Essential Oil for Toenail Fungus

Although there’s not enough research on the effectiveness of essential oil for toenail fungus, many of these oils contain antifungal properties that can help kill the fungal strain that causes toenail fungus. Also called onychomycosis, toenail fungal infections can cause the toenails to be brittle and broken, and may result in discoloration of the nail bed. The infection can be treated by over-the-counter antifungal drugs, medicated nail polish, topical creams, and oral antifungal medications. While these treatments are effective, some can pose harmful side effects. Because of this, many people would turn to essential oil for toenail fungus treatment. 

Here are some essential oils that contain antifungal properties and are believed to treat toenail fungal infections. 

Cinnamon oil

The cinnamon essential oil contains cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, which are potent antifungal compounds. Cinnamon is also believed to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. Because of this, the oil may be effective at treating conditions like toenail fungus. The oil works by stopping the growth of fungus that causes the infection.

You can apply the essential oil directly to the affected area of your toenails. You can also choose to dilute it with a carrier oil. Apply the essential oil twice a day, morning, and evening. You can also prepare a foot soak by adding the cinnamon essential oil to warm water. Add Epsom salt as well to make the foot soak more effective. Soak your feet to the foot bath for 10 to 15 minutes per day.

Clove oil

Clove oil contains a high level of eugenol, a powerful antifungal compound that can fight off parasites and promote healthy blood circulation. Therefore, using clove oil for toenail fungus may help to effectively eliminate the fungal strains that cause fungal infections. Experts recommend mixing six to eight drops of clove essential oil with two tablespoons of coconut oil and applying it directly to the infected toenail a few times a day.

Another way to use clove essential oil as a home remedy for toenail fungus is to try a foot soak. Simply add several drops of the clove oil to a foot bath and soak your feet for at least 20 minutes. Some people would add Epsom salts to the mix for added relief.

Lavender oil

The lavender essential oil is another effective essential oil for toenail fungus. It’s one of the most popular essential oils because it has many beneficial properties. The oil contains linalool and linalyl acetate, which effectively treat wounds and all types of fungal infections. Applying several drops of pure lavender oil to your toenails can help kill the fungus quickly, and you’ll soon see the infected nail replaced with healthy nails. When used regularly, the lavender essential oil will not only treat the fungal infection but can also help to prevent future infections.

The most important thing to remember when using lavender oil to treat toenail fungus is to make sure you are using authentic essential oil. Use high-quality oil that’s not diluted in any way. Also, avoid fragranced oils as these might just cause more harm than good.

Eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus oil is an essential oil that is very effective in treating fungal infections, thanks to its antifungal properties. According to one study, using undiluted eucalyptus oil for toenail fungus may help treat toenail fungus. The oil works pretty quickly in killing the fungus in the toenail and the nail bed. As the oil seeps into the skin, it clears the fungus that causes the infection.

The eucalyptus oil works effectively when applied directly to the toenail fungus. Like the other essential oil for toenail fungus, it can also be used as a foot soak. And compared to most antifungal medications, using eucalyptus oil for toenail fungus is incredibly cheaper.

Lemon oil

Since the lemon essential oil is packed with antifungal properties, it’s one of those essential oils that can effectively treat toenail fungus. Not only that, but this essential oil also contains powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. One study shows that the oil is effective against the fungi that cause thrush, athlete’s foot, and yeast infections if applied topically.

When using the lemon essential oil for toenail fungus, mix it with a carrier oil of your choice. To ensure that you won’t get any allergic reactions, test the mixture in a small area of your skin, such as in your forearms. If you do not see irritation or redness within 24 hours, you can safely use the essential oil to treat your toenail fungus.

Oregano oil

The oregano essential oil is a potent and natural antifungal remedy, making it one of the most effective essential oil for toenail fungus. It’s also considered antiviral and antibiotic, thanks to the presence of thymol and carvacrol. Studies show that lemon essential oil is effective against different strains of fungus that cause fungal infections on the toenails.

To use oregano oil for toenail fungus, use a cotton ball to apply a few drops of the oil into the affected areas in your toes. Gently dab the cotton with the oil over your toenails. You can also combine it with other essential oil for toenail fungus, such as tea tree oil, orange oil, and olive oil.

Peppermint oil

Peppermint essential oil is a popular antifungal essential oil that can also be used as a pain reliever. Thanks to its high menthol content, it offers a cooling and soothing effect that can help relieve the itchiness and other symptoms of having a toenail fungus. It can also help minimize the swelling and soothe the pain for the more severe cases of toenail fungus.

When using peppermint oil for toenail fungus, you don’t need to dilute the oil. You can apply the oil directly to the affected areas in your toenails. Once the oil is in there, the menthol will seep into the infected area, and its antifungal and antioxidant properties will start to heal the fungal infections in your toenails.