Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. It’s usually caused by fungi like Trichophyton rubrum, and it often shows up as white or yellow spots on your toenails.
While there are many over-the-counter and prescription medications to treat toenail fungus, some people prefer a more natural approach. That’s where essential oils come in. Some essential oils are thought to have antifungal, antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties that could help fight the infection, but what about can hand sanitizer kill toenail fungus?
This article explores how you might use Doterra essential oils for toenail fungus. I’ll cover which oils are most promising, how to use them safely and effectively, and what precautions to take. It’s important to remember that essential oils need to be used properly, including dilution, to avoid irritation or other side effects. While some believe in the power of an essential oil for nail fungus doterra is one brand that is often considered.
Understanding toenail fungus (onychomycosis)
What is toenail fungus?
Onychomycosis is the medical term for a fungal infection affecting one or more of your toenails. This stubborn infection takes hold in, on, and under the nail.
Toenail fungus is usually caused by fungal species such as Trichophyton rubrum, which thrive in warm, damp places like locker rooms, swimming pools, and inside your shoes.
If you have a toenail fungus, you may notice symptoms, such as:
- Thickened nails
- Discolored nails (yellowish or whitish)
- Brittle, crumbly, or ragged nails
- Distorted shape of the nail
- Foul odor (in some cases)
Risk factors for toenail fungus
Some things make it easier to get a toenail fungus:
- Poor foot hygiene. If you don’t keep your feet clean and dry, you’re giving fungus a place to thrive.
- Trauma to the nail. An injury to your toenail can create an opening where fungus can enter.
- Wearing occlusive footwear. Shoes that don’t allow your feet to breathe are more likely to harbor fungus.
- Underlying health conditions. Diabetes and weakened immune systems make you more susceptible to fungal infections.
- Age. Older adults are more likely to get toenail fungus.
DōTERRA essential oils for toenail fungus: An overview
DōTERRA is a well-known brand in the essential oil world, and they’re known for their commitment to providing high-quality, pure oils. But can their oils really help with toenail fungus?
Essential oils, in general, are thought to combat toenail fungus thanks to their antifungal properties. The idea is that the oil can penetrate the nail bed and get to work inhibiting the growth of the fungus. Whether or not essential oils can truly penetrate the nail bed is up for debate, but many people believe they can, and that’s why they use them.
It’s important to use high-quality, therapeutic-grade essential oils if you want to see results. DōTERRA oils are often marketed as being of a high quality, so that’s something to keep in mind.
One last thing to consider is that you’ll need to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them to your skin. Common carrier oils include coconut oil and jojoba oil.
DōTERRA essential oils for toenail fungus treatment
Essential oils are never a replacement for a visit to your doctor or podiatrist. If you have a stubborn case of toenail fungus, you must seek medical treatment to get rid of it.
That being said, DōTERRA essential oils are a popular complementary treatment for toenail fungus.
Tea Tree essential oil
Tea tree oil is known for its strong antifungal and antiseptic properties.
Some research has shown that tea tree oil is effective against onychomycosis, the fungus that infects nails. A 1994 study published in the Journal of Family Practice found that tea tree oil was as effective as clotrimazole, an antifungal medication, in treating toenail fungus.
To use tea tree oil for toenail fungus, dilute it with a carrier oil like coconut oil or almond oil. Apply the diluted oil to the affected nail twice a day.
Oregano essential oil
Oregano essential oil has potent antifungal properties, due to the compound carvacrol. However, more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of carvacrol in treating toenail fungus.
Oregano oil is strong, so you must dilute it properly before use. To use oregano oil for toenail fungus, dilute it with a carrier oil like coconut oil or almond oil. Apply the diluted oil to the affected nail twice a day.
Lemongrass essential oil
Lemongrass oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties and can help promote nail health.
To use lemongrass oil in a blend for toenail fungus, combine it with tea tree oil and a carrier oil like coconut oil or almond oil. Apply the diluted oil to the affected nail twice a day.
Other potentially beneficial DōTERRA oils
These oils may help with the symptoms of toenail fungus and boost the effectiveness of other treatments:
- Lavender: Soothes the skin and reduces inflammation, which can help with the discomfort of toenail fungus.
- Clove: Has antiseptic properties to help kill the fungus.
- Lemon: Cleanses and disinfects the affected area.
- Rosemary: Has potential benefits for nail health.
DIY essential oil blend recipes for toenail fungus
When using essential oils, it’s best to work with a trained aromatherapist or naturopath. They can advise you on the best essential oils for your particular situation and how to use them safely.
If you’re interested in trying essential oils to treat toenail fungus, here are a few popular recipes that you can make at home:
Recipe 1: Tea tree and lavender blend
- Ingredients: Tea tree oil, lavender oil, carrier oil (such as coconut oil)
- Instructions: Combine a few drops of each essential oil with the carrier oil. Apply to the affected area.
Recipe 2: Oregano and tea tree blend
- Ingredients: Oregano oil, tea tree oil, carrier oil (such as jojoba oil)
- Instructions: Dilute oregano oil heavily with carrier oil. Add tea tree oil. Apply very sparingly to the affected area.
Recipe 3: Lemongrass and tea tree blend
- Ingredients: Lemongrass oil, tea tree oil, carrier oil (such as almond oil)
- Instructions: Combine a few drops of each essential oil with the carrier oil. Apply to the affected area.
With any of these recipes, remember to apply the oil blend to the affected area several times a day. It’s also a good idea to clip your nails short and keep them clean. This will help the essential oils penetrate the nail and kill the fungus.
If you don’t see any improvement after a few weeks, talk to your doctor or podiatrist. They may recommend a different treatment option.
Important considerations and safety precautions
Before you start using essential oils, there are some safety measures you should take:
- Dilution is key. Essential oils need to be diluted with a carrier oil before you put them on your skin. A good starting point is to use a 1-3% dilution. That’s about 1-3 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil.
- Do a patch test first. Before you slather that oil all over your toes, test a small amount on an unaffected area of skin (like your inner arm). Watch for any redness, itching, or irritation for 24-48 hours. If you see any of those things, don’t use the oil.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using essential oils. Some just aren’t safe during this time.
- Quality matters. Not all essential oils are created equal. Be sure you’re buying high-quality, therapeutic-grade oils from a reputable source.
- Talk to a pro. If you’re not sure where to start, or you have any questions, talk to a healthcare professional or a certified aromatherapist. They can give you personalized advice.
- Don’t ditch your doctor. Essential oils can be a great complementary treatment, but they shouldn’t replace medications your doctor has prescribed. Talk to your doctor if you’re considering stopping any of your medications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one home remedy for toenail fungus?
There isn’t a single “number one” remedy that works for everyone, as effectiveness varies, and many people wonder, does vinegar kill nail fungus? However, consistent application of antifungal treatments, like tea tree oil or oregano oil, is often recommended alongside good hygiene practices, such as keeping feet clean and dry.
What is the most powerful antifungal essential oil?
While research is ongoing, tea tree oil and oregano oil are often cited as having strong antifungal properties. Doterra’s Melaleuca (Tea Tree) oil is a popular choice. However, it’s crucial to dilute essential oils properly before applying them to the skin and consult with a healthcare professional.
What one cup of this will destroy your nail fungus?
There is no single cup of anything that will definitively “destroy” nail fungus. While some suggest soaking feet in diluted vinegar or Epsom salt solutions, these are primarily for creating an inhospitable environment for fungal growth and are not a guaranteed cure. They’re often used as complementary treatments alongside other methods.
What deficiency causes nail fungus?
While no single deficiency directly causes nail fungus, a weakened immune system due to nutritional deficiencies can increase susceptibility to fungal infections. Deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, or protein can compromise the body’s ability to fight off infections, including nail fungus.
What kills nail fungus the fastest?
The “fastest” way to kill nail fungus often involves prescription antifungal medications, either topical or oral, prescribed by a doctor. These medications are typically more potent than over-the-counter remedies. However, even with prescription treatments, it can take several months for the infection to clear completely.
Conclusion
DōTERRA essential oils have antifungal, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties that may help get rid of toenail fungus. However, essential oils are very strong and can cause irritation, so you need to use them correctly and dilute them with a carrier oil.
Essential oils may work along with traditional treatments to get rid of toenail fungus, but they aren’t a substitute for them, and it’s worth exploring Chinese remedies that work for nail fungus. If you think you have toenail fungus, it’s important to talk with your doctor to get a diagnosis and find the right treatment plan.