Nail fungus, scientifically known as onychomycosis, is a fungal disease that affects the fingernails and toenails. This condition manifests when the fungus enters through the small cuts in the nail. The nail bed has a warm environment that promotes the growth of the fungus and preventing the infection becomes very difficult. Usually, it affects men and mostly the elderly. Various factors are the cause of nail fungus such as poor blood circulation, humid environment, weakened immune system, etc.
Carvacrol or cymophane C6H3(CH3)(OH)C3H7 is a monoterpenoid phenol. It has a characteristic warm and pungent odor of oregano. Mild fungal infections have traditionally been treated using wild oregano oil. It is effective in relieving and reducing symptoms of minor fungal infections. Oregano oil is a perfect cure for nail fungus because of its carvacrol content. Also, Carvacrol not only completes the work on its own but helps to relieve minor fungal infections.
What Is Carvacrol?
Carvacrol, or 2-methyl-5-(propane-2-yl) Benzenol, which is the full name, is a compound found in different types of essential oils. Also, it is found in black walnut oil. Although oregano is the best-known source of the compound, it is commonly found in plants belonging to the Lamiaceae family, including sage, lavender, rosemary, marjoram, hyssop, basil, and mint.
The rich sources of carvacrol are essential oils of thyme (Thymus vulgaris), oregano (Origanum Vulgare), wild bergamot (Citrus Aurantium Bergamia), pepperwort (Lepidium Flavum), and other plants. Carvacrol is a colorless pale yellow and thick liquid. It is slightly soluble in water but it is completely soluble in ethanol or ether.
What Is Nail Fungus?
A fungus thrives in humid and warm environments, and it grows in closed-in or packed feet. Nails can become infected with fungus in the nail bed, plate, or root. It spreads over time and causes discoloration, crumbling, and thickening at the edges of the pain and nails.
Mostly, people are embarrassed by the condition and therefore try to keep their nails or feet out of sight by wearing closed-toed shoes in hot weather or covering them with products like nail paint or polish.
Causes of Nail Fungus
The most common fungi that cause nail fungus infections are dermatophyte fungi. It is associated with candida and yeast infections and athlete’s foot. If your feet become sweaty and hot more often, there are fair chances that you might get a fungal nail infection. It can be due to exercise or the humid atmosphere you live in.
Additionally, damage to skin or nails from the injuries or ill-fitting shoes can make you feel sensitive. Health conditions that affect the immune system can also increase the risk of nail fungus infection such as diabetes or psoriasis.
Symptoms of Nail Fungus
- Smelling Slightly Foul
- A Dark Color (Caused By Debris Under The Nail)
- Distorted In Shape
- Crumbly, Brittle, or Ragged
- Whitish To Yellow-Brown Discoloration
- Thickened
Oregano Oil For Nail Fungus
There are several reasons why you should choose oregano oil for nail fungus over other different types of essential oils.
Oregano oil is best for severe nail fungus because of carvacrol. Carvacrol is a natural phenol known for its anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. Particularly for nail fungus, it can have multiple benefits.
The amount of carvacrol in oregano oil is almost 5-75%. It depends on the type of oregano oil you are buying. If you are buying it for nail fungus or muscle pain, then it may contain a higher concentration of carvacrol.
Pros Of Oregano Oil For Nail Fungus
Antioxidant Property
Carvacrol is an antioxidant. Whenever there is an infection or breakdown in the body, we look for antioxidants. They help to balance the production of toxins. If the nails are infected with the fungus, our body goes into emergency mode. Therefore, to combat the harmful effects is taking an antioxidant which is beneficial for our body.
If someone takes oil or oregano for general health, then the carvacrol component can support the healthy immune system, especially against cancer and infections. As mentioned earlier, the main cause of nail fungus can be a weak immune system. So, when one uses oil of oregano, they can improve their immune system and remove the nail fungus. Hence, you treat the nail fungus naturally without taking any medicines.
Anti-Inflammatory Property
Carvacrol is an anti-inflammatory compound. Tissue inflammation is the main cause of pain in nail fungus. So, when one gets nail fungus, the damaged tissues cause pain. To fight the situation, the use of oregano oil can gradually combat the inflammation.
According to the research, carvacrol fights the enzymes that cause inflammation and reduces it ultimately. To reduce inflammation and pain relief with essential oils, you can drink or apply the oil of oregano as a topical solution.
Cons Of Oregano Oil For Nail Fungus
Oregano oil is an excellent source of carvacrol and thymol which is an effective solution for nail fungus. But there are a few cons that you need to consider before using it for the treatment of nail fungus.
- Oil of oregano is a powerful oil containing a host of chemicals. It can affect a weakened immune system by causing it to fight back. So, before you start using oregano oil for nail fungus treatment, make sure to consult a doctor.
- Drinking oil of oregano is not always a safe method. A few drops are enough but drinking too much can cause tissue burns.
- The use of oregano oil alone is not always beneficial because some people might have allergies. Also, it can be harsh on the skin. It is recommended that oil of oregano should be used in its diluted form or by mixing with other essential oils. Carrier oil can be an option to mix oregano oil with. Hence, you will be protecting your skin from skin irritation.
How To Use Oregano Oil To Treat Nail Fungus?
You can use the oil of oregano internally or topically to control the nail fungus. The main two methods are as follows:
Topical Treatment
- Mix 2-3 drops of oregano oil with a teaspoon of virgin olive oil.
- Put the mixture on the affected nail and rub it gently.
- The oil will penetrate the nail tissue and the surrounding skin.
- Try to keep the toe exposed to air as much as possible.
- Repeat the application three times a day.
Note: If you cover the nail with socks or shoes, the moisture will be trapped inside. As a result, the fungus will reproduce easily.
Oral Treatment
If you want faster healing than topical treatment, oral intake is the best option.
- The ideal dose for faster oral treatment is 2-3 drops of oregano oil.
- Put 2-3 drops under the tongue.
- Take it 2 times a day.
If you are aware of the treatment of nail fungus in different ways than the above-mentioned, then you will be able to improve the condition and remove the nail fungus in about 2-3 weeks. Still, if the problem persists, try increasing the daily dose to remove the nail fungus.
Using oregano oil too much invites side effects and you might end up having one of the side effects. Before you increase the daily dose, make sure to consult the doctor, nutritionist, or dietician.
Carvacrol – Treat Your Nail Fungus
Some people play sports a lot or even the professional players practice more often. When you do sports, you get sweaty feet. If you keep your feet covered with socks for a long time, they get hot and moisture traps inside. There are fair chances that you might get a nail fungus infection. Fungus grows on the warm surface or where there is a humid atmosphere. So, when you get a nail fungus infection, try to keep your feet in the open air rather than covering them with closed-toed shoes or socks.
To treat nail fungus infection, oregano oil is the best and most natural cure. Instead of using medicines, you can use oil of oregano to remove fungus from the toenail. The carvacrol compound in oregano and its oil helps to remove the nail fungus due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Also, it boosts your immune system that helps to cure nail fungus. Make sure to consider the pros and cons of the use of oregano oil because you might get one of the side effects of using too much oregano oil.