Banish Fungal Nail Infections - Naturally

Fungal nail infections can be so frustrating to treat! Fortunately, nature has provided a remedy that works quickly and is highly effective. Of all of the natural options available, oregano essential oil is one of the best researched and most frequently proven effective in human trials. In fact, study after study shows that it combats nail fungi better than most prescription medications. Oregano essential oil contains a group of terpenoid phenols (carvacrol, thymol, and eugenol) that not only kill pathogenic fungi, but also break down biofilms that coat fungal cells making them resistant to many pharmaceutical antifungal drugs.

Using oregano essential oil as a fungicide is as simple as applying it to the effected nails but there is a way to help it work faster. Before applying the essential oil, soak the effected nails in warm salt water for 20 minutes to soften the nails and help kill surface fungi. Both sea salt and Epsom salts are good options. Just add 1/4 cup of salt to very warm water to create your soak.

After soaking, apply one drop of diluted essential oil to each nail, massaging in well. It is very important to massage the oil into the edges of the nail, as the fungi are usually concentrated just under the edges of

the nail (between the skin and the nail).

Repeat this treatment daily for quick results. (Or up to twice per day if you wish)

Studies show that oregano essential oil works when diluted to as little as 5% of its full strength. This would mean adding 1ml of essential oil to 20ml carrier oil. This is a minimum strength recommendation and the essential oil can be used at higher concentrations as long as it does not cause discomfort to the skin surrounding the nails.

Note: I recommend olive oil as a carrier oil. Although coconut oil is antifungal and can be used, it is classed as a barrier oil and does not absorb as deeply into the nail as olive oil

Note: When trimming your nails, do not use the same nail clipper on affected nails and healthy nails. This can spread the infection. Use separate nail clippers or sterilize your clippers thoroughly before using on healthy nails.

Keeping feet dry is important to help facilitate healing. Let the sun and the fresh air help out where possible! Also, applying an absorbent foot powder before wearing closed shoes is a good idea. I highly recommend the following formula. It works wonders for athlete’s foot too!

Antifungal foot powder:

Combine:

½ cup arrowroot powder

1 tbsp bentonite clay

¼ tsp activated charcoal

½ tsp tea tree essential oil

Mix very well and store in an airtight container. Dust feet with the powder as often as desired.

To further speed healing and to prevent reoccurring fungal infections, a combined internal and external treatment approach may be required. The following herbs are effective internal anti-fungals that work well on their own or when taken together.

Pau d’arco (Tabebuia avellanedae/impetiginosa) tea or tincture is wonderful. Pau d’arco is a tropical rainforest medicinal plant that works as a broad spectrum anti-fungal. The two main medicinal components of the plant are lapachol and beta-lapachone. Studies show that both of these plant chemicals are anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and cancer fighting. For medicinal benefit, drink 2-3 cups of tea per day or take 2 ml of tincture in water twice per day.

Allicin, the active ingredient found in garlic, has the ability to cross fungal cell membranes and combine with sulfur-containing molecular groups in amino acids and proteins, thus interfering with cell metabolism. Extensive studies show that garlic is an effective fungicide and can help balance micro bacteria in the gut for a more permanent solution to reoccurring fungal infections. Do not use garlic supplements if you have a bleeding disorder or are taking medications that increase the risk of bleeding.

Combining Pau d’arco and/or garlic with caprylic acid supplements can improve their effectiveness. Caprylic acid is a component of medium chain fatty acids found in coconut oil. It destroys fungi by breaking down their cell walls. This action works well alongside anti-fungal herbs, allowing them to more easily kill off the pathogenic fungi and restore micro-bacterial balance to the body.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional health advice. Please consult with a qualified clinician for specific advice tailored to your needs and health planning.