Unsightly toenail fungus can be a source of embarrassment and stress for those who unfortunately have to deal with them There are a number of pharmaceutical solutions for this problem however they aren’t without their side affects, some of which include things as harsh as liver damage.
Fortunately, there are some very effective anti fungal herbs that can serve to be great alternatives to treat toenail fungus effectively. They will need more long term use than some of the pharmaceutical options, however, given the time they will work well without the side effects.
Below, I have outlined a 3 herbal options that are known in alternative and herbal circles for their inherent antifungal properties. As an owner operator of my own retail health food store, myself along with my staff frequently suggested the following herbal options for toenail fungus with many positive results for those that kept up with regular applications.
Black Walnut
In the world of herbs, this one is probably best known for it’s powerful antifungal merits. Internally, it’s used for things like systemic yeast infections, but externally it can be used for many fungal related maladies.
It can be purchased in powder or tincture form. Either one is helpful for fungal infections of the toenails
If you’re using powder, heat 4 cups of water to a teaspoon of powder. Mix well and pour this into a wide mouth mug or glass and hang or dip your toes into the solution for approximately 10 minutes or so, twice daily. Allow to air dry. Continue this until your nails have taken on a smooth healthy look.
If you’ll be using tincture, just apply 4-6 drops on each affected nail and allow to air dry twice daily.
Another “big guns” antifungal herb. This one comes in tea form, either the loose type, or in bags. It’s easiest to heat up approximately 5-6 cups of water, then add 4 tea bags and allow it to steep for 10 minutes, to allow for strong potency. Pour this into a wide mouth mug or glass and hang your toes into the fluid for at least 10 minutes.
If you’ll be using the loose tea use the same amount of water as suggested above, with at least 2 tea balls full of the loose herb. Allow to steep for at least 10 minutes, and hang toes in the tea preparation for 10 minutes. Then air dry your toes. Continue this procedure until healthy nails surface.
Cedar
This is another potent antifungal herb well known for it’s internal and external success in treating a number of fungal related issues.
Typically, to treat toenail fungus the leaves should be ground into a powder and mixed into a “carrier” oil of your choice. Safflower, olive, canola, or whatever whole oil you have in your cupboard will work well. Apply 4-6 drops of this mixture twice daily until your nails have cleared from all crust, flakes and cracking.
As stated above, these herbal alternatives require a long term commitment regarding their application, however, if you’re trying to avoid the side effects from using a pharmaceutical, these herbs will provide an adequate cure making the time involved seem insignificant.
