Oregano oil is an essential oil which is one of the effective alternatives for the treatment of toenail fungus. Various researchers claim that oregano is one of the most potent antifungals among all the essential oils that are available in the market currently.
The presence of Thymol and Carvacrol, two vital antifungal and antimicrobial components, make oregano oil a potent form of antifungal. This fact has also come to light due to rigorous research and some studies. How the presence of these components makes oregano oil for toenail fungus one of the most effective treatment options? What amount of it should you use? What is the best way to use it? Will find answers to all these questions.
Derived from the oregano herb, oregano oil(1) contains fungicidal properties in a concentrated form. By nature, oregano oil has fungicidal properties. These antifungus properties come in handy in countering fungus infection such as toenail fungus.
The best part about oregano oil for nail fungus is that it can be applied externally. When it comes to dealing with an infection on nails, it is necessary to use an external application. Being set apart from the blood supply of the body, toenails do not get blood supply as is the case with the other organs of the body. Due to which, most of the internal medications don’t work when dealing with toenail infection.
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Oregano oil tends to irritate when applied directly to the affected part. Apart from irritation, it can also result in skin redness with a burning sensation. So, before you apply it to the affected region, it is imperative that you dilute it.
When it comes to diluting an essential oil such as oregano oil, the common perception is to use water. However, in the case of oregano oil, you will need to use a carrier oil for dilution. The two popular choices to do this includes olive oil and jojoba oil. Though jojoba is more preferable out of the two options, it can be expensive. Olive oil is a cost-effective alternative which can produce almost the same effect as jojoba oil.
You can choose one out of the two options depending on which one suits you better. For best results, it is vital that the part of the body on which the mixture is applied is exposed to fresh air.
When you keep the part on which you apply the oil exposed to fresh air, it aids healing. The more it remains exposed to the air, better would be the possibility of it healing in quick time.
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Make sure oregano oil does not seep into the other parts of your living space. Though oregano has a pleasant smell, some people might have allergies. Consider investing in a pair of rubber slippers. This will help you in preventing the mixture from spreading to the other areas of your living room and kitchen.
In most cases, the fungus, which is responsible for causing toenail infection, thrives in shoes and socks. The fungus(2) on them tends to trap the moisture. When there is enough moisture, they can grow and multiply. Consequently, they can also aggravate the symptoms. So, it is also necessary to spray the mixture on both shoes and socks to kill the fungus present on it.
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Regardless of whether you choose olive oil or jojoba oil as the carrier oil, you need to use it in the right amount. This is one of the essential steps to get desirable results after the application of oregano oil. The amount of oregano oil needs to be used to get rid of the toenail infection depends on the response of a person’s body to it.
There is a variation in the bodily response shown by different people after the application of the oil on the affected part of their bodies. That said, there still is a recommended amount. Make sure you mix one teaspoon of carrier oil in two to three drops of oregano oil before applying it.
Furthermore, it is also necessary to bear in mind that the oil needs to be applied to the affected part at least once a day until the disappearance of the signs and symptoms of the infection.
Oregano oil is, beyond any doubt, one of the best sources of antifungals. As such, it can help treat toenail fungus effectively. However, it is essential to make sure that the right amount of oregano oil for toe fungus is used in the treatment of the condition. Excess dose of the essential oil can lead to skin irritation and skin redness if applied externally. Thus by all means, consulting a doctor before adhering to this regime is important.
[Also Read: Essential Oils for Toenail Fungus Treatment]
Thymol and Carvacrol are the two antifungal and antimicrobial components in oregano oil that helps fight toenail fungus.