Effective Home Remedies for Nail Fungus

Nail fungus is one of the most common skin infections of the nail. This can be quite an annoying and painful nail concern but using some simple and natural home remedies for nail fungus it can be completely treated with easily available ingredients and essential oils.

But first let us gain some knowledge about what is nail fungus?

The medical name for nail fungus is onychomcosis and this can be quite an unpleasant and painful nail condition to tackle with.

This nail condition is mostly a result of moisture trapped in the warm corners of your shoes and this eventually leads to the formation of fungus in the corners of your nail.

Some of the common cause of nail fungus is mentioned below:

Causes of Nail Fungus –

• Lack of Proper Nail Hygiene
• Dirty Footwear
• Lack of Nails Cleansing Routine
• Mold or Yeast Formation in the Shoes/Footwear
• Others

Apart from these causes the three types of nail infections that can eventually lead to nail fungus are:

• Candida
• Dermatophytic Fungi
• Non-Dermatophytic Molds

Now that we know what exactly is nail fungus all about and what causes them let us now proceed with how to detect the nail fungus.

Signs of Nail Fungus or Nail Infection –

• White or Yellow Colored Spot on Tip of the Nail
• Pain in the Nail
• Hardened or Thick Nail
• Change in Shape of the Nail
• Brittle or Ragged Nail
• Nail Appears Darker in Color or Discoloured

So these were some basic details related to the nail fungus. Let us now proceed with how to cure this nail condition with home remedies for nail fungus.

Natural remedies are the best, safest and the most affordable way of treating any kind of health and beauty concern.

Our kitchen pantry contains some amazing, health beneficial and effective ingredients that have the ability to cure any health concern including the nail fungus.

Effective Home Remedies for Nail Fungus:

1.  Apple Cider Vinegar for Nail Fungus 

One of the best natural and easily available ingredients to treat nail fungus is apple cider vinegar.

Why apple cider vinegar you may ask?

Apple cider vinegar is naturally packed with healing benefits such as potassium, probiotics, magnesium, enzymes, acetic acid and many other health beneficial properties. These properties help in treating health concerns as well as any kind of infections including the nail fungus.

Method 1: Apple Cider Vinegar Soak Remedy

Ingredients:

• Apple Cider Vinegar – 1-2 tbsp
• Water – 1 Bowl

Directions:

1. To gain the maximum benefits of this remedy it is best suggested to cut and file the infected nail.
2. Now take a bowl of water and into this add in some apple cider vinegar and mix it well.
3. Now soak your feet into this apple cider vinegar solution for at least 20-30 mins.
4. This apple cider vinegar for nail fungus remedy needs to be repeated 2-3 times in a day.
5. Continue with this remedy using acv for nail fungus for at least a week or until there is no sign of infection or inflammation in the infected nail.

2. Method 2: Apple Cider Vinegar & Epsom Salt Soak Remedy

In this remedy Epsom salt is another excellent ingredient that is packed with healing and anti inflammatory properties. It further aids in treating the infection as well as reduces the inflammation of the infected nail.

Ingredients:

• Apple Cider Vinegar – 1/3 Cup
• Epsom Salt – 1/3 Cup
• Water – Cups
• Saucepan
• Large Empty Bowl

Directions:

1. Firstly add about 2 cups of water into a saucepan and place it over medium heat.
2. Allow the water to heat up for about 5-10 mins.
3. Later take it off the heat and transfer it into an empty large bowl.
4. Now into this hot water add in the apple cider vinegar and the Epsom salt.
5. Mix this well until all the ingredients are well combined.
6. Now once the water feels comfortable enough to soak in the feet place your feet into the bowl.
7. Allow your feet to soak in the water for at least 20-30 mins.
8. This Epsom salt and apple cider vinegar for nail fungus natural remedy needs to be repeated twice in a day for best results.

Method 3: Apple Cider Vinegar Tonic Remedy

Ingredients:

• Apple Cider Vinegar – 1 tsp
• Water – 1 Cup

Directions:

1. Take a glass of water and into this add in some apple cider vinegar and stir it well.
2. Now drink this apple cider vinegar for nail fungus tonic 3-4 times in a day.
3. This home remedy works effectively to treat any kind of fungal infection or allergies internally.
4. This home remedy using apple cider vinegar for nail fungus needs to be continued for at least 1-2 weeks for best results.
5. This tonic using apple cider vinegar also helps in maintaining your overall health and prevents you from some various health concerns and allergies including cold and flu.

2. Natural Remedies Using Baking Soda for Nail Fungus 

Baking soda is non toxic in nature and contains properties that help in killing the infection causing bacteria and germs. Several scientific studies have also proven the fact that baking soda works extremely well in treating and preventing the nails from fungus and any other type of nail infection.

So try this home remedies using baking soda if you want to get rid of the nail fungus immediately!

Method 1: Baking Soda Paste Remedy

Ingredients:

• Baking Soda – 2 tbsp
• Water – 1 tbsp
• Small Dish
• Cotton Swab – 1

Directions:

1. Take a small dish and into this add in the baking soda and enough water to make a paste.
2. Now mix this well until it forms a thick paste like consistency.
3. Now using a cotton swab apply this baking soda paste all over the infected nail.
4. Leave it on the nail for at least 10-15 mins.
5. Later wash it off using normal water.
6. This baking soda for nail fungus remedy needs to be repeated 2-3 times in a day.
7. This home remedy not just helps in treating the infection but also protects the nail from getting the infection back.
8. Continue with this baking soda home remedy treatment for atleast two weeks or until you see no sign of nail fungus.

Method 2: Baking Soda & Apple Cider Vinegar Remedy

As mentioned above apple cider vinegar too contains properties that help in treating and preventing the nails from infection and fungi.

So try this perfect combination of apple cider vinegar and baking soda remedy to get rid of the nail infection!

Ingredients:

• Baking Soda – 4-5 tbsp
• Apple Cider Vinegar – 1 Cup
• Water – 1 Large Bowl

Directions:

1. Take a large bowl of water and into this add in the baking soda and the apple cider vinegar.
2. Now stir this solution well enough so that both ingredients are well combined with the water.
3. Now soak your feet into this bowl of water.
4. Leave it in there for at least 20-30 mins.
5. Repeat this process several times in a day preferably for at least 3-4 times in a day.
6. This apple cider vinegar and baking soda for nail fungus remedy cure the infection as well as prevents the infection from spreading further.
7. Continue with this home remedy for at least one week or until you don’t see any signs of nail infection or inflammation in the nail.

[ Also Read: Ways to Treat a Jammed Finger Easily at Home]

Method 3: Baking Soda, Tea Tree Oil, Arrowroot, Sage Oil & Basil Oil Remedy

This home remedy is another effective way of treating and preventing the nail from nail fungus.

Combining baking soda with anti bacterial and anti fungal essential oils such as the tea tree oil, basil oil, sage oil and arrowroot further helps in speeding up the healing process of the infected nail.

This baking soda for nail fungus remedy also acts as a barrier against nail infections and nail fungus!

Ingredients:

• Baking Soda – 1 tsp
• Tea Tree Oil – 2-3 Drops
• Basil Oil – 2-3 Drops
• Sage Oil – 2-3 Drops
• Arrowroot Powder – 1 tsp
• Small Dish
• Socks

Directions:

1. Firstly take a small dish and into this add in the baking soda, arrowroot powder, sage oil, basil oil and the tea tree oil.
2. Now mix this well until all the ingredients are well combined.
3. Now apply this mixture over the infected nail and wear socks.
4. Leave it on for at least 30-40 mins.
5. Later take off your socks and wash it with clear water.
6. Repeat this essential oils, arrowroot and baking soda for nail fungus remedy 2-3 times in a day.
7. Continue with this baking soda for nail fungus remedy for at least 1-2 weeks.
8. This remedy helps in treating and preventing the nail from infection.

Essential Oils for Nail Fungus

3. Coconut Oil for Nail Fungus Remedies

Coconut oil contains anti bacterial, anti fungal, anti viral and anti microbial properties. It is also a rich natural source of good fats that help in killing the infection or nail fungus causing bacteria.

Apart from this the fact that most of us aren’t aware about coconut oil is that it contains a good amount of caprylic acid which is highly effective in eliminating the nail fungus or nail infection causing germs and bacteria.

So if you are looking for that extremely helpful natural ingredient to get rid of nail infection then coconut oil is the perfect one!

Method 1: Coconut Oil Mask Remedy

This method maybe simple and comprises of just one step but is very helpful in treating the nail fungus.

Ingredients:

• Coconut Oil – 1 tsp
• Socks

Directions:

1. All you need to do for this remedy is to just lather the infected nail with coconut oil.
2. Wear some clean cotton socks and leave it on for at least 2-3 hours.
3. Later wash your feet with warm water and mild soap and pat it dry.
4. This process using coconut oil for nail fungus needs to be repeated for at least 2-3 times in a day for best results.
5. This remedy not only helps in getting rid of the infection but also prevents the infection from spreading it across the nail.

Method 2: Coconut Oil Bandage Remedy

This remedy is another great and natural way to treat the nail fungus using essential  coconut oil.

Using coconut oil for the bandage technique further helps in speeding up the healing process and also prevents the fungi from spreading across the nail.

Ingredients:

• Coconut Oil – 1 tbsp
• Water – 1 Bowl
• Empty Bowl
• Bandage or White Muslin Cloth – 1
• Sock – 1
• Plastic Bag – 1

Directions:

1. Firstly add the coconut oil into a small bowl.
2. Now heat some water in a saucepan for about 5-10 mins.
3. Later take it off the heat and place the bowl of hot water under the bowl of coconut oil.
4. This process helps in melting the coconut oil if it is in solid form.
5. Now wash your feet using some warm water and pat the skin dry.
6. Later dip in the muslin cloth into the warm coconut oil.
7. Squeeze the cloth to ring out the excess oil from it and tie it around the infected nail.
8. Later wear a sock over the feet and cover it using a plastic bag.
9. This process using coconut oil for nail fungus needs to be repeated twice in a day and also the bandage must be replaced twice.
10. This process will help in getting rid of the infection faster and also prevents the infection from spreading.
11. This home remedy for nail fungus needs to be followed up for at least one week to get the best results.

4. Lavender Oil for Nail Fungus

Lavender oil is one of the best essential oils to treat nail fungus as it contains a high amount of anti fungal, anti viral, anti septic, anti inflammatory, therapeutic and healing properties.

Hence if you are looking for a natural and fragrant remedy to treat the painful infected nail then lavender oil is the best choice!

Method 1: Lavender Oil Application Remedy

Ingredients:

• Lavender Oil – 1-2 Drops
• Sock – 1

Directions:

1. All you need to do for this remedy is to apply a drop or two of lavender oil over the infected nail.
2. Now wear a sock in order to secure the drop over the infected nail.
3. Leave it on for about 2-3 hours.
4. Later take off the sock and wash your feet with warm water and pat it dry.
5. This process using lavender oil for nail fungus needs to be repeated at least 3-4 times in a day to heal the infection completely.
6. This remedy process using lavender oil can be continued for a week or two or until you don’t see any signs of nail infection.

Method 2: Lavender Oil & Epsom Salt Foot Soak Remedy

Combining the fungus healing benefits of Epsom salts and lavender oil is the best way to get rid of the nail infection faster and effectively.

So try this foot soak remedy using the health benefits of Epsom salt and lavender oil for nail fungus!

Ingredients:

• Lavender Oil – 4-5 Drops
• Epsom Salts – 2-3 tbsp
• Warm Water – 1 Large Bowl/Basin

Directions:

1. Take a basin filled with warm water and into this add in a few drops of lavender oil and few spoons of Epsom salts.
2. Mix this well using your hands and make sure that the Epsom salt is well dissolved in the water.
3. Now soak your foot into this water for about 15-20 mins.
4. Later take your foot out and pat it dry.
5. It is best recommended to wear a clean sock over the foot in order to let the infected nail soak in a while longer with the lavender oil and Epsom salt healing benefits.
6. Leave the sock on for about 2-3 hours.
7. Later wash your foot with warm water and pat it dry.
8. This process using Epsom salts and lavender oil for nail fungus needs to be repeated 2-3 times in a day to heal the infection faster.
9. The remedy can be continued for about a week.

Method 3: Lavender Oil & Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak Remedy

Tea tree oil is naturally packed with anti fungal and anti septic properties. This makes it another excellent essential oil that will further help in getting rid of the nail fungus.

Combining tea tree oil with lavender oil is like speeding up the healing process of the nail fungus as well as preventing the nail from the spread of the infection across the nail.

Try this remedy and you will never have to suffer from a nail fungus ever again!

Ingredients:

• Lavender Oil – 4-5 Drops
• Tea Tree Oil – 6-7 Drops
• Warm Water – 1 Large Basin/Bowl
• Sock

Directions:

1. Take a large basin filled with warm water and into this add in the lavender oil and the tea tree oil.
2. Mix this well so that both the oils are well blended with the water.
3. Now soak your foot into this warm water for at least 15-20 mins.
4. Later take your foot out and pat it dry.
5. Now wear a sock and leave it on for about 3-4 hours.
6. Later wash your foot again with plain warm water and pat it dry.
7. This remedy using tea tree oil and lavender oil for nail fungus needs to be repeated 2-3 times in a day for best results.
8. Follow up with this remedy for at least 2 weeks or until you don’t feel any signs of nail fungus or infection.

5. Oregano Oil for Nail Fungus Remedy

Oregano oil is another one of those extremely health beneficial essential oils that helps in treating many health concerns.

It is a rich natural source of anti fungal, anti bacterial and anti biotic properties. It also contains magnesium, calcium, manganese, copper, potassium, iron and many other health essential nutrients.

These qualities of oregano oil make it the ideal essential oil to treat nail fungal and any kind of skin or stomach infection as well.

Method 1: Oregano Oil & Olive Oil Remedy

Olive oil too just like oregano oil is naturally packed with infection healing qualities such as anti bacterial, anti viral and anti fungal properties. Combining olive oil with oregano oil will further speed up the infection healing process as well as kill the nail fungi causing bacteria present in the nail. Olive oil can also helps you get rid if hang nails naturally as well.

Ingredients:

• Oregano Oil – 2-3 Drops
• Olive Oil – 1 tsp
• Small Dish

Directions:

1. Firstly take a small dish and into this add in the olive oil and the oregano oil.
2. Mix this well and apply this oil mixture over the infected nail.
3. Leave it on the nail for at least 2-3 hours.
4. Later wash the nail or your foot using some warm water and pat the skin dry.
5. This remedy using oregano oil for nail fungus needs to be repeated 2-3 times in a day.
6. Follow up with this remedy for a week or until you don’t see any signs of infection in the nail.

Method 2: Oregano Oil Massage Remedy

This direct application of oregano oil is highly recommended if the nail fungus is severe and has turned the nail completely black or deeply discolored.

Ingredients:

• Oregano Oil – 2 Drops

Directions:

1. For this remedy firstly you will need to wash your infected nail using some warm water and pat dry the nail.
2. Now apply few drops of oregano oil and massage it over and around the infected nail for 2-3 mins.
3. Later leave the oil on the nail for another 2 hours.
4. Later wash your foot again with some warm water and pat dry the nail.
5. This home remedy with oregano oil for nail fungus needs to be repeated twice in a day.
6. This remedy helps in treating the infection as well as prevents the fungi from spreading across the entire nail bed.
7. Follow up with this remedy for about 2 weeks or until there is no absolute sign of discoloration on the infected nail.

Method 3: Oregano Oil Capsules Remedy

• This is another remedy using oregano oil for nail fungus and for this you will need to find a reputed and reliable brand that offers purely natural oregano oil capsules.
• It is best recommended to consume oregano oil capsules twice in a day to speed up the nail infection healing process.
• One can intake these oil capsules along with the meals or after meals too.

6. Tea Tree Oil for Nail Fungus Remedy

According to several scientific studies tea tree oil has been recommended as one of the best and the most potent natural treatment for onychomycosis which is the medical term for nail fungus.

Tea tree oil is a rich natural source of anti septic and anti fungal properties. This helps in clearing the infection as well as prevents the growth of infection across the nail.

There are different ways of using tea tree oil for nail fungus and some of the most effective ones are mentioned below.

Method 1: Tea Tree Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar & Peppermint Oil Foot Soak Remedy

Like discussed above apple cider vinegar is a great addition for treating nail fungus and combining this potent ingredient with tea tree oil and thyme oil further helps in eliminating the nail infection effectively.

Why thyme oil you may ask?

Well it’s because thyme oil is a great natural source of anti microbial, anti fungal, anti septic, anti parasitic and anti inflammatory properties.

A combination of all the above mentioned three ingredients in this foot soak remedy will help in treating the nail infection as well as reduce the inflammation in the nail.

Ingredients:

• Tea Tree Oil – 5-6 Drops
• Apple Cider Vinegar – ½ Cup
• Thyme Oil – 2 Drops
• Warm Water – 1 Large Basin/Bowl

Directions:

1. Take a large basin filled with warm water.
2. Now into this add in the apple cider vinegar, thyme oil and the tea tree oil.
3. Mix this well until all the ingredients are well blended together.
4. Now soak your foot or the hand that has the infected nail into this water.
5. Let it soak for at least 20-30 mins.
6. Later take your foot out and pat the skin dry.
7. Let the ACV, thyme oil and tea tree oil for nail fungus solution on the infected nail from the soak for at least 2-3 hours.
8. Later wash your foot or hand with warm water and pat the skin dry.
9. This process needs to be repeated 2-3 times in a day for best results.
10. Follow up with this remedy for at least 2 weeks to get rid of the nail infection completely and also to prevent it from coming back again.

Method 2: Tea Tree Oil, AVC, Distilled Water & Lavender Oil Nail Lotion Remedy

This is another great, easy and quick way of getting rid of the nail fungus.

This lotion which consists of potent anti fungal and anti septic ingredients such as tea tree oil, Apple Cider Vinegar and Lavender Oil helps in healing the inflammation in the infected nail as well as eliminates the infection too.

So give this remedy using a combination of other ingredients with tea tree oil for nail fungus a must try!

Ingredients:

• Tea Tree Oil – 5-6 Drops
• Apple Cider Vinegar – 3-4 tsp
• Lavender Oil – 5-10 Drops
• Distilled Water – 1/8 Cup
• Empty Glass Jar or Spray Bottle

Directions:

1. For this remedy you are required to add in the apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil and the lavender oil into an empty spray bottle.
2. Cover this bottle and shake it well so that all the ingredients are well combined.
3. Add in the distilled water into this spray bottle, cover and shake it well again.
4. Now for usage spray about 1-2 sprays over the infected nail on the hand or on your foot.
5. Leave it on the nail for at least 2-3 hours.
6. This is recommended as one of the most helpful and effective home remedies for nail fungus.
7. Repeat the complete process for about 3-4 times in a day and every time before using the lotion always make sure to shake the spray bottle well before spraying it over the infected nail.
8. Follow up with this remedy for at least 2-3 weeks or until you don’t feel any inflammation or discoloration on the infected nail.

[ Also Read: Natural Remedies Using Essential Oils for Psoriasis]

Method 3: Tea Tree Oil Nail Paint Remedy

This remedy is simple and all you need to do is to paint the infected nail with tea tree oil and allow the pure benefits of tea tree oil work the best in treating the nail infection.

The undiluted version of tea tree oil may cause slightest bit of irritation but this is completely harmless and will still work quite effectively in killing the nail fungi causing bacteria present in the nail.

Ingredients:

• Tea Tree Oil – 2-3 Drops
• Cotton Swab – 1
• Small Spoon – 1

Directions:

1. Firstly wash the infected nail using some warm water and pat it dry.
2. Now take a small spoon and into this add in a few drops of the tea tree oil.
3. Now dip in a cotton swab into the tea tree oil and apply it over the infected nail.
4. Make sure to coat and paint the entire infected nail with the tea tree oil.
5. Leave it on the nail for at least 2-3 hours.
6. Later wash the infected nail using warm water and pat it dry.
7. Repeat the remedy using tea tree oil for nail fungus for about 2-3 times in a day.
8. Follow up with this remedy for about 2 weeks or until the nail infection has been completely healed and there is no discoloration on the nail anymore.

Method 4: Tea Tree Oil, Olive Oil & Orange Oil Remedy

Just like tea tree oil the orange oil is also known to contain some effective anti fungal properties that helps in killing the infection causing bacteria from the nail.

Combining tea tree oil with olive oil and orange oil will speed up fungus healing process and also prevent the fungi from spreading across and to the other nails.

Ingredients:

• Tea Tree Oil – 1 tsp
• Orange Oil – ½ tsp
• Olive Oil – ½ tsp
• Cotton Ball
• Small Dish
• Sock

Directions:

1. Take a small dish and into this add in the tea tree oil, orange oil and the olive oil.
2. Mix this well until all the ingredients are well combined.
3. Make sure to clean your infected nail with some warm water and pat it dry.
4. Now dip in a cotton ball into the oil solution and apply it all over and around the infected nail.
5. Massage the oil solution gently over the infected oil for a min or two.
6. Later cover your foot with the infected nail or hand with a pure cotton sock.
7. Leave it on for about 2-3 hours.
8. Later take off the sock and wash the infected nail with warm water and pat it dry.
9. Repeat this remedy using orange oil, olive oil and tea tree oil for nail fungus for at least 3-4 times in a day for best results.
10. Follow up of this remedy for two weeks will help in eliminating the nail infection as well prevent the nail from getting back the nail fungus.

So these were our top most suggestions of the home remedies for nail fungus. Apart from these remedies there are a few precautionary measures that will further help in preventing your nails from fungus.

Important Tips & Suggestions to Treat and Protect the Nail from Infection or Fungi:

• Always make sure to maintain short and clean nails. Following a regime of regularly cleaning your nails with some anti bacterial hand wash or bath wash will help in maintaining clean and infection free nails.
• Always make sure to wear clean, hygienic and breathable footwear or gloves. This helps in preventing any kind of accumulation of moisture in the footwear or gloves and this itself is one of the most important preventive measures for nail fungus.
• Always make sure to wear preventive gloves while washing dishes as this prevents the nails from coming in close contact with any kind of bacteria or infection.
• Always make sure to dry out your feet and hands after shower as this prevents any moisture lockup in and around the nails.
• Avoid using the same nail file or nail clipper that you have recently used on the infected nail onto the other nails as this may spread the infection onto the other uninfected nails.
• Always make sure to wear 100% cotton socks or gloves only.

[ Also Read: How To do a Pedicure at Home (Step by Step Guide)]

All of the above mentioned tips and home remedies for nail fungus are completely natural, safe, affordable and highly effective in treating the nail infection within a short period of time.

However if at all the nail infection or nail fungus  prolongs over a longer period of time even after the application of the remedies then it is best suggested to consult a specialist for the same.

Do drop in a line and let us know which of the home remedies for nail fungus mentioned here was of best help to you and how. We would love to know your opinion about the same in order to serve you with better natural suggestions.