[toc]Fingernail fungus occurs when the nails get infected by fungi. Fungus may enter through a crack in the cuticles of the nail. Thick, cracked and yellow nails are the result of this infection. Herbs which can be tried to cure fingernail fungus include Cedar, Chamomile, Licorice, Tea Tree, Pau D’Arco, Garlic, Calendula, Chaparral, Cloves, Neem and Olive Leaf.
These herbs are antifungal in nature and they can be used quite effectively to treat fingernail fungus. These herbs destroy the fungi infecting the nails and ensure that the fingernails regain healthy appearance again. In this article, we will explore some of the top herbal remedies for treating fingernail fungus. Do consult a skin specialist for this problem as well.
9 Best Herbal Remedies For Fingernail Fungus
Neem
Neem is also known as Indian Lilac. It is known botanically as Azadirachta Indica. This herb has strong antifungal properties. The leaves and bark of this herb are used to make various medicines in Ayurveda as well. Besides being antifungal, Neem is also antibacterial, antiparasitic, antiviral and a natural antiseptic.
Due to its immense curative powers, Neem is used as an ingredient in soaps, cosmetic products and skin care creams and ointments as well. Neem is a wonderful herbal cure for fingernail fungus. Neem oil can be topically applied on the fingernails to heal them and kill the fungus causing the infection.
Olive Leaf
Olive Leaf has antifungal, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiparasitic and antiviral properties. This herb is also full of antioxidants. Olive Leaf extract is the best form in which to take this herb in order to cure fingernail fungus. Olive Leaf extract stimulates immune system functioning and increases the capacity of the body to fend off fungal infections.
Oleuropein is a substance found in Olive Leaf which kills the fungus infecting the fingernails. You can topically apply this extract. You can also use Olive Leaf capsules to ward off fingernail fungus.
Licorice
There are many fungicidal substances found in the root of this herb. Glycyrrhiza Glabra is the Latin name of this herb. Researchers have found that Licorice root has 25 more fungicidal compounds than any other known herb. In fact, this herb has been used to cure fungus infections such as ringworm in traditional Chinese medicine.
To cure fingernail fungus, you need to boil the root of this herb in hot water. Let the water soak the root for about 20 to 25 minutes. Then, dip a clean cotton cloth into the solution and apply it on your fingernails. Regular applications ensure that the fungus infection clears up and the nail becomes healthy again.
Garlic
Garlic is known botanically as Allium Sativum. This herb contains compounds such as allicin and alliin which give it antibiotic properties. Therefore, it is very good for fending off infections in particular. A compound called ajoene which is found in Garlic gives this herb potent antifungal properties.
This makes it very useful for curing fingernail fungus. In order to heal the fingernails, apply crushed Garlic cloves mixed in a little oil or water for about 2 to 3 times in a day for some weeks. Gradually, the infection will be cured and the fingernails will become strong and healthy once again.
Pau D’Arco
Pau D’Arco is a herb with several medicinal benefits. This herb was used during the times of the Incas as a remedy for curing various illnesses. Tea made from this herb can be used to treat fungal infections and ensure relief from the infection with ease and rapidity. Phytochemicals found in this herb have been shown to possess antifungal properties.
You can consume herbal tea made from Pau D’Arco in order to get freedom from fingernail fungus. Tabebuia Avellanedae is the Latin name of this herb. Naphthoquinones called lapachol and beta-lapachone have been found to initiate antifungal activity in the human body. Drinking Pau D’Arco tea is a great way to combat fingernail fungus.
Tea Tree
Tea Tree Oil is a powerful antifungal and antiseptic which can cure fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, yeast infections and fingernail fungus. Tea Tree Oil is extracted from the Tea Tree and it is very useful for warding off yellow, cracked nails caused by fingernail fungus. This herbal remedy acts as a fungicide and restores the nails to their regular appearance.
Add a few drops of Tea Tree Oil to a bowl of hot water and submerge your fingernails in them. Let the mixture soak through the cracks in the nail. You will experience relief from this fungal infection after some time. You can also rub some Tea Tree Oil onto your fingernails and gain relief from fingernail fungus. Tea Tree Oil should only be used externally to treat this infection induced condition.
Cedar
Cedar is a natural expectorant. More importantly, it is also a natural antiseptic and has potent antifungal properties. The bark, berries and leaves of this herbaceous tree are used to make several folk remedies. Soak Cedar leaves and bark in a jar full of carrier oil such as Almond, Avocado or Olive oil and seal the jar.
After 2 to 3 weeks, remove the lid and dip a cotton ball into the oil. Apply this oil directly on your fingernails and leave it on. Regular applications of Cedar infused oil will destroy the harmful fungus and give you relief from the problem.
Calendula
Known botanically as Calendula Officinalis, Calendula is also commonly called Pot Marigold. This herb has antifungal properties because of which it has been used to cure conditions such as toe fungus and fingernail fungus. You can crush the leaves of this herb and soak them in hot, boiling water for about 20 to 30 minutes. This allows the water to absorb the chemical compounds of the leaves.
You can then dab some of this solution onto your fingernails or even dip your fingernails in this water to heal the infection. Calendula is so well known for healing skin conditions that it is used as an ingredient in several skin care products, ointments, creams and salves. It is also useful for curing wounds and skin infections of various kinds.
Chamomile
Known botanically as Matricaria Recutita, Chamomile is a nervine herb generally used for treating anxiety and sleep disorders. But, this herb also soothes the skin and heals fungal infections. Due to this reason, it is an effective cure for fingernail fungus. Soak the leaves of this herb in hot water and let the mixture remain untouched for about 2 to 3 hours.
Then, dip your fingers into the solution so that the nails absorb the hot water soaking the leaves. The effect of regular submersion of your fingernails into this solution will be quick yet lasting relief from the fungal infection. Chamomile should not be used as a remedy by those who are pregnant or lactating. This herb should also be avoided by persons who are allergic to Rag Weed.
