Tea Tree Oil for Toenail Fungus

Tea tree

Tea tree oil is an essential oil distilled from the leaves of the Australian tea tree. All essential oils can be used as antimicrobials. But tea tree oil has been scientifically studied as a remedy for fungal infections in the skin. Two clinical trials have shown tea tree oil to be as effective as antifungal drugs in clearing up athlete’s foot and toenail fungus. In Australia, tea tree oil is an ingredient in many drugs.

Fungi have a high rate of recurrence, even when people manage to get rid of them. There is not much point in treating a toenail fungus with tea tree oil or any other antifungal agent unless you also take action to change the conditions that made it possible for fungi to settle in to begin with. This means, first, keeping the feet and toes clean and dry, and wearing socks that are clean and dry. Some people also find that they cannot totally eradicate toenail fungi until they make changes to their diet. Providing the body with a balanced, nourishing diet is helpful for most health conditions, and toenail fungi are no exception.

Using Tea Tree Oil to Get Rid of Toenail Fungus

Method

• Dilute oil with another oil, such as olive oil.
• Apply using a cotton ball, three times per day.

Why It Works

Tea tree oil, like most essential oils, is high in terpenes, compounds that disrupt the cell membranes of bacterial and fungal cells. Some scientists say that terpenes “punch holes” in cells. As a result, terpenes can kill bacteria and fungi colonies fairly quickly.

Precautions

Tea tree oil should never be taken internally, as it can be toxic even in very small doses, and can cause diarrhea, vomiting, sleepiness, confusion, impaired coordination, and even coma. Some people have an allergic reaction to tea tree oil applied topically, and others experience redness and irritation after using tea tree oil. According to one study, tea tree oil might be an endocrine system disrupter. Scientists are not sure about this, and the evidence is still scanty, but while the issue is being studied, tea tree oil should be avoided by people with hormone-sensitive cancers, and by pregnant or nursing mothers.

More Remedies

• Click here for all Toenail Fungus remedies