Find out which home remedies for nail fungus can help improve the yellowing and deformed appearance caused by fungus
Yellow, deformed and thick nails. Have you ever noticed these characteristics around? Therefore, perhaps you have contracted nail fungus and don’t even know it. Known popularly as ‘unheiro’ and scientifically as ‘onychomycosis’, the problem can occur on the toenails or fingernails and is caused by a fungus. Read also: Nail fungus, what is it? According to research, the problem is more common in women and people who enjoy gardening as a hobby.
Often, treatment is done with antifungals. However, there are also natural recipes that can help. With this in mind, we have prepared a list of 15 home remedies for nail fungus. Check out!
Read also: Folicute – 8 habits to help you get rid of it
Home remedies for toenail fungus
1 – Garlic essential oil
It is one of the favorite oils among professionals who turn to natural options as it has a strong effect due to the presence of the substance allicin.
Ingredients
Preparation mode
- First of all, cut the garlic into slices and apply directly to the affected nail for 30 minutes, every day.
- Preferably, the foot or hand should be washed before applying the garlic.
- Repeat the process up to 4 weeks after the nail has returned to its normal state. This can take 4 to 6 months.
Also find out How to strengthen your nails – main care + homemade recipes
Ideally, the garlic should just rest on the nail. This is because some people may be sensitive to garlic oil. However, if there is any reaction, the ideal is to put cold water on the area and suspend the use of the recipe.
2 – Tea tree essential oil
Also known as tea tree oil, it has an antifungal effect that combats the main causes of nail fungus.
Find out more about tea tree oil for nails: benefits and how to use
How to use
- One drop should be dripped directly onto the affected nail, twice a day, after washing with soap and water.
- The treatment must be done for about 4 to 6 months or until it recovers its characteristics.
- Finally, in case of sensitivity, it should be mixed with vegetable oil, such as coconut or avocado, before applying to the nail.
Do you have weak nails? See what the main causes are and tips on how to strengthen it.
3 – Rosemary essential oil
This can also be an excellent natural option to try to resolve the problem.
How to use
- Apply a drop directly to the affected nail, twice a day, after washing with soap and water.
- If there is sensitivity to the use of the oil, you should mix 1 drop of vegetable oil, such as almond, avocado or coconut oil.
- Finally, maintain the treatment for around 4 weeks to ensure that the fungi are eliminated.
4 – Clove essential oil
As well as the oils mentioned, clove oil is rich in eugenol, which has proven antifungal action.
How to use
- Apply 1 drop of clove essential oil to the affected nail, at least twice a day, after washing with soap and water.
- Therefore, to avoid irritation, mix 2 drops of the oil with 1 tablespoon of a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or jojoba oil, for example.
5 – Thyme essential oil
Likewise, thyme oil has a strong effect, as it contains thymol and carvacrol, which help eliminate fungi.
How to use
- Mix 1 to 3 drops of thyme essential oil with 1 teaspoon of coconut oil or other vegetable oil and apply directly to the nail, twice a day, after washing with neutral soap.
- However, take the treatment for a maximum of 3 months. Furthermore, it is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
6 – Oregano essential oil
Another good natural option for treating nail fungus, oregano essential oil has a strong antifungal action.
How to use
- Mix 3 drops of essential oil with a tablespoon of coconut oil, olive oil or other vegetable oil and apply 1 to 2 times a day on the affected nail after washing it with neutral soap.
- Repeat the treatment for 3 weeks.
7 – Copaiba oil
Copaiba is a medicinal plant that has antifungal, anti-inflammatory, emollient and healing properties. Therefore, it can be used as a home remedy for nail fungus.
How to use
- Mix some copaiba oil with a base vegetable oil (coconut oil) or moisturizer.
- Apply to the nail fungus at least three times a day.
8 – Neem oil
Like the oils previously mentioned, neem oil has, among other properties, strong antifungal action and can be used as a home remedy for nail fungus.
How to use
- Using a cotton ball, apply neem oil to the affected nail once a day.
9 – Lemon
Lemon has limoene, a terpene efficient in bactericidal and antifungal action. Furthermore, it controls the skin’s pH, reducing the chances of fungus proliferation.
Way of use
- First, soak the infected area in lemon juice for five minutes.
- If you prefer, squeeze lemon juice directly onto your nail.
- Repeat the process three times a day for a week.
10 – Apple cider vinegar
In short, apple cider vinegar has acetic acid, which helps fight fungi that cause nail fungus, as it controls the skin’s pH.
How to use
- Soak the infected nails in a basin with half a glass of apple cider vinegar and half a glass of water for 15 or 20 minutes.
- Dry the hydrated area well and apply coconut oil.
11 – Sodium bicarbonate
First of all, use baking soda to alkalize your shoes and ward off fungus.
How to use
- Eventually, sprinkle baking soda inside your shoes to kill the fungi present there.
12 – Olive oil and garlic
Mix the garlic paste with olive oil and apply directly to the affected nails, leaving it to act for 30 minutes.
13 – Peppermint
As well as the items mentioned, peppermint tea has antiseptic properties that help combat nail fungus.
How to use
- Firstly, make a foot bath with 30g of peppermint leaves.
- Then wait for the water to cool down a little so you don’t burn yourself.
- After that, soak the affected foot or hand in water for about 20 minutes and dry well.
14 – Sal
This is a very simple option that doesn’t require anything difficult to find, just… salt, which has the power to soothe and heal wounds.
How to use
- First, wash your feet with soap and water.
- Then, leave your nails wet, put salt on them and put on socks.
- Do this procedure twice a day.
15 – Natural yogurt
In addition to being a great ally in the diet, natural yogurt can be effective in treating nail fungus.
How to use
- The first step is to apply it to the affected nails.
- Then wait for it to dry.
- Finally, remove with cold water.
So, if you liked this article, you will also like this: Stained nails: main causes, treatment and home method
Sources: Tua Saúde, eCycle and Dicas de Mulher
