Naturopathic Remedies for Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus, known to medical professionals as onychomycosis, is caused by an infection of the soft tissue of the nail bed by a class of fungi called dermatophytes, according to MayoClinic.com. The disorder can also be caused by yeasts and molds. Although the condition may cause some pain, the primary patient concern is usually its unsightly nature. Naturopathic medicine offers some remedies that may help you to banish this annoying condition.

Symptoms & Diagnosis

• The symptoms of a fungal nail infection, which can also target fingernails, according to MedlinePlus, include a thickening, brittleness and/or crumbling of the nail; a change in its shape; lifting of the nail from the nail bed; discoloration, often caused by accumulated debris beneath the nail; and a loss of the nail's natural shine and luster. Although a physical examination of the affected nail probably will lead your doctor to a tentative diagnosis of onychomycosis, he may collect scrapings from your nail for microscopic examination to confirm that opinion.

Naturopathic Approach to Medicine

• At the heart of naturopathic medical practice, according to the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, is the belief that "the human body has an innate healing ability." Based on this fundamental belief, naturopathic practitioners encourage their patients to prevent and fight disease through lifestyle modification, diet, exercise and natural therapies. As a result of their core beliefs, naturopaths generally prescribe only low-risk medications, such as herbal extracts and dietary supplements, according to the association.

Natural Remedies

• Dr. Andrew Weil, a medical doctor who believes that alternative/complementary medicine has much to offer conventional medical practice, touts tea tree oil as an effective natural remedy for toenail fungus. He points out that using this remedy, like the prescription medicines, is a time-consuming process but one that can't really be avoided no matter what course of treatment you follow. He says that the tea tree oil, which can be purchased at health food stores, is a natural disinfectant. Weil recommends that you paint the oil on the affected nail twice a day for at least two months. As an alternate remedy, he suggests grapefruit seed extract, which can be applied to the nail in the same manner as the tea tree oil.

  Two other natural treatments reputed to successfully treat fungal nail infections, according to MayoClinic.com, are vinegar soaks and applications of Vicks VapoRub. The active ingredients in the latter are all natural, namely camphor, menthol and eucalyptus oil. Weil points out that camphor has antifungal properties, which is probably why this remedy has been successful for so many. If you decide to use the VapoRub treatment, keep the affected nail and surrounding area well covered with the aromatic ointment at all times. Be sure to dry the area thoroughly after showering, and then re-apply the Vicks.

  For the vinegar treatment, MayoClinic.com suggests that you prepare a foot bath of one part vinegar to two parts warm water. Soak the foot with the affected nail in this mixture for 15 to 20 minutes daily. After you've finished the soak, dry your foot thoroughly.