Finding Ayurvedic treatments for toenail fungus can be challenging, but flexibility is key. Toenail fungus occurs when tiny microscopic organisms called fungi get under your toenails, producing an infection. (1) Toenail fungus is a common infection of the toenails. It is contagious, so it can often start in one toenail and spread to several others.
Ayurvedic medicine (“Ayurveda” for short) is one of the world’s oldest holistic (“whole-body”) healing systems. It was formed more than 3,000 years ago in India. It’s based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a fine balance between the mind, body, and spirit
Although it starts innocently enough, as a white or yellow spot underneath your finger or toenail, your nail can begin to thicken and even crumble as the fungus seeps deeper and deeper. And fungus is more likely to develop and continue in your toenails because your feet are often enclosed in the warm, moist conditions of your shoes, where fungus can thrive.
Like any other part of the body, keeping up the hygiene of feet is also equally essential. Medical treatment usually requires the use of prescription-strength antifungal medications. Though useful, some people experience bothersome side effects. Ayurvedic treatments for toenail fungus are cost-effective and present in the home of everyone.
There are several signs of potential fungus:
- Fragile toenails
- White toenail or yellow toenail
- Peeling and flaking under the nail
- An odor from the infected nail
- Thickening of the nail
- A decaying tip or corner of the toenail
- Loss of or disfigurement the nail
- White areas or black spots on the toenails
- The presence of yellow spots on or at the bottom of the toenail
Toenail fungus is actually quite common with estimations of around ten percent of the population being affected at some time. When the toenails become infected, many people become ashamed by the way that the nail looks. While the body can improve the toenail with time, many people do not want to wait for this to occur. The good news is that there are some ayurvedic treatments for toenail fungus that can help to speed up the process.
Ayurvedic Treatments for Toenail Fungus
1. Guduchi
Guduchi can be an effective treatment against the toenail fungus to get rid of the symptoms like pain, unusual discoloration and brittleness of the nails, and peeling of the nails and the encircling skin. It can also provide an antifungal action and can help to stop the microorganisms responsible for producing the infection.
2. Amalaki
Amalaki, in general, is used to handle infections that are created due to bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This herb is quite abundant in vitamin C and it has the capacity to encourage the functions of the immune system. Amalaki works by improving the response of the immune cells against the fungi that result in their removal. Also, Amalaki helps in the production of the affected tissues and stimulates the repair and regrowth of the toenail.
3. Neem
Neem is a powerful antioxidant. It can offer a natural toenail fungus treatment by preserving the affected nail and the skin surrounding it against the damage by the free radicals. It may also provide an antifungal effect and destroys the fungi. It also acts as an antibacterial agent and stops the infection at the affected site.
4. Manjistha
Manjistha is an ingredient that is generally used to treat a wide range of infective conditions. It is used for a yellow toenails cure and also it helps to restore the normal structure of the toenail. Also, this manjistha refreshes and supports the damaged toenail and skin tissues. Manjistha acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and also relieves pain and inflammation that is caused due to the toenail fungal infection.
5. Khadira
Khadira is a commonly used Ayurvedic medicine for treating skin infections. It can act as a powerful astringent and gives relief from the symptoms of fungal toenail infections. It may also act as a blood purifier and helps the body get rid of toxic substances thereby guaranteeing faster recovery .
6. Triphala Guguulu
Triphala Guggulu is one of the best ayurvedic treatments for toenail fungus. This ingredient grants relief from the symptoms of this condition. It has antifungal qualities and helps to destroy the organisms that cause the infection. Also, it acts as an antioxidant and so it protects the toenail and skin against further damage. This action of Triphala Guggulu is quite helpful for toenail fungus.
7. Sphatika Bhasma
Sphatika Bhasma has been used from ancient times for various diseases. The oil is used for its healing qualities. It contains qualities that shows anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-fungal, antibiotic, anti-microbial, analgesic & antispasmodic properties.
8. Tankana bhasma
Tankana bhasma is great for fungal diseases. It is useful in fighting fungal growth without using any harsh chemicals. It supports healthy immunity and thus helps the body to manage various fungal infections.
9. Mahaa marichyaadi tailam
It is an Ayurvedic oil made from black pepper and other effective ayurvedic ingredients which effectively works on treating off the anti-fungal and anti-itching properties
10. Dadrughna lepa
Dadrughna leap (external), Gandhaka Rasayana (internal), etc. some traditional ayurvedic medications usually prescribed to treat an athlete’s foot. This medication usually is prescribed to the person having a problem of an athlete’s foot. It’s essential to complete the recommended treatment, even if the skin appears to be fungus-free, as the infection could return.
11. Tulsi
From ancient time the great anti-fungal properties of tulsi is widely accepted in Ayurveda. So, try this ayurvedic medicine for nail fungal infection treatment.
12. Cornmeal
Cornmeal has long been used as a way to banish black-spot fungal disease from roses, so it must have some sort of antifungal activity. Pour cornmeal into a shallow pan, mix it with water hot enough to dissolve it into a paste, let it cool, and then soak your feet in it for an hour a week.
13. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil for toenail fungus has been used for many years to combat skin conditions, especially fungal infections, says Graedon. Research has shown that the oil might stop and kill fungal infections by breaking down the outer layer of fungal cells and interfering with the way they work.
14. Turmeric Powder Paste
Turmeric contains various plant compounds that work together to support your body. A study that looked at the antifungal activity of turmeric found that all eight of its components, including curcumin, were able to inhibit fungal growth Take a teaspoon of turmeric powder, mix it with some water and prepare a thick paste. Apply it on the toenail. Once it gets dry, wash it off and dry your feet properly.
15. Licorice
The roots of licorice which have antifungal properties need to be boiled in hot water. Later, allow it to get absorbed in the water for about half an hour. Soak a cotton cloth in the solution and then dab it on top of the toenails and rinse your feet dry when done.