Nail fungus is a common problem. Around 10% of us will deal with it at some point. You’ll know you have it because your nails may be discolored, thick, brittle, and even emit an odor.
When you’re faced with nail fungus, you might start looking for remedies, and one that often comes up is ginger. Ginger has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments and is known to have anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. The active ingredients in ginger are thought to be gingerols and shogaols.
So, can ginger nail fungus? While ginger might offer some help as a complementary treatment, it’s important to understand what causes nail fungus in the first place, especially the connection to Candida, in order to manage it effectively. It’s also important to understand the benefits and precautions of a ginger nail treatment. Let’s take a closer look.
What is nail fungus?
Nail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a fungal infection of your nail bed and the nail itself. It’s more common in toenails, but it can happen on fingernails, too.
Here are the two most common types of nail fungus infections:
- Distal subungual onychomycosis (DSO): This is the most common type of nail fungus. It affects the nail bed (the skin under your nail) and the underside of the nail itself.
- White superficial onychomycosis (WSO): This type affects the surface of the nail plate (the hard part of your nail).
Common symptoms and diagnosis
If you have nail fungus, you might notice these symptoms:
- Your nail gets thicker.
- Your nail changes color, usually to a yellowish-brown.
- Your nail gets brittle and crumbles easily.
- Your nail starts to separate from the nail bed.
If you think you have nail fungus, a doctor can usually diagnose it by looking at your nail. They might also take a small clipping of your nail and send it to a lab to confirm the diagnosis and identify the specific type of fungus.
The role of Candida in nail fungus
Let’s talk about Candida, since it’s a common culprit in infections, including nail fungus.
Candida overgrowth and fungal infections
You may have heard of Candida. It’s a type of yeast that lives in your body naturally. When everything’s working as it should, your immune system and healthy bacteria keep Candida in check so it doesn’t cause any problems.
But sometimes, things get out of whack. If your immune system is weakened or the balance of bacteria in your body is disrupted, Candida can start to multiply and cause infections. This overgrowth can weaken your immune system even further and create an environment where fungal infections thrive.
The Candida-nail fungus connection
Toenail fungus isn’t just a surface-level issue; it can be a sign of something deeper going on in your body, like Candida overgrowth. When Candida takes over, it weakens your body’s defenses, making you more vulnerable to other fungal infections, including nail fungus.
And it doesn’t stop there. Candida can even cause leaky gut, where the lining of your intestines becomes permeable. That can lead to all sorts of other health problems, making it even more important to address Candida overgrowth if you suspect it’s contributing to your nail fungus.
Ginger: A natural antifungal agent
Ginger is a common kitchen spice, but it may also be a potent natural nail fungus killer.
The antifungal properties of ginger
Ginger contains active compounds such as gingerols and shogaols. These compounds are thought to have both anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. That means that, just as ginger can soothe an upset stomach, it may also be able to fight fungus.
How ginger works against nail fungus
Ginger seems to support a healthy balance of bacteria in the body. In particular, ginger appears to fight bad bacteria, such as yeast and Candida albicans.
Gingerols and shogaols may work against fungus by disrupting the cell membranes of fungal cells. They may also slow down the growth of fungus by interfering with the metabolic processes that fungus needs to survive and thrive.
Ways to use ginger for nail fungus
There are a few ways to use ginger to treat nail fungus:
- Topical application: Grind fresh ginger into a paste and apply it to the affected nail. Cover the nail and leave the paste on for as long as you can tolerate it.
- Ginger tea: Drinking ginger tea regularly may have positive effects on your overall health and may also help to keep fungus at bay.
- Ginger supplements: You can also take ginger supplements for a more concentrated dose of ginger’s active compounds.
Other natural remedies and lifestyle adjustments
Ginger is a great natural remedy for nail fungus, but there are other things you can do at the same time to get rid of the infection and keep it from coming back. For example, you may want to consider an herbal foot soak for fungus.
Complementary natural remedies
Some people also use remedies like apple cider vinegar and MCT oil. Some studies show that apple cider vinegar has antifungal effects on bacteria and yeasts such as Candida albicans, and MCT oil contains caprylic acid, which creates an unlivable environment for bacteria.
The idea is that apple cider vinegar changes the pH level, which keeps fungus from growing, and that MCT oil’s caprylic acid damages fungal cell membranes.
Lifestyle changes to prevent and treat nail fungus
One of the most important things you can do is keep your feet clean, cool, and dry. Here are some tips:
- Wear socks and shoes that breathe.
- Change your socks frequently, especially if your feet sweat a lot.
- After you shower or swim, dry your feet thoroughly.
Changes to your diet can also help support gut health and keep Candida from growing too much. Try these diet tips:
- Eat less sugar and fewer refined carbs.
- Eat more probiotic-rich foods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the strongest natural antifungal?
While many natural substances possess antifungal properties, there’s no single “strongest.” Tea tree oil is often cited for its potent antifungal effects, backed by some research. However, its effectiveness can vary depending on the specific fungus and individual response. Always consult with a doctor before relying solely on natural remedies.
Can I apply ginger on fungal infection?
Ginger contains compounds with antifungal potential, and some people use it topically for minor skin infections. However, scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness against nail fungus is limited. If you choose to try it, use fresh ginger extract diluted with a carrier oil, and monitor for any irritation. Don’t use ginger as a replacement for prescribed medication.
What spice stops toenail fungus?
No single spice can definitively “stop” toenail fungus. While spices like turmeric and cinnamon have shown some antifungal activity in lab studies, these results don’t necessarily translate to successful treatment in humans. Prescription antifungals remain the most effective option for severe infections.
What herb kills nail fungus?
Various herbs, like oregano, garlic, and thyme, contain antifungal compounds. However, their effectiveness against nail fungus is generally considered mild to moderate. While some people may experience improvement with topical application, these remedies shouldn’t replace conventional medical treatment.
What is the strongest antifungal essential oil?
Tea tree oil is often considered one of the strongest antifungal essential oils, followed by oregano and clove oil. For more information on using tea tree oil, especially in combination with DMSO, read about treating toenail fungus with DMSO and tea tree oil effectively. However, essential oils should always be diluted with a carrier oil before topical application. It’s crucial to remember that essential oils are not a substitute for prescription medications and may not be effective for severe nail fungus infections.
In Closing
Nail fungus is a common problem that can sometimes be linked to an overgrowth of Candida yeast. Ginger has antifungal properties that might help fight nail fungus, and other natural remedies and lifestyle changes can help, too.
Taking a holistic approach may be necessary for the best results. Addressing the underlying cause, like a Candida overgrowth, is important for long-term success. You may need a combination of natural remedies, lifestyle changes, and advice from your doctor to get rid of nail fungus for good.