Natural Remedies

10 Incredible Essential Oils for Toenail Fungus Treatment at Home

Onychomycosis is another name for a fungal infection of the toenails. The most visible symptom of toenail fungus is the coagulation of the nails and consequent change of color in to yellow or green and eventually to black.

As the infection persists, the toenail becomes fragile and finally breaks off entirely from the nail bed. It is profoundly painful and affects almost one in every five people across the globe. One of the most effective natural cures of toenail fungus is the application of essential oils for toenail fungus which can eliminate the fungal infection entirely and without delay.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are incredibly beneficial for the effective treatment of toenail fungus. Their load of antifungal, antibiotic, antiseptic, and antimicrobial compounds(1) works together to eliminate the fungus and thereby cures the nail completely. The antioxidant components of the essential oils fight against oxidative damage caused by toxic free radicals and fungus and cure the infection in no time.

Ways to Use?

Enlisted below is a list of various essential oils for toenail fungus and directions for how to use them. Follow the steps correctly and get rid of the infection in no time.

1. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree essential oil is the mother of all oils when it comes to the treatment of toenail fungal infection. It is an ancient remedy of toenail fungus medication that can address a variety of microbial contamination because of its powerful antifungal properties.

How to use?

  • Clean the infected nails with soapy water
  • Wipe the nail dry
  • Apply a few drops of tea tree essential oil to the corners and cuticles of the nail
  • Brush the nail with the oil for about 5-7 minutes
  • Do not dilute the oil unless your skin reacts to it
  • Do this daily for the fungus to get eliminated

[Also Read: Tea Tree Oil For Toenail Fungus]

2. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is especially beneficial for the treatment of black toenail fungus. It is highly antifungal and contains fatty acids that melt the affected nail and kill the fungus.

How to Use?

  • Blend a teaspoon of tea tree essential oil with a tablespoon of coconut oil
  • Brush your clean and dry infected nails with the oil mixture for about 10 minutes
  • Do this daily to get rid of the fungal infection

3. Oregano Oil

Oregano oil is one of the best cure for fungal toenail infection. Its potent antibacterial and antifungal nature can inhibit fungal infection and destroy multiple strains of fungus-like the dermatophytes and Candida Albicans.

How to Use?

  • Take some soapy water and clean your nails
  • Wipe it dry
  • Apply a few drops of oregano oil to the corners and cuticles of the nail
  • Massage with the oil for about 5-7 minutes
  • Repeat it every day till the infections get eliminated

[Also Read: Natural Treatments For Toenail Fungus]

4. Castor Oil

Castor oil is one of the best home remedies for lousy nail fungus. Its powerful antifungal nature inhibits the fungal infection(2) and disinfects the nails thoroughly. Application of castor oil also aids in the regrowth of healthy nails.

How to Use?

  • Blend a teaspoon of lavender essential oil with a tablespoon of castor oil
  • Brush your cleaned and dried fungus-infected nails with the oil mixture for about 10 minutes
  • Do this daily to get rid of the fungal infection

5. Neem Oil

If you are wondering on how to treat fungus feet, then try a few drops of neem oil which is incredibly sharp, pungent and antifungal and is therefore immensely useful to get rid of big toe fungus infection. For the use of neem oil, a single drop of it serves the purpose.

How to Use?

  • Clean the infected nails and pat them dry
  • Brush the cleaned and dried nails with a few drops of neem oil mixed with a teaspoon of coconut oil
  • Do this for 5 minutes, twice daily for the fungal infection to get cured entirely

[Also Read: Apple Cider Vinegar for Toenail Fungus]

6. Thyme Oil

Thyme essential oil is one of the best home remedies for the natural treatment of toenail fungus. It contains thymol that is a potent antifungal and antiseptic compound which has been scientifically proven to be highly effective in the cure of fungal infection. It can kill the fungus and inhibit the spread of the fungal infection.

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How to Use?

  • Dilute the oil by adding a tablespoon of olive oil to a teaspoon of thyme oil
  • Clean the infected nails with soapy water
  • Wipe the nail dry and apply a few drops of the diluted oil to the corners and cuticles of the nail
  • Brush the nail with the oil for about 5-7 minutes
  • Do this daily for the fungus to get eliminated

7. Clove Essential

The eugenol contained in clove essential oil is incredibly beneficial for the inhibition of fungal infection). Use this for the treatment of different fungal infection diseases like big toe fungus, athlete’s foot, jock itch and more. Its content of important biologically active compounds makes it one of the most potent home remedies of fungus feet.

How to Use?

  • Clean the infected nails and pat them dry
  • Brush the cleaned and dried nails with a few drops of strong clove oil mixed with a teaspoon of jojoba oil
  • Do this for 5 minutes, twice daily for the fungal infection to get wholly cured

8. Orange Essential Oil

Orange essential oil is powerfully antifungal. Its citrus character inhibits a variety of strains of fungus and makes the nails grow back robust, long and healthy. It is very beneficial amongst other essential oils for toenail fungus.

How to Use?

  • Use a sanitized glass dropper to drip a few drops of orange essential oil on the infected nails and cuticles
  • Let the oil get seeped into your nails and skin for about an hour
  • Do this twice daily for the fungal infection to get cured
  • You can even dilute the oil with coconut oil in a 1 to 1 ratio if your skin reacts to the undiluted form of orange oil
  • Avoid using the oil if your skin is prone to citrus allergies

9. Cinnamon Essential Oil

Similar to clove oil, the essential oil of cinnamon is rich in eugenol which is incredibly useful in the destruction of fungal strains and activities. It is a highly effective toenail fungus medication and is one of the best for fungus feet.

How to Use?

  • Clean the infected nails and pat them dry
  • Brush the cleaned and dried nails with a few drops of strong cinnamon essential oil mixed with a teaspoon of coconut oil
  • Do this for 5 minutes, twice daily for the fungal infection to get cured entirely

[Also Read: Get Rid of Toenail Fungus with Bleach]

10. Lavender Essential Oil

The best part of the lavender essential oil is that it can effectively eliminate the rotten smell of toenail fungus infection with its strong and lasting fragrance. It is powerfully antifungal and can inhibit the fungal infection caused by several strains of dermatophytes(3).

How to Use?

  • One of the best ways of using the lavender essential oil is by the use of a glass dropper
  • Either directly apply it over the nails and massage with it
  • Or, dab a few drops of it in a clean piece of cloth and cover the nails with it for a few minutes

[Read: How to Get Rid of Toenail Fungus]

Side Effects

Some of the significant side-effects of using essential oils for toenail fungus are as follows-

  • Skin allergies
  • Dermatological problems
  • Worsening or non-response of the fungus to the oils
  • Increased sensitivity of the skin

Risks

The use of essential oils for toenail fungus for a natural treatment might be risky for people with sensitive skin. On an adverse reaction, the surface might face blisters, rashes or inflammation.

Precautions

Consult a medical professional before using essential oils for toenail fungus. Do a slight patch test with the oil before proceeding with a massage. Store the oil away from sunlight and in a dark glass vial.


FAQ’s

1. Can Mouthwash Be Used for Toenail Fungus?

Mouthwash products like Listerine are highly effective.

2. How Long Does It Take for the Fungal Infection to Heal?

It does not take any more than a week for the infection to heal when adequately treated.

Essential oils have been proven to be one of the best home remedies for the treatment of cuticular fungus infection but if the disease persists or gets worse over time make sure to check with a dermatologist.