Mailbag: Natural Fixes for Stubborn Toenail Fungus

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted January 21, 2025

“Is there an actual cure for toenail fungus?”

—Feeling Frustrated

If you are frustrated because you’ve been battling toenail fungus, I’m not surprised. Toenail fungus is incredibly difficult to treat.

But don’t give up. With a combination of natural treatments and patience, relief is possible.

Here’s what’s worked for my patients in the past…

• Tea tree oil: Apply this potent antifungal directly to the affected nail. Mix it with a carrier oil like coconut oil to prevent skin irritation.
• Apple cider vinegar: To create an environment hostile to fungus, soak your feet in a mixture of apple cider vinegar and warm water.
• Oregano oil: Dilute this natural antifungal with a carrier oil and apply it to the affected areas daily.
• Garlic: Crushed garlic applied topically or eaten regularly can help fight fungal infections. This fragrant spice is rich in the natural antifungal allicin.
• Olive leaf extract: This natural antifungal can be taken orally or applied topically to the affected nails.
• Dietary changes: An imbalanced microbiome can create a fungus-friendly environment. Reduce your sugar intake and eat more probiotic and prebiotic-rich foods to help balance your microbiome, making it less hospitable to fungal overgrowth.
• Essential oils: A mixture of lavender, lemongrass, and tea tree essential oils can be applied to the nails and surrounding skin.
• Sunlight exposure: UV light helps kill fungus, so expose your feet to some direct sunlight daily.

The key here is persistence. Toenail fungus is stubborn. It can take several months of consistent application and combining several remedies before you see significant improvement.

You’re essentially waiting for the toenail to grow out, which can take a long time.

While treating the fungus, it’s vital to take steps to prevent reinfection:

• Keep your feet clean and dry
• Wear breathable shoes and socks
• Avoid walking barefoot in public areas
• Don’t share nail tools
• Regularly disinfect your shoes

If you don’t see improvement after several months of consistent natural treatment, or if the infection is severe, consult a healthcare professional.

They can determine if you need more potent antifungal treatments or if an underlying health issue is contributing to the problem.

P.S. The deadly danger lurking in your favorite foods.

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

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