Toenail Fungus
Natural Remedies

Natural Nail Fungus Treatments: Effective Home Remedies

Apple Cider Vinegar, Coconut Oil
Posted by Margaret (Knoxville, Tn) on 06/14/2011
★★★★★

For nail fungus, try soaking the toe in warm water and ACV. Organic ACV. Just put about a half cup in a warm foot bath and soak once or twice a day for about 20 minutes each time. I've cured my husband's toenail fungus with his remedy and he had had them for years!

Another thing that feet love is a rub down with organic coconut oil after that soaking.


Ted's Remedies
Posted by David (Denver, Co) on 03/07/2011
★★★★★

Yea for Ted's Remedy -

Thanks Ted, I have dealt with toe nail fungus for about 6 years. I actually took the pills (which have gone generic in the last 2 or so years, dropping the price considerably) but noticed a huge effect on my health while doing so. It was sucessful in curing 4 of 5 affected nails, it took about a year and a half to see the results. One toe nail in particular looked suspcious so was applying ACV to it, along with an over the counter fungus remover. It was masked but never really cured, it was on a smaller toe so it wasn't very noticable and I ignored it for a while. This winter I vowed to have another go at curing it and came upon this site.

Ted's recommendation worked wonders for me. I filed down the nail as much as possible, I thought I went to far as I started to feel a bit of irritation and some very slow bleeding but proceeded anyway. I put ACV, H2O2, and a small amount of listerine (another site's recommendation) in a bucket to soak the affected foot. After I would follow up with the bleach/water solution. In the morning I would coat the foot with the Tree/Lavender oil (mixed with vasoline) and at night after the soak I would use Lamisl and I would re-coat with the Tree/Lavender before bed. After 3 days I saw that the nail had hardened under where I had previously filed. The portion under the nail, that I though was the nail bed was really just infected nail that was soft and looked and acted like nail bed (and actually bled), it was really a surprise and now I know where the reinfection was coming from. I re-filed the area again (no bleeding or irritation this time) and saw a huge improvement in the general area and nail, along with dead skin sloughing off of my foot. I have been at it for 2 weeks with exellent results and the new toe nail coming in looks great. I believe that with diligence and this method I will end this stupid thing that has inconvienced my summers for too long. I wanted to leave my feedback and say thanks my foot health in general is so much better. I wanted to comment that a lot of dead skin on the foot may be the same fungus as what can work its way under the nail, I have had a similar dissapearance of that dead skin on my foot while taking the pills and now while doing this soaking method.

I also wanted to leave feedback to some of the other users of this method. I believe that some other people that have different symptoms (i.e. Not just nail fungus) and should look at different methods as this can be pretty agressive on the skin. For instance, start with the recommended soaking times and if it irritates the condition, stop using. I have upped my soaking times in the past week to a few hours (for the ACV/H202) when available with no adverse effects on my feet.


Iodine
Posted by Lynn (San Diego, Ca) on 03/01/2011

I'm still waiting for response to my betadine question regarding toenail fungus. It completely eliminated the fungus on 2 of my toes after hammertoe surgery (they've been normal for 2 yrs. ). Anyone (esp. With some knowledge) can you comment on this? It's very messy stuff but I'd like to apply it to all my toes. At that time it was used just prior to surgery ONCE and fungus gone. Please advise. Thanks


Apple Cider Vinegar, Baking Soda
Posted by Reasoningforum (Vancouver , Bc, Canada) on 12/23/2010
★★★★★

Mix some vinegar with baking soda (soda bicarb) and dip your fingers into the brew (dilute if you wish with filtered water) - and see how the fungus runs away! Might be a solution for athlete's feet - just an idea.


Colloidal Silver
Posted by Healthnut (Palm Springs, Ca) on 11/13/2010
★★★★☆

I've tried everything - and I mean everything! - to get rid of the nasty toenail fungus on my big toe. Finally, one day, I decided to spray my toes with colloidal silver. In a few days, the big black streak of fungus started disappearing. I know it's going to take up to a year for my toenail to grow out but, already, I'm about half-way there! I spray my toes twice a day, morning and night.


Garlic
Posted by Jenn (Vancouver, Bc) on 11/28/2009
★★★★★

Garlic, garlic, garlic!!!
It's cheap.
It's convenient.
It works!

I've had a fungal/bacterial infection on both of my index fingers for 5 years and I tried all the remedies suggested but nothing worked so I gave up. Shortly afterwards I started cooking with garlic a lot and noticed the fungus on my left hand was clearing up fairly quickly. I did some research and found out garlic has powerful anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. I stared using it on my right hand and it worked! All you have to do is split a clove in half and rub the juices in and around where the fungus is for a few minutes (3-5). Do this every other day before you go to bed. Don't rub the juices in vigorously for more than 20 minutes or make a paste out of crushed garlic and wrap it around yor finger because it will burn, literally. A little goes a long way. You should start seeing results within 4 weeks if the fungus isn't too bad, 8 weeks for extreme cases. Toenails can take up to 3 months because they grow much slower than fingernails.


Baking Soda and Maple Syrup
Posted by Ellen (Redwood Shores, Ca) on 03/24/2010

What ever remedy you try, even if it were to kill the fungus, is NOT going to change the nail as it exists. You can only hope that in 4-6 weeks that you start seeing pink at the base of the toenail. Yes, it takes that long! Most people stop way short with their treatments.


Iodine
Posted by Mel (Orlando, FL) on 05/12/2009
★★★★★

I cured (and am still curing) toe and finger nail fugus using decolorized (white/clear) iodine. In combination with simply eating a banana and active yogurt (yogurt that promotes digestive health), I apply the ioding every day to my affected big toe nails, left thumbnail and right ring fingernail. I acquired nail fungus in my left big toe a year ago from a bad ingrown nail. I had a partial nail avulsion to remedy the ingrown nail and then later developed a fungus when the cauterizing had healed. I couldn't afford prescriptions at the time so I started using home remedies such as vinegar gel, over the counter topical lacquers,vapo rub and mouthwash. Everything under the sun. Then I saw this website about 6 months ago. Until I read about decolorized iodine, the fungus in that left big toe had only stabilized using other remedies. Which was good-but I wanted it gone! During that time of trying everything else, it spread to my right big toe and then my left thumbnail. This was all probably because I was not careful in cleaning in treating and spread it due to my own carelessness. Anyhow, I lost those other two nails then it started in my right ring finger. I was determined at that point to find my cure. I started using the iodine on my right ring finger and it stopped the fungus dead in it's tracks! My nail has since grown half in and healthy and is still going. As for where the fungus first started, in my left big toe-that's almost completely grown in and healthy! My right big toe and left thumbnail are well on there way, but taking a bit longer to grow in. Either way, iodine (2-3 drops) 1 or twice a day, a banana and a live active yogurt overy day have been my cure. Promoting digestive health, providing potatssium to help nails grow quicker and healthier and iodine to kill the fungus topically ahve been my miracle workers. The only down side to iodine is that it can be somewhat drying so I suggest using cuticle oil in between treatments. Do not use peroxide in combination with decolorized iodine. It will turn your skin orange! I only used alcohol to clean the affected areas before applying iodine and to sterilize the instruments I am using as well. What really sucks abou this whole thing, is I developed dyshidrosis as a secondary skin disorder from the fungus. That's a whole other story, but dishydrosis is like eczema in a way and it will resolve on it's own once the fungus is completely out of my nails and body.

Vicks
Posted by Dianne (Pennsylvania) on 01/21/2018

The trouble with those pills, is that they are hard on the liver and can indeed cause liver damage. There are diet change suggestions on this site to help while using a non medical.remedy. I refuse to tale those pills, not worth the risk


Grain Alcohol
Posted by Dara (Key Largo, Florida) on 02/12/2009
★★★★★

Fungus /Mold/ Skin Conditions: In regards to the fungus. I have tried grain alcohol (everclare) works great for internal and external fungus. If you have it on your nails, soak 2 times a day for 5 days for approx. 10 to 15 minutes. Gone! Do NOT have any open flames around the alcohol. Works great for jock itch as well. May sting a little. Grain alcohol kills parasites as well. Regular Isopropyl alcohol stimulates parasites to multiply they are called media-redia and ascaria. For more information get Dr. Hilda Clarks book on "Cure for all Cancers"


Listerine
Posted by Ingrid (Ft Lauderdale, FL) on 12/13/2008
★★★★★

I had a toe fungus on my big toe. Went to the foot doctor who had me on an antibiotic for 6 months with no results. I then spent 6 months using tree tea oil 2Xs per day, again no result. Finally soaked a cotton ball 2xS per day for 10 minutes with original Listerine--3 days later NO MORE FUNGUS! ALL GONE!!

Listerine
Posted by Julian (Phoenix, Arizona) on 03/13/2009
★★★★★

Take a soft bristle tooth brush, soak in listerine, and brush nails daily before bed. File down thick nfected nails, make sure to disinfect brush and file.


Listerine
Posted by Jill (California) on 12/15/2016

I've read that rubbing alcohol is damaging to the liver, I use cheap vodka instead.


Andre's Remedies
Posted by Andre (London, UK) on 07/28/2008

Update: Ailment: Nail Fungus

Remedy: Thick Thai Red Curry Paste spread on infected areas & covered with transparent plastic food wrap.

Well, it definitely has a soothing effect but only use if you don't mind your nails turn orangish/red (color of the paste)

Overall, here is my favorite course of treatment so far:

Extremely hot rinse with bacterial soap (5 minutes) + cotton pad applications of the following essential oils:

1/ Hydroxide peroxide 6% Apple Cider Vinegar + tea tree or Manuka oil
2/ add few drops of Lavender oil
3/ add few drops of Lemongrass oil
4/ add few drops of rosemary oil
5/ add few drops of Peppermint oil
6/ add few drops of Cinnamon leaf oil
7/ add few drops of Eucalyptus oil

Then alternate the above with separate application of virgin coconut oil, Listerine, Vicks Vaporub, honey, garlic slices.
Rinse with scalding hot water and dry immediately with hair dryer set on maximum heat.
Also, if you have a terrace or you can step outside, expose the area to strong direct sunlight.
Try to sleep at regular hours, stay clear of stress (as much as possible) and improve your immune system by observing a good balanced diet. I just started taking 1 tea spoon of baking soda in 1 glass of water.

Looking good so far :)
Will keep you updated on my progress.

War has been declared on the fungi invaders. Show no mercy!


Garlic
Posted by AC (West Midlands, England) on 07/21/2008
★★★★★

I read a post on EC that said:
[YEA] Anonymous writes: "I had athletes foot badly between two of my toes. I taped a cut piece of garlic onto the wound in the morning and looked at it the afternoon, and the skin was totally healed and looked like new. I couldn't believe it!"

It took me a long time to follow this advice, but when I did, I took it a few steps further.

1. I took garlic cloves and cut them into smaller pieces lengthwise.
2. I stuck each of the smaller pieces between my toes: the ones that had fungus and even the ones that didn't.
3. I put plastic/non-PVC wrap over the top part of my feet.
4. Put on a pair of thin socks and then another pair of thick socks.
5. Went to sleep.
6. Woke up, took garlic out and washed feet.
7. Fungus between feet was reduced dramatically.

In addition to the fungus problem between my toes, I apparently had some sort of fungus problem with my small toe. My small toenail was hard and black. The blackness reduced significantly, maybe by 40 or 50% overnight.

I smelled the garlic very strongly as I was sleeping but my husband (who hates garlic and won't even touch me if I eat it) says he didn't smell it at all.

I hope this helps someone! Coconut oil has also helped.


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 Jesse (Granite City, IL) on 09/04/2007
★★★★★

After reading many of the suggestions available on this and other sites I added some of my own thoughts to the process and formulated my own treatment method.

The major problem with toenail fungus is that once you get it it is hard to get at it because the nail itself protects the fungus. So I took a dremel tool with a fine grit sandpaper bit and ground the toenail completely away. This is relatively painless as long as you do not hold the sandpaper in one spot for too long as it will generate heat and burn you (not severely but painfully).

After sanding away the entire toenail surface the nailbed is almost completely exposed. Since then I have been treating it with peroxide and after about 5 treatments (just once or twice a day) the peroxide no longer bubbles when applied indicating that the infection is gone. I have let it grow out a little and ground it down again a couple of times for good measure but when the nail grows out it looks healthy and normal. I will have to see what happens when the nail is completely replaced but so far it is working! Just be careful and use your head when you sand off the nail so you don't hurt yourself.

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.


Cayenne
Posted by Thomas (Los Angeles, CA) on 06/17/2007
★★★★★

Guaranteed to clear nail fungus a lot faster than other methods. Mix cayenne pepper with water and spread on THICK like paste. Pull on socks without disturbing paste. Will clear nails in 4 - 7 weeks.


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.


Iodine
Posted by Jan (Northern, Virginia Usa) on 08/15/2011

Ammonia added to iodine will make an explosive. I would not recommend that.


Iodine
Posted by Sachsesenior (Sachse, Tx, USA) on 08/27/2012

Liquid drugstore Iodine and grocery store clear ammonia are harmless when added together. Clear Iodine sold in drugstores is Ammonium Iodide, Potassium Iodide, and 45% alcohol. The fireworks compound referred to is made with products only available from chem-lab suppliers.

Adding ammonia to chlorine bleach is very dangerous as it releases chlorine gas which is very poisonous and regularly sends housewifes to emergency rooms.

I have tried white vinegar without luck and tea tree also without results. Now trying de-colored Iodine I got at a Walmart. Iodine is a potent bio-cide and would work if it can be delivered to the source of the fungus infection which is under the nail - that is why it is so hard to treat with topical solutions, the nail is hard to penetrate with any liquid.


Alkalize
Posted by John (Perth, Australia) on 02/08/2007
★★★★★

I think that alkalizing had the biggest affect on curing my nail fungus. I undertook a number of means to alkalize. That included virgin coconut oil, olive leaf extract, alkalized water, alkaline foods, zeolite, heavy metal detox, etc. I also found that wearing a poultice of zeolite powder and cayenne pepper also has good healing properties. I would often soak my feed in zeolite and acidic water. And after I put my socks on, I would soak some coconut oil and essential oils into the sock just above the nail. But I think the ultimate cause is being too acidic (I had candida too). I have now raised my pH to over 7.0 - up from less than 5.0 a few months ago. My ORP has changed from -ve 20 mV to close to -ve 200 mV. From what I have read, fungus can't exist in an alkaline body.

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



NEXT 
Advertisement