7 Proven Essential Oils for Nail Fungus (+ How to Use Guidelines)

Your pampering gesture to your feet and hand at the parlour, your love for running, your barefoot walks around the public pool or your habit of sharing a communal shower, may sometimes bring you an unwelcome gift: onychomycosis, otherwise known as nail fungus. When you encounter this kind of problem, most likely you will go for antifungal oral medication which tends to be expensive and carry side effects. It is better to follow the universal truth- natural remedies never do any harm. One of them is using essential oils for nail fungus. If ignored, it may lead to greater complications. Following essential oils have the ability to cure nail fungus.

Best Essential Oils for Nail Fungus

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Derived from the leaves of the Australian tea tree, tea tree oil is frequently touted for combating this villain fungus. Tea tree oil is a standalone solution for all the nail fungus problems. Thanks to its anti-fungal properties. Even in a controlled study 1 , people who used tea tree oil on a regular basis for six months experienced a full resolution of the fungus. You can bank upon this oil as one of the most natural treatments for nail fungus. This versatile oil plays many other roles as well such as hand sanitizer, insect repellent, natural deodorant, antiseptic for minor cuts, boost wound healing, fight acne, chemical-free mouthwash, all-purpose cleaner, control dandruff and many more.

But you should be cautious about some things before using tea tree oil. This oil should not be ingested due to its toxic nature. Keep it out of reach of children. Always apply a drop or two on a small area of skin to see if there is an allergic reaction occurs. Tea tree oil may not be safe for pets.

Thyme Essential Oil

Thyme essential oil has various anti-septic and anti-fungal properties. The presence of an active ingredient called thymol is the key to a nail fungus problem. This oil is highly effective in inhibiting the growth of the dermatophytes responsible for nail fungus. People often use thyme oil for improving their skin, strengthening the immune system and good circulation.

Thyme essential oil has a long list of uses such as treating all of the respiratory problems, stimulating the mind, strengthening memory, preventing hair loss, improving oral health, keeping the insects away and many more to mention. This oil should not be used directly on the skin. Dilution is compulsory. Always test before using.

Manuka Essential Oil

The antifungal and antiviral properties of manuka essential oil can never be compared with any of the oil. Manuka oil is often recommended to treat nail fungus.

This oil blends well with orange and grapefruit oil. The combination creates a refreshing environment. If you are wishing to have a healthy-looking skin, manuka oil is perfect for this very purpose. Manuka essential oil has been proved as an effective remedy for a variety of fungi including the dermatophytes which cause toenail fungus. With so many derma problems, home remedies are adequate and even superior to those prescribed medication. You will get the best help by using these natural essential oils for nail fungus. Though manuka oil is bit expensive but the relief is unmatchable. Those who are interested in a relaxing spa-like experience; the result of this oil is unbelievable.

Oregano Essential Oil

A native to the Mediterranean region, oregano essential oil is being used for over two thousand years. Oregano essential oil is a natural digestive, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antifungal. Nail fungus is one of these recurrent problems that people suffer over the years. If you are fed up with all the chemical-filled medications, Oregano oil can work wonders for all kinds of fungal infections especially nail and toenail fungus. Create a blend by mixing 2 drops of oregano oil with a carrier oil. Soak a cotton ball in the blend and apply to the affected area. Maintain consistency in following the same process.

Oregano essential oil is an excellent oil to have in your medicine cabinet if you want to get rid of ear infections, stomach issues, allergies, skin conditions, acne, candida, warts, cold sores, arthritis, and menstrual issues. There is enough evidence of the effectiveness of this oil in case of various respiratory problems. The expectorant quality of oregano oil makes it essential to relieve bronchitis symptoms and cough.

Coconut Oil

If nothing is working out to get relief from that stubborn nail infection, coconut oil could be the answer you have been seeking. Though coconut oil is not an essential oil but possesses a number of unique properties that make it an effective treatment for nail fungus. Many researchers even debate the efficacy of natural treatments but coconut oil is a miracle cure for toenail fungus. This oil does not only moisturize the skin but also replenish a number of vital nutrients. Antifungal properties of coconut oil help get to the roots of infection and cure them completely. Coconut oil is full of essential acids that can help in melting the nail and kill the fungus. Coconut oil is best known to treat different skin conditions.

Several benefits of coconut oil include skin care, hair care, weight loss, improves immunity, boosts digestion, dental care, prevents candida, keeps organs healthy, boosts heart health and a lot more.

Orange Essential Oil

We get so tied up in the daily activities that we often neglect our nails. No matter how you take care of your nails, it is the right time to add essential oils to your beauty routine. And if you are dealing with an unpleasant toenail fungus, Orange essential oil works great for killing the villain fungus. This oil is not that strong if used alone but it is effective when mixed with alcohol and vinegar. You can also mix it with tea tree oil for a potent combination.

Thousands of studies have been done to find out the effectiveness of the orange oil. The well-known benefits of orange oil encompass relieving inflammation, treating spasms, preventing infections, stimulating urination, acting as a tonic and boosting immunity.

Clove Oil

Toenail fungus is an incredibly pervasive problem that needs utmost care. The clove oil is the best oil to go with in order to get relief. Its elevated eugenol content offers excellent antifungal activities. Although it is most famous for dental issues, the benefits are not limited to it. Clove oil can work for you in multiple ways such as treating infections, boosting the immune system, lowering stress, eliminating headache, treating sty, relieving earaches, increasing blood circulation, purifying the blood, preventing cancer and so on. The antiseptic properties of clove oil are useful for athlete’s foot and various fungal infections.

It is suggested to dilute the oil due to its potent nature. Be cautious while using it on the sensitive skin. Clove oil is an important ingredient in the production of various kinds of toothpaste, mouthwashes and oral care medications.

Guidelines To Follow While Using Essential Oils for Nail Fungus

First of all, thoroughly clean the affected area well with soap and water
Dry them and apply a drop of essential oil to the affected nail
Let the oil be soaked into the nails at least for 10 minutes then gently scrub them with a soft toothbrush
Dilution is not required until you want to apply it on skin or experience a reaction
Keep on repeating the treatment every day until a new healthy nail grows out completely

Toenail fungus is the most common of them all and there are many reasons people often suffer from this particular type of infection.

Causes Of Toenail Fungus

Runners are more prone to nail fungus due to sweaty feet
People with weak immune system easily get arrested by this infection
Diabetics have more risk of developing nail fungus
Athlete’s foot is also a prime reason
If you spend more time in the water, your chances of getting toenail fungus to go up
The older you are, the better your chances are, too

Keeping The Toenail Fungus Away for Good

Take care of your feet and ensure the highest hygiene standards by following these simple tips-

Wear clean socks every day
Change your socks after carrying out any physical activity
Never avoid wet feet. Keeping your feet dry is a key to prevent any nail infection.
Never share nail clipping tools and wipe them with rubbing alcohol after use
You can also apply anti-fungal powder to prevent moisture build-up
Wear clean footwears
Air your feet often

This easy-to-follow guide will help you clear up those toenails and let you flaunt those beautiful nails in public. There are many other essential oils for nail fungus that may not be covered here if you have any other recommendation that has worked well for you. It would be our pleasure to know!