Natural Remedies for Nail Fungus & Thickened Nails

Cornmeal

Posted by Gina (Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada) on 12/30/2008
★★★★★

After trying for nearly three years to get rid of a fungus on my toenails, using every home cure and even prescriptions, I read an article in a gardening magazine. Cornmeal cures fungus on your rose garden. Why not use it to cure fungus elsewhere? I sprinkled cornmeal on a wet toenail a few times per week and left it caked on the nail for a while and just walked carefully, barefooted, before wiping it off. It totally cured it. The nail is strong and clear. WooHoo!

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 Sherri (Seattle) on 07/14/2024

Hi Nancy,

There are several disinfecting or sterilizing solutions you can use for the toothbrush and nail file. Though, I would soak them in separate containers.

1. HOCL - Hypochlorous Acid 0.02%

A good brand is briotech.com - "BrioTech Pure Hypochlorous." Soak 1-2 hours. This solution is completely non-toxic. This is NOT true regular bleach and is at least 10X more potent. Your body naturally makes HOCL.

2. USP or NSF Bleach 6%

This is hypochlorite or regular bleach. USP/NSF indicates it is a food grade bleach. Add bleach to water: 1 pint water (500 mL) + 1 tsp. (5 mL) 6% USP/NSF bleach. The result is 0.05% hypochlorite. You can use up to 0.2%. Soak 2 hours. This type of bleach has toxins.

3. Iodine 5% - 7%

6 drops Lugol's Iodine in 1/2 cup filtered water. Only purchase "clean" Lugol's - e.g., from a compounding pharmacist, drclarkstore.com, make your own, etc. Soak 2 hours or overnight. The iodine will evaporate out of solution.

4. Grain Alcohol

1 Liter Everclear or Vodka 80 proof. Soak tooth brush in 70% - 76% grain alcohol or undiluted Vodka (which is about 50% alcohol). Use a wide mouth jar with a close fitting non-metal lid, since alcohol evaporates. Can add salt to this, synergistic. Soak 1 hour.

5. Colloidal Silver. Soak overnight.

Best to get a new toothbrush and drop it into steaming hot water for 1/2 hour to remove toxic plasticizers and dyes which would otherwise seep into your mouth. First, wash tooth brush with Borax to remove other toxins.

I simply liberally spray my toothbrush after I use at night with HOCL 0.02% and put it inside an also sprayed plastic holder. Then, it is ready to use the next day.

Most of these ideas are listed in books by Hulda Clark, PhD, ND.

Vicks

Posted by Mercy (Woodland Hills, Ca) on 10/28/2008
★★★★★

I recently just googled to see what I can do to get rid of some toe nail fungus. I was using bleach and some over the counter cream and it was working slowly. But I made the mistake of getting a pedicure nad painting my toes. Well it just ran wild. So I saw that using vapor rub worked. So I bought a generic brand at Walmart...same active ingredients and I started using it day and night. I would apply it and put socks on for bed and in the morning right after my shower. I already see the difference. I cannot believe it. My feet are also becoming real smooth. So I let my mom know because she has it real bad too and we are both seeing a lot of improvement. the nail seems to already starting to grow out smooth. I wish more people knew about this so they could stop wasting their time buying expensive creams and medication. I have already been using it for over a week and I am already seeing the difference. I will see at the end of the one tub I bought if I really see any changes. I will keep you posted.

Listerine

Posted by Megan (Jacksonville, FL) on 10/24/2008
★★★★★

I tried soaking my feet in Listerine after seeing a posting about toe nail fungus. It not only works on toe nails, but will get rid of athlete's foot issues very quickly. And this is much easier than pressing onion, etc. I love this site! I found it looking for Ted's Mange Cure, which is fabulous. Thanks!

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.

Vicks

Posted by Brent (Pine City, Minnesota) on 07/19/2008
★★★★★

I have had toenail fungus for at least 15+ years on my big toe and the one next to it. I had heard that hydrogen peroxide would get rid of it. It did nothing for my toe fungus after using a bottle over a course of three months. I then heard from a couple friends that they cleared their fungus up with vicks vapor rub; so I tried it for two days and I can already see a dramatic improvement. You can get a generic brand also which is a lot cheaper. I bought a chest rub brand made by Target and I compared the active ingredients and percentages to Vicks and it was exactly the same mixture at a way cheaper price. It works great. I can't believe it took me so long to improve my toenails. I was always wearing socks with my sandals because I was so embarrassed of my fungus but not anymore.

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.

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.