If you're fighting a toenail fungal infection, you can try olive leaf extract. The active substance in olive leaf, oleuropein, contains antimicrobial and antifungal properties. This extract also has the potential to boost a weakened immune system, further enhancing its infection-fighting attributes.
You can apply olive leaf salve directly to nail fungus or ingest it in capsule form. According to a 2012 review, taking one to three olive leaf capsules with meals twice daily is more effective than olive leaf salve in treating toenail fungus. It's recommended that you drink plenty of water throughout this treatment.
There are multiple treatments for toenail fungus, though some are faster than others. The fastest way to eliminate the infection is through toenail laser treatment.
Effective products include efinaconazole (Jublia), tavaborole (Kerydin) and ciclopirox (Penlac). All require daily applications, and it may take as long as a year to see noticeable improvement. These products may work for early, superficial fungal infections because they kill fungi on the surface of the nail.
There are five home remedies that work well above the rest as toenail fungus treatment options. A mixture of 1 teaspoon tea tree oil, half a teaspoon of orange oil, and half a teaspoon of grapeseed or olive oil can be rubbed onto the toenails with a cotton ball to clear up toenail fungus.
Don't go barefoot in public places. Use a spray or powder that fights fungus on your feet and in your shoes. Don't pick at the skin around your nails. Don't use nail polish or fake nails on your nails.
You'll know that the medication is working and the toenail fungus is dying when your toenail changes back to its natural color, decreases in thickness, shows healthy new growth, and you see a clear delineation between the infected part of the toenail and your new nail growth.
Nail polish traps in moisture from your nailbed (the tissue below your toenail). Because fungi thrive in moist environments, wearing nail polish may make a fungal infection worse.
Vicks Vaporub softens and lightens toenails. This makes it look like the fungus is being treated. Vicks may have some antifungal qualities, but it is unable to penetrate the toenail well enough to cure the infection. Many topical antifungal medications have this issue.
“Applying Vicks VapoRub to fungus-infected toenails can clear up the notoriously hard-to-treat condition. Michigan State University clinicians found that applying the product daily to the infected nail cleared the condition in 32 of 85 patients, though it took anywhere from 5 to 16 months…”
Some phenolic compounds in olive leaf, such as oleuropein and its derivatives, exhibit antimicrobial activities and inhibit the growth of yeasts, fungi, and molds [2-4].
How long does it take for olive leaf extract to work? The results will vary depending on your health goals, but studies using olive leaf show that it's effective within 8 weeks.
Some studies report side effects — including coughing, vertigo, stomach pains, and headaches. Some people are allergic to the pollen produced by olive trees and may have an allergic reaction when taking olive leaf extract. Olive leaf extract may lower your blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Your immune system cannot defeat and eliminate a fungal infection such as onychomycosis without help. Left untreated, toenail fungus can infect the nail bed and enter the bloodstream with, in the most severe cases, life-threatening results.
Fungal nail infections can be difficult to cure, and treatment is most successful when started early. Fungal nail infections typically don't go away on their own, and the best treatment is usually prescription antifungal pills taken by mouth. In severe cases, a healthcare professional might remove the nail completely.
If you do have a toenail fungus, your doctor will likely recommend one or more of the following treatment options: Trimming the Toenail Trimming the toenail is usually combined with medication, but having a podiatrist periodically trim the nail down is helpful and allows the medication to work better, says Sundling.
Diets high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol feed the yeast naturally present in your body. While factors such as birth control pills or a high-stress lifestyle may disrupt the delicate balance of your gut flora, providing the ideal environment for yeast to flourish and manifest as a fungal infection.
Some of the foods that may help to keep the body healthy can include fresh vegetables, chicken, and fish. Eating these types of foods may be instrumental in improving the immune system and are often considered when beginning treatment for toenail fungus.
Manuka oil
This oil is known for its antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an ideal ingredient for treating toenail fungus. Manuka oil can help prevent and treat nail infections, keeping the nails healthy and strong.
Tea Tree Oil
It is an essential oil traditionally used as an antibacterial and antifungal treatment. Early research shows that it may help with nail fungus when used topically. However, more research is needed. If you do use tea tree oil for toenail fungus, only use it topically.