Oil of Oregano and Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a very common condition.

This organism loves warm, damp environments which makes our toenails the perfect breeding ground. The affected nails can become discolored and they may thicken or become brittle as the infection grows.

Another problem is our toe nails provide a nice shelter that allows the fungus to happily thrive and multiply beneath. This makes it more stubborn and difficult to treat.

One of the most popular antifungal drugs used to treat toenail fungus is Lamisil.

Lamisil is a powerful antifungal drug. It comes in 250 mg. tablets and you take it once a day (usually 12 weeks for toenail fungus and 6 weeks for fingernail fungus).

Lamisil is a very expensive drug. On popular internet pharmacies, like Drugstore.com, a one month supply of 30 tablets costs $392.16.

And as with most prescription drugs, you may expose yourself to possible side effects. Pharmacy websites tell us that Lamisil may cause liver failure, stomach aches, nausea, diarrhea, rashes and alterations in taste. Hmmmm, not exactly some things I'd like to experience in order to get healthy toenails.

So is there a cheaper and safer toenail fungus home remedy without the dangerous side effects?

Using Oil of Oregano on Toenail Fungus - A Natural Approach to Healthier Nails.

Looking for a toenail fungus home remedy, I discovered research proving the antifungal properties of oregano oil.

The following studies prove you can use oil of oregano on toenail fungus.

A study from the Department of Horticulture and National Food Safety and Toxicology center at Michigan State University discovered carvacrol has antifungal properties. Carvacrol is the active ingredient found in oregano oil.

Another study from the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Athens found carvacrol was effective against 6 gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria and 3 types of pathogenic fungi.

Not only is the active ingredient in oil of oregano a powerful antifungal, it was also proven to be effective against yeast and oral candidiasis infections.

Researchers at the Department of Plant Physiology in Belgrade compared the antifungal activity of a variety of essential oils, including oil of oregano, thyme and sage. All oils were tested against 13 different fungal species and Oil of oregano showed the highest and broadest antifungal activity

How to Use Oil of Oregano on Toenail Fungus

Toe nail fungus can be a very stubborn condition to treat. While powerful antifungal drugs can work within 12 weeks, natural treatments can take up to 4 months before seeing results.

I believe consistency and patience are the most important factors to be successful.

Here's how I used oil of oregano on toenail fungus:

• Take 1 - 3 oil of oregano capsules every day - the brand I used had 45 mg. of oil of oregano per capsule.

• Apply oil of oregano directly on the infected toenail - I applied the oil twice a day. Once in the morning and again before going to bed.

Toe nail fungus thrives in warm, damp conditions. Here's a few other things you can do to enhance the treatment of oil of oregano on toenail fungus:

• Completely drying feet and toes after showering.

• Keep toenails cut short.

• Don't use the same nail file and nail clipper used on the infected nails on uninfected nails. You may risk spreading the fungus to other nails.

• Wear 100% cotton socks that allow your feet to 'breathe'.

• Changing to dry clean socks when they become wet or sweaty.

• Wear comfortable shoes with a wide toe 'box' allowing your toes some wiggle room. Don't wear tight fitting shoes that press your toes together.

• Drinking plenty of water.

• Exposing feet to the sun - In the past, my feet rarely saw the light of day. Now I try to expose them to the sun as much as possible. I believe moderate exposure to sunshine is good for our skin and bodies.

• Being very patient and consistent with treatment.

Research supports the use of oil of oregano on toenail fungus.

This natural treatment may also work for you. Remember to be patient and consistent. You may have rapid results or it may take longer than usual. Everyone is different.

Prescription antifungals (Lamisil) can have results in as little as 12 weeks, but can cost almost $400 a month for treatment. There is also the risk for side effects from this powerful drug.

Using oil of oregano on toe nail fungus is a natural, more gentle approach to healthy nails. This is natural healing without using dangerous and expensive pharmaceuticals.

Research References: