From the Mailbag: More Toenail Fungus Solutions

By Natalie Moore Posted September 8, 2016

Dear Living Well Daily Reader,

You’ve got questions…

We’ve got answers!

Last week, we shared an important reader question about how to get rid toenail fungus with natural solutions. Since then, we have gotten dozens of your questions and recommendations about how to remedy this unsightly problem.

Today we are going to share two of the most popular suggestions, and also clarify how to use olive leaf extract to relieve your toenail fungus.

Let’s dive in…

Olive Leaf Extract Remedies

As you may have already read in last week’s reader mail, olive leaf extract is a powerful natural anti-fungal agent. Many readers wrote in to ask if they should harness its fungi-fighting powers by taking olive leaf extract by mouth or by applying directly to the toenail.

The answer is both!

Taking olive leaf extract orally will help your body fight off any microbial invaders by killing yeast and other fungi in your system. Not to mention olive leaf extract can boost your immune system and offers antibacterial support as well, both key factors to fighting infections.

The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking 250–500 mg capsules one–three times daily for immune system support. Continue taking capsules until the infection is resolved.

Some folks have also reported successfully clearing up their toenail fungus by using olive leaf extract directly on their toes.

One way to do this is with tea bags.

First, make a cup of hot tea using an organic olive leaf tea bag. Next, once the bag has cooled, place the bag directly on the affected toe. Let sit for 10–15 minutes (perhaps while you’re drinking your tea). Repeat for up to twice a day until fungus as cleared.

To get the quickest results, you can use both methods at the same time. You can find capsules and tea through Amazon.com.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Essential Oils

Hi Natalie,

I’ve been soaking my feet in apple cider vinegar and then rubbing my infected toenails with tea tree and lavender essential oils for about three months. It’s working! Though I must admit it’s taking a bit longer than I hoped for. I only do the soak and oils two days a week. Maybe I should be doing it more often?

Thanks,

Patti

Thanks for writing in, Patti. You weren’t alone on this. Several readers are trying this method too. And many are reporting results.

Only treating your fungus two days a week may be what’s slowing down the process.

Apple cider vinegar, which is a home remedy staple, has been praised as a powerful anti-fungal for many years. Recently, a study showed that apple cider vinegar is able to kill Candida yeast, which is a type of fungus that could lead to toenail fungus infections.

However, it seems that continuous daily treatment is necessary to keep the fungus-fighting momentum going. Many home remedies call for a daily soak of the infected toes in equal parts water and apple cider vinegar solution for 10–20 minutes until the fungus has cleared.

In addition, following the soak with either tea tree or lavender oil should help restore your nails back to a healthy state.

Both of these essential oils are proven fungi busters and are great natural solutions to toenail fungus. Just like the vinegar soak, they should be used daily to clear the fungus or until instructed by a medical provider.

So if you keep on soaking and using your essential oils, you may get some relief, Patti.

Thanks for your questions! Keep them coming! Send all questions to nmoore@lfb.org

Live well,

Natalie Moore
Managing editor, Living Well Daily

Sources

^[1] Fungal Nail Infections (Onychomycosis): A Never-Ending Story?

^[2] Warts

^[3] Antifungal Activity of Apple Cider Vinegar on Candida Species Involved in Denture Stomatitis.

^[4] Uses for Vinegar on Toes

^[5] Antifungal activity of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil) against pathogenic fungi in vitro.

^[6] Lavender oil has potent antifungal effect

Written By Natalie Moore

Natalie Moore is a dedicated health researcher with a passion for finding healthy, natural, and science-based solutions. After a decade of direct healthcare experience in western and natural medicine, she was involved in public health research before joining Living Well Daily.

View More By Natalie Moore