DICTIONARY.COM DEFINITION FOR FUNGUS noun, plural fun·gi [ fuhn-jahy, fuhng-gahy], /ˈfʌn dʒaɪ, ˈfʌŋ gaɪ/, fun·gus·es.
any of a diverse group of eukaryotic single-celled or multinucleate organisms that live by decomposing and absorbing the organic material in which they grow, comprising the mushrooms, molds, mildews, smuts, rusts, and yeasts, and classified in the kingdom Fungi or, in some classification systems, in the division Fungi (Thallophyta) of the kingdom Plantae.
QUICK GO-TO EO: TEA TREE
Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) essential oil is very versatile, supporting healthy-looking skin and nails, neutralizing odors, and promoting the appearance of healthy hair and scalp.
Tea tree essential oil inhibits the in vitro growth of the fungus and may be a less harmful alternative to the onychomycosis treatment.
CITATION: Marcos-Tejedor F, González-García P, Mayordomo R. Solubilization in vitro of tea tree oil and first results of antifungal effect in onychomycosis. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin (Engl Ed). 2021 Oct;39(8):395-398. doi: 10.1016/j.eimce.2021.07.001. Epub 2021 Jul 30. PMID: 34334327.
Onychomycosis is the most common nail disorder in adults, with high recurrence and relapse rates. Onychomycosis is defined as infection caused by nondermatophytic molds and yeasts: tinea unguium is caused by dermatophytes.
Laffleur F, Ataii M, Nagler M. Evaluation of cellulose based films comprising tea tree oil against dermatophytes and yeasts. Eur J Pharm Sci. 2021 Dec 1;167:105989. doi: 10.1016/j.ejps.2021.105989. Epub 2021 Sep 11. PMID: 34520970.
Conclusion: The applications including Tea Tree Oil yielded positive results in treatment of nail infections.
Antifungal refers to any substance that kills or inhibits the growth, metabolism, function, or reproductive ability of fungi. While many fungi are safe and beneficial, some create mycotoxins, which are chemicals that can be toxic to plants and animals, including humans. Examples of fungi that can be detrimental to humans include black mold, candida, and ringworm.
Essential oils
Many essential oils have natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. The EO most successful and frequently tested to combat variations of fungi is Tea tree. For added benefits, combine with
ozonated oils, such as olive and sunflower oil, which delivers oxygen to the affected areas. This blend can kill bacteria and stimulate skin cells for faster healing.
Additional EOs that could help reduce skin & nail fungus:
Thieves*
Clove*
Cinnamon*
Oregano oil*
Clary sage
Lavender
Lemongrass*
Eucalyptus
Lemon
Manuka tree
*Indicates dilution with coconut or olive oil is highly recommended due to possible ‘heat’ sensation/irritation if applied directly to skin. NEVER apply or touch eye with EOs.
ALTERNATIVE HOME TREATMENTS
Diet & Exercise
Arguably all of our health problems stem from our diet and exercise. This includes combating fungi. When you exercise, blood pumps faster throughout the body, releasing natural vitamins and flushing toxins. Your current diet could be feeding fungus caused by Candida overgrowth. To starve the yeast and aid in the elimination of fungus, try these dietary suggestions:
Cut out added sugar foods and drinks.
Limit fruits and naturally sweet foods to 1-2 servings a day.
Reduce alcohol consumption (grown up sugar) to less than 4 servings a month.
Lower carbohydrates ( >100g for beginners, with a goal of >50g per day)
Cook with coconut and avocado oil
Incorporate fresh ginger and garlic into cooking (or EOs).
Take a great probiotic
Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can kill fungus that grows on toenails. Wipe hydrogen peroxide directly onto the infected area of the nails with a clean cloth or cotton swab. You can also add Hydrogen peroxide to a foot soak. Mix 2 Tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide to four cups of tap water and 4-6 drops of Tea Tree or other essential oil from the previous suggestion list. Soak feet for up to 20 minutes. Rinse feet with warm water and pat dry.
Apple cider vinegar
Vinegar is another antifungal ingredient that can be mixed with water to create a foot soak. It’s acetic acid component helps to whiten discolored toenails and stop the spread of the infection to other toes. add 1-2 parts vinegar to one part warm water along with preferred EOs and soak feet for 20 minutes daily.
Baking soda
You can make a paste of baking soda by adding drops of water to 1/2-1 Tablespoon of baking soda and apply it directly to the area Allow the paste to sit on the affected area for 10 to 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water and dry the foot thoroughly.
Baking soda can also be sprinkled onto the foot or in the shoes like foot powder. Once applied to a dry foot, put on clean socks; the baking soda can wick away moisture while healing properties work to reduce toenail fungus. Be sure to thoroughly rinse away before soaking with vinegar.
Epsom salt
A magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) bath can relieve any pain associated with your foot fungus. You can mix one cup of Epsom salt to two quarts of warm to hot water and soak your feet for 10 to 20 minutes. Or, for more potency:
4 cups warm to hot water
1/2 cup Epsom salt
1/2 cup baking soda -OR- 1/4 cup al Apple Cider vinegar > but NOT BOTH as they basically cancel each other out if they’re mixed.
1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide
Essential Oils 3-6 drops
Garlic For topical treatment, chop cloves of garlic and leave it on the affected nails for up to 30 minutes.Those with sensitive skin should be mindful, similarly to ’hot’ EOs, garlic can burn the skin if left on for extended periods of time.
Zinc oxide
As a skin protectant, miconazole-zinc oxide can be sprayed or applied to the affected area to fight infection and reduce signs of foot fungus.
Additional research and resources:
- Nail fungus and ingrown Nails via WebMD
- “In vitro” antifungal activity of ozonized sunflower oil via NCBI >> National Center for Biotechnology Information
- Results of antibacterial and antifungal activity of eight different aqueous plant extracts challenged with 34 pathogenic bacterial and fungal isolates.