How To Treat Toenail Fungus With Oregano Oil

In this article we explain how to treat toenail fungus with oregano oil, We cover what toenail fungus is, the benefits of oregano oil, treatment regime, correct dosage, and possible side effects. Onychomycosis, usually referred to as toenail fungus, is a very common infection especially among older people. The fungus that causes this problem breeds in damp and warm conditions, making human toenails an ideal environment to thrive in. But this is a condition that can easily be treated with oregano oil. The fungal growth lifts the infected toenail and causes it to bend out of shape. As the condition worsens, the nail deformity and the accompanying pain makes even wearing shoes next to impossible. The fungal organism can’t be easily eradicated by regular over-the-counter medications. This is because their cellular structure is very similar to those of animals instead of plants and bacteria. To destroy this type of organism, a very powerful medication is required.
Lamisil is one of the most widely used fungicidal medications to treat onychomycosis. As expected, it is also very expensive. To make it worse, the drug is also known to cause side effects that include skin rashes, nausea, diarrhea, stomach aches, taste deviations, liver failure, and even death. Strong drugs that are made to kill fungus may be dangerous enough to endanger their users. Is there an effective, more affordable – and safer – way to treat toenail fungus? Many people who have successfully used it swear that oil of oregano is the answer.

Oregano Oil is Mother Nature’s Solution for Fungus-Free Nails

Apart from its numerous health benefits, oil of oregano has antimicrobial and fungicidal properties. Years of research and experiments by prestigious universities and institutions have proven that:

  • Carvacrol, an active component in oregano oil, has fungi-killing properties.
  • Carvacrol can eradicate 6 types of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, as well as 3 types of disease-causing fungi.
  • Carvacrol can effectively treat candidiasis and other yeast infections.
  • Oregano oil, tested alongside other essential oils, has demonstrated the broadest and most effective fungicidal action.

How to Use Oil of Oregano for the Treatment of Toenail Fungus

High-quality oregano oil is derived from the wild oregano plant (Origanum vulgares) that thrives in the Mediterranean highlands and other mountainous areas in Europe and Asia. All of its fungi-fighting properties are packed and concentrated in its essential oils to combat even the toughest infection. In its concentrated form, the oil is so strong that it can irritate the skin. It is therefore recommended to first dilute the oil of oregano in a base or carrier oil before applying it to the skin. As a rule for topical application, you never thin oregano oil with water. The best dilution is done with carrier oils like coconut, almond and olive oil. Jojoba oil can be a pricey carrier oil because of its healing components that come close to the consistency of the skin’s natural sebum. If money is a concern, you can opt for olive oil. It is much cheaper than jojoba oil and is just as effective.

As a topical application:

  • Dilute a few drops of oregano oil with an equal amount of olive oil. Use full strength if needed.
  • Gently rub the infected nail and surrounding area with this mixture. Give some time for the oil to be absorbed. Do this two to three times a day.
  • Do not cover the toe, but keep it exposed to a lot of fresh air. Keeping the toes inside socks and shoes tend to keep them trapped in a warm moist environment, which is an ideal condition for the fungus to thrive.

As an oral medication:

  • Dilute a few drops of oregano oil daily in water or in your favorite juice. If concentrated oregano is too strong for your taste, you can purchase the oil in soft gel capsule form.

Using comfortable rubber flip-flops will allow the oil some time to work into the affected area without creating a mess on the floor of your house. This will also keep your socks and carpets from being stained by the oils. What’s more, the scent of oregano may be a welcome treat in the kitchen, but it will leave a strong and sharp odor on your carpet that you may find less than appealing.

Are There Bad Oregano Oil Side Effects To Be Concerned About?

Oil of oregano is recommended to be used in small amounts. Applied full strength and undiluted, oregano oil can cause some redness and irritation of the skin. In its concentrated form, oregano oil is very strong and needs to be thinned out with a base or carrier oil. You can use oil of oregano full strength as a topical application if your skin is not showing any troublesome reaction. It can also be taken orally with minimal side effects. If taken in higher oral dosages, oregano oil can cause digestive problems and uncontrolled bleeding. Individuals with known allergies to oregano or any of the mint family should not use the oil. What’s more, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should not take the oil orally.

Tips and Precautionary Measures:

If you are planning to use oregano oil to treat toenail fungus, practice these tips and guidelines to make your toenails fungus-free.

  • Perform a patch test on your skin to ensure there’ll be no untoward side effects.
  • Keep your nails short and clean before starting your nail fungus treatment.
  • Thoroughly dry your feet and toes after bathing.
  • Change your socks once they become moist and sweaty.
  • If you should wear socks, use ones made of 100% cotton that will enable your toenails to “breathe.”
  • Use separate clippers and nail files for infected and non-infected nails to prevent the spread of the fungus.
  • Don’t wear shoes if you can help it. If you must, then wear comfortable shoes that allow your toes some room for movement. Avoid shoes that are too snug which crowd your toes together and encourage the growth of the onychomycosis-causing fungus.
  • Dust your feet with anti-fungal foot powder before wearing socks and shoes.
  • Wear comfortable flip-flops and allow your feet sometime in the sun as sunlight inhibits the growth of fungus on your toes.
  • Don’t go walking barefoot in public places, particularly in dirty and moist areas.
  • Be patient, diligent, and careful when using oregano oil.

Topical and Oral Treatments

Oregano oil taken orally in conjunction with topical essential oil application will be an unbeatable duo for fighting toenail fungus. Oregano oil is available in softgel capsule form of varying strengths. Likewise, oregano essential oil is available in regular, super strength, and P73 formulations (LINK).   Its important to try and feel healthy and look glamorous.

Consult Your Physician

Resist the tendency to go beyond the recommended treatment by the manufacturers and over-medicate yourself. Make it a point to consult your doctor first before undergoing oregano oil treatment for any disorder. Unpleasant side effects may be experienced from indiscriminate use of oregano oil. In addition, you will also require an expert diagnosis of your foot condition before trying out the medication. Many skin specialists know of oregano oil as an effective natural treatment for onychomycosis. Such treatments, however, should not be done unless under professional medical supervision. Be sure to also read about the possible side effects of oregano oil.  You can also consider using a fungus eliminator as well.