Essential Oils to Help Nail and Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus is a common condition that affects a large population, especially older people. It is caused by underlying fungal growth, which attacks tissues and nails of toes. It can spread to other toenails and change their color if the infection progresses and is left untreated.

The most prominent symptom of toenail fungus is the discoloration of nails. The affected toenails turn into brownish and whitish-yellow. Toenail fungus can also cause swelling, thickening, and crumbling of nails, which leads to wounds and pain. You can also catch fungal infections in warm and damp places like public pools, locker rooms, and gyms. Other risk factors that can cause toenail fungus infection include poor circulation, compromised immune system, diabetes, and advanced age. Moreover, wearing closed-toe shoes, damp socks, use of artificial nails, and poor hygiene can also increase your risk of developing toenail fungus.

The standard treatment to cure toenail fungus infection is the use of topical and oral antifungal medications. However, these medications can cause side effects. Essential oils are a healthy alternative to soothe toenail fungus because of their therapeutic properties. They are effective, natural, and soothing for this troublesome condition because they are free of harsh chemicals.

Here are the best essential oils that help in soothing toenail fungus:

Cinnamon Essential Oil

Cinnamon essential oil is a centuries-old remedy for soothing skin conditions. It has purifying, calming and antioxidant properties that soothe skin irritation caused by germs. It improves skin's health, calms dryness and keeps it hydrated. Its chemical composition comprises of eugenol and eugenol acetate. Both of the naturally occurring compounds have analgesic properties that calm inflamed skin and ease pain.

How to Use:

• Add 2-3 drop of cinnamon essential oil
• Add 1 teaspoon of carrier oil (almond oil or jojoba oil)
• Mix the oils thoroughly
• Apply the oil's mixture onto the affected toenails

 Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea tree essential oil is known for its therapeutic properties in skincare and aromatherapy. Native Australians have been using tea tree essential oil as an ingredient in folk medicines for decades. It contains a-terpinene and cineole compounds that exhibit purifying properties which are soothing for toenail fungus. Moreover, it contains myrcene, which has analgesic and neutralizing properties that help soothe physical discomfort, inflammation, and redness caused by fungus in toenails.

How to Use:

• Add 2-3 drops of tea tree essential oil
• Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil
• Mix the oils thoroughly
• Apply the oil's mixture onto your discolored toenails

 Clove Essential Oil

The healing properties of cloves have been utilized in traditional medicines for centuries. Cloves are active ingredients in many dental hygiene products because of their analgesic properties. Clove essential oil is derived from the dried buds of flowers of clove trees. It contains eugenol in its composition, which comforts troubled skin and also exhibits cleansing activity. It is soothing for the toenail fungus, athlete's foot, and skin irritations.

How to Use:

• Add 2-3 drops of clove essential oil
• Add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil
• Mix the oils thoroughly before use
• Apply the mixture onto your toenails

Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon essential oil is a popular oil in natural skin care remedies because of its strong antioxidant properties. Its purifying and cleansing characteristics enhance the skin's health, reduce the appearance of discoloration and brighten skin's complexion. It is also soothing for the toenail fungus because of its many therapeutic properties. It calms itchiness, inflammation, and redness. Moreover, its antioxidant and soothing attributes ease discomfort caused by skin irritations.

How to Use:

• Add 2-3 drop oflemon essential oil
• Add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil
• Mix the oils thoroughly
• Apply the mixture onto your toenails

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint essential oil is an active ingredient in many cosmetics and hair care products. Its therapeutic properties improve skin's health in many ways. It is a multi-purpose oil that exhibits purifying and soothing properties. It has menthol that is known for its antioxidant properties. It leaves a cooling sensation on the skin that soothes skin irritation and lightens the discoloration caused by toenail fungus. Moreover, due to its analgesic properties, peppermint essential oil soothes the skin and relieves discomfort associated with skin irritations.

How to Use:

• Add 2-3 drops of peppermint essential oil
• Add 1 teaspoonalmond oil
• Mix the oils thoroughly
• Apply the oil's mixture onto affected toenails