzzy a term that can apply to diverse immune-mediated events in the skin with different causes.... Seborrhea is a related condition that involves the hair-bearing skin of the scalp and face, all expressions of infection with the fungus, pityriasis ovale. Seborrhea can involve the central forehead, skin under the eyebrows and beard and may contribute to or be confused with Rosacea."

Hope this helps.



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