don't know if what I have is a nail fungus, but nails on both big toes are thickened. Is there a home or herbal remedy for this?

try using tea tree oil, you have to use daily though for it to work.

Great question, I really do no get many on this subject because most folks with a nail fungus find it to embarrassing to discuss or feel that there is no hope in ever curing it. Especially, after that commercial on TV showed the little monster moving in and setting up house under the nail.

First to help you understand exactly what nail fungus is how we acquire it, and how we get rid or relief from it; I really did some research on the matter. Good thing, because I learned a few things myself. I feel that learning about your condition is very important in helping to eradicate it. There are so many myths, legends, and shysters out there regarding this particular subject. If you bought every item that pops up during a search you would be broke and probably still have an even worse case of nail fungus.

Nail fungus first shows itself as a slight yellow or off white spot or discoloration of the nail; this discoloration is usually not seen if the nails are covered with polish. Regardless of if they are covered with polish, for an untrained eye it is very difficult to see. Unfortunately, the toe nails seem to be affected greater than the fingers. If you think about it; I’m sure you wash your hands many times daily; not a usual practice with our feet.

Contrary to popular belief, nail fungus is simply not a result of poor hygiene. The cause is actually a very simple one. A tear or small opening between the nail and the nail bed gives fungus an ideal place to grow. Our feet are warm, damp, and covered most of the time by socks and shoes. Fungus will flourish in this type of environment. Even without the socks or shoes fungus will find a nail bed a perfect place to thrive.
How do you get a tear or opening between nail bed and nail? Simple, you can bump your toe on a hard object, a small tear while trimming nails; if wearing silicone, acrylic or fake nails we tend to tear the surface by “catching” a nail and then cover it up with a touch up on the silicone or acrylic and paint it. If the technician does not catch it then it will grow. Over time these spots will begin to grow and spread deeper into the nail; working its way into the nail bed and have now caused severe discoloration, thickening, crumbling, pain and possibly even some foul odor. It is going to take some dedication and work to get rid of this annoying fungal infection.

Now let’s try to give you a couple of home remedies for this problem.
• Apple Cider Vinegar has been said to have shown good results, Fungi hate acidic environments. AC Vinegar can be purchased in large gallon bottles. Measure out at least 8 – 12 ounces of AC vinegar, Mix with an equal part of water 5to make a 50/50 ratio in a large bath bowl. Immerse the infected feet or nail in the bowl for between 15-20 minutes. Dry with a towel of a blow dryer, this should be repeated twice daily-morning and night preferably for 2 - 6 months or more depending on the severity of the infection. Fungi naturally do not survive in acidic surroundings.
• Mentholated petroleum rub found in the cold/flu section is another widely used remedy; remember this is made to be a topical analgesic cough suppressant. It is fortified with some active ingredients like Camphor, Menthol and Eucalyptus oil among others. These substances are deadly to nail fungus. Just apply to the infected nail once or twice daily, it is not advisable to use on damaged skins or wounds. You might try and find these oils separately and combine. The above mentioned with the petroleum is to help it stick to the nail for full penetration. However, you can do this with the oils as well, be sure to saturate the nails.
• Tea Tree Oil has been reported to be valuable in removing fungus. It is known to have antifungal and antimicrobial properties. You will need the real pure Tea Tree Oil though. Australian TTO is said to be the only one to have the most proven effect for fighting fungi. Apply one or two drops of tea tree oil on the affected nail or area, you may use cotton or a soft clean tissue making sure it is soaked under the nail. For better results, apply once daily at night before going to bed. The process is continued until you notice improvement and eventual eradication of the fungi, but if you notice any allergic reaction, stop and see your doctor.

As for your Healthcare Provider; a consultation for this matter is encouraged. If you plan to try and treat this yourself, let him/her know that. Tell them what you plan to use. There are medications that can be prescribed for this problem. Most of them are processed in the body by the liver. So the Dr. will draw blood to asses your liver function prior to prescribing and during treatment. This is truly a long process. 3-12 months for some. As the fungi die so will the effected nail; a new healthy one will begin to grow in. Continue treatment until you have a complete new healthy nail(s).

I truly do hope this has been of some help to you J. Keep us posted, let us know what works best for you.

Good Luck to you.