Toenail fungus, although sometimes embarrassing, is very common among men and women of all ages.
Many over-the-counter treatments used to get rid of it are expensive and oftentimes ineffective. Lucky for you, natural remedies are more popular now than ever.
So, does coconut oil cure toenail fungus?
It’s no secret that coconut oil is a healthy oil substitution in many recipes, but did you know that it is also used beyond the kitchen?
You probably never thought that rubbing oil on your feet could cure that annoying toenail fungus, but you’re in for a surprise.
With its high antioxidant levels, coconut oil is a cheap alternative to oral antifungal medications, creams, and medicated polishes.
Whether you can’t afford the normal treatments or they just aren’t working for you, using coconut oil to treat your toenail fungus could prevent your condition from worsening and eventually requiring surgery.
Does Coconut Oil Cure Toenail Fungus?
Among the many cures for toenail fungus, coconut oil is one of the cheapest and safest ones available.
This is due to its amazing antifungal properties.
These properties are mostly from the Caprylic Acid found in coconut oil.
This acid works to defeat toenail fungus by diffusing into the cell membranes and dissolving the fungus from the inside.
Lauric Acid is another compound in coconut oil that works hard to combat toenail fungus. This compound is not only an anti-fungal, but also anti-inflammatory.
The Lauric Acid is converted to monolaurin when applied to toenail fungus, which is toxic to the fungus.
Along with these two fungus-killing compounds, coconut oil is bursting with healthy nutrients that will make your feet look and feel healthier, while getting rid of that gross fungus.
How to Use Coconut Oil for Toenail Fungus
Using coconut for toenail fungus is extremely easy, which is why so many people prefer it to conventional treatments.
There are two main ways to use coconut oil to make sure your infected toes are getting the best treatment possible.
Cold Application
For mild cases of toenail fungus, cold application will generally clear it up in a few days.
This process is easy but does require re-application multiple times a day, so you may have to change your schedule a bit to ensure proper treatment.
When you’re ready, just follow these simple steps:
- Wash your feet thoroughly with soap and water. You can use any soap of your choice as long as it is an anti-bacterial soap.
- Let your feet dry completely. If you don’t have time to let them air dry, you can dry them with a towel. Make sure your feet are 100% dry before applying the oil.
- With your finger, scoop out a small amount of coconut oil and rub it into the affected areas on your toes. It might require more than one scoop depending on how much fungus is there. Be sure to focus on rubbing the oil on your toenail and on the skin surrounding it.
- If your case is mild, repeat the above steps twice a day. If you have a more severe case, you can apply the coconut oil up to eight times a day.
Coconut Oil Bandage
Although cold application is affective for treating toenail fungus, some cases are stubborn and require a little more effort.
The coconut oil bandage is easy to make and will stay in contact with the fungus until it dies. To make one of these bandages, just follow these steps:
- Find a piece of gauze or cloth that is just a little bigger than your injury.
- Next, soak the gauze in the warm coconut oil. Make sure you just wipe it on the affected areas. If you have an excessive amount of fungus on the skin around the affected area, wipe it off.
- Put the soaked gauze on the injury and then place a piece of plastic wrap over the gauze pad to hold it in place.
- Use the adhesive tape to secure the bandage in place.
The More Natural Ingredients, the Better
Coconut oil is capable of curing toenail fungus on its own, but if you’re looking for a few additional benefits for your feet, there are many great options out there.
- Tea tree oil – Tea tree oil is often used as a standalone treatment for toenail fungus and other fungal infections, but when combined with coconut oil, the benefits of both natural remedies are unstoppable. To use, just add a small drop to each affected toe after you have applied the coconut oil.
- Apple cider vinegar – Along with easing the pain of sunburns, apple cider vinegar can also relieve pain and discomfort caused by toenail fungus. Unlike with tea tree oil, you want to use the vinegar before you treat your toes with the oil. To do so, simply mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and warm water and let your feet soak in it for 10 minutes. When done, dry off your feet completely with a towel or let them air dry before applying coconut oil.
- Essential oils – Dealing with toenail fungus is never fun so make your experience better with a personal foot spa from the comfort of your own home. With ingredients like thyme, oregano, clove, and lavender, your feet will be armed with bacteria-fighting nutrients the world has to offer.
Sometimes combining more than one treatment can greatly enhance your results, so if you have the extra time and ingredients, it wouldn’t hurt to try.
Have you tried using coconut oil for toenail fungus?
