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.
View More Free Articles
BEAT Stubborn Leg Swelling Without Dangerous Diuretics
“I need help with edema.” —Swollen Hi Swollen, When patients complain of edema—fluid retention that causes feet, ankles, and legs to swell—I explain that, while conventional medicine immediately prescribes diuretic drugs, nature offers us effective solutions we can try first. I’ll share those in just a moment, but first, let’s take a quick look at...
Mental Health Linked to 30% FASTER Aging [6-Step FIX]
Your mind and body are more connected than you might realize—and a groundbreaking new study proves just how profound that connection really is. In fact, it’s this mind-body link that helps explain why battling depression can put you on the fast track to physical decline. Depression is the most common mental health condition worldwide. We’ve...
The Air You Breathe Is Silently Stealing Your Memory
You already know that air pollution damages your lungs. Chances are you’ve heard it can also harm your heart. And I bet you won’t be surprised when I tell you it claims millions of lives annually. But now, alarming new research suggests polluted air might also damage your brain. This study found that long-term exposure...
Get Intermittent Fasting Benefits Without Going Hungry
Intermittent fasting, which involves cycling between eating and fasting periods, is effective. There’s plenty of evidence for that. It’s not just weight loss, either. Intermittent fasting has significant benefits for metabolic health. However, many people find fasting difficult to stick to—and others can’t do it at all due to medical issues—so they miss out on...
Just Diagnosed with Hypertension? —6 Things to Do Next
You’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure—now what? First, take a breath. You’re not alone—over 30 percent of adults worldwide have hypertension. That makes it one of the most common health issues… and a top cause of preventable deaths. The good news is that, unlike some conditions that can leave you feeling helpless, high blood...
Brain Games Are USELESS—Do These 5 Things Instead
I’ve seen a lot of lists lately claiming to have the secrets that keep your brain from turning into mush as you age. They typically advise activities such as doing crosswords, learning Spanish, or taking up the accordion. Challenging your mind with new learning experiences is definitely a great way to keep your brain engaged...
This $5 Fix REVERSES Cellular Aging in Just 6 Months
You take your vitamins, eat your vegetables, and feel healthy—so your nutrition is covered… right? Well, new research suggests that even health-conscious older adults may be missing crucial nutrients that keep their cells functioning like those of younger people. The trouble is that as we age, our bodies become less efficient at absorbing nutrients from...
Mailbag: Doctors Get Bone Health WRONG—Here's What Really Works
“Thank you so much for answering this. With millions of women who are seniors over 70 facing a diagnosis of osteoporosis, this is my question. What can we do naturally to help improve our bone density, especially in the spine lumber 1 and 2? Also, how do we help improve bone density in the femur...
Critical Brain Nutrient Missing In 9 Out of 10 American Diets
You’ve probably heard plenty about brain-boosting omega-3s, antioxidants, and B vitamins. But there’s another nutrient that’s just as critical for your cognitive health. However, it’s been flying under the radar… until now. Mounting evidence suggests this overlooked compound could be key to protecting your brain and enhancing memory. It may even reduce your risk of...
"Miracle Berry" Supercharges Your Microbiome
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and granddads who’ve shared their wisdom, strength, and love through the years. Thank you for teaching us that the best medicine is laughter, love, and a father’s caring heart. Want to upgrade your health but don’t want complicated diets or expensive supplements? Science just revealed a delicious way...