Holistic Cures for Foot Fungus

There are two types of fungus that affect the feet. One is toenail fungus and the other is athlete's foot, which is a fungus that affects the skin, usually around the toes. There are prescription and over-the counter medications that treat both of these, but they can be expensive and have side effects. There are a number of natural and holistic remedies you can try instead.

Vinegar

• Make a solution of equal amounts vinegar and warm water. You may prefer using apple cider vinegar, but regular white vinegar will work as well. Soak your toenails in the solution for about 20 minutes. Dry your toes completely when you are done. Do this twice a day until the fungus clears up. It may work better if you start when the toenail fungus is in its early stages; don't wait till it gets really bad. If this doesn't help, try mixing the vinegar with a 3-percent hydrogen peroxide solution, using equal parts of each, and soak with that.

Bleach

• Make a strong solution of one teaspoon bleach and about four ounces of water. Soak your toenails in this after you have soaked in the vinegar solution mentioned above. Soak for about 30 seconds. Rinse well and dry.

Tea Tree Oil

• Tea tree oil is a cure that can work for both toenail fungus and athlete's foot. You can find tea tree oil with the herbal treatments at most stores that have a good selection of vitamins and herbal remedies. For athlete's foot, you may want to dilute the tea tree oil with equal parts water, olive oil or even petroleum jelly. Apply it to the affected area twice a day for at least four weeks. To use tea tree oil to treat toenail fungus, apply the oil to a cotton ball and dab it under your toenail, or mix it with petroleum jelly and apply it to the toenail and cover it with a bandage. Do this two or three times a day. Another option is to mix it in equal parts with lavender oil and dab that mixture on with a cotton ball two or three times a day.

Listerine Mouthwash

• Soak your toenails in Listerine for 30 minutes a day. You may get faster results if you mix the Listerine with vinegar. Soak your toenails every day and be patient. You have to wait for the nail to grow; new growth after treatment should be fungus-free, but the fungus won't be gone till the affected part of the nail has grown far enough that you can clip it off.

Oregano Essential Oil

• Mix a few drops of oregano essential oil with a teaspoon of olive oil. Dab this onto your toenails every day for three weeks.

Ways to Prevent Foot Fungus

• If you are susceptible to athlete's foot, change your socks often and wash them in hot water with bleach. Don't share socks or towels with others and clean the shower often with antiseptic cleaner. Make sure your feet are completely dry before putting on socks, and remove socks when they get wet, either from water or perspiration. Cotton socks are best because they absorb moisture well. Go barefoot as much as possible. If you are dealing with toenail fungus, keep your nails clipped short and don't wear nail polish.