Can Oil of Oregano Heal Nail Fungus?

Nail fungus, also known scientifically as onychomycosis, is a very common problem that affects the fingernails and the toenails. Millions of people around the world suffer from this problem. In fact, this disease is affecting about 30 million people in the United States alone.

It is a disease where specific types of fungus such as dermatophytes, Candida and nondermatophytic molds infects the nails. In temperate countries, the dermatophytes are the most common causes while in the tropics, it is Candida and nondermatophytes that are commonly responsible. 

Toenail fungus is more common than fingernail fungus. The reason why this fungus commonly affects the toenails is that your feet have more chance of getting into contact with nail fungus than your hands. It actually burrows under the nails and lives off the nail tissue. If this is not remedied at the start, the infection progresses and the fungus penetrates deeper into the nail and causes more damage to the nail and skin tissue around it.

When the infection is at an advanced stage, the color of the nail changes and its surface will become brittle and may show cracks and bumps. If this is allowed to continue, the infection will spread and may even cause the nails to fall off. Treatment is necessary because the fungus will not leave on its own. However, the conventional treatments we have today increase the toxicity in the liver which can lead to liver failure. Thankfully, a better alternative in the form of oil of oregano is gaining acceptance.

Oil of oregano is gaining popularity these days because of its ability to stop the growth and activity of many types of microbes. It is a natural substance derived from the leaves of the wild oregano plant, Origanum vulgare, that grows in the mountain regions of Greece, Portugal and Turkey. Only the oregano oil coming from these places is authentic and effective because of the right combination of soil minerals and climate in this region.

This plant has been used for hundreds of years as a treatment for common diseases. Recent laboratory studies and experiments have been done on this oil that proved its worth as an effective anti-fungal agent. Since nail fungus is basically caused by several types of fungi, oregano oil can be used to kill whatever type of fungus is present in the nails.

• Topical application – Dilute two to three drops of oregano oil in one teaspoon of olive oil. Put this mixture on the infected toe and rub it gently. This will allow the oil mixture to penetrate the nail tissue and the skin around it. Keep the toe exposed to air as much as possible. Don’t cover it with socks or shoes because it will only serve as a moisture trap which will allow the fungi to breed quickly. Repeat this procedure three times a day.
• Internal Application - to facilitate your healing, you also need to take oil of oregano internally. The recommended dosage is 2 to 3 drops of the essential oil under your tongue, repeated 2 times a day.

If all goes well, within two to three weeks, your nail fungus will be gone. This is the normal treatment period for this disease. However, if the problem persists, you have to increase your daily dose. But before you do this, it is better to seek the advice of your health provider. Oregano oil is a strong substance and taking large doses may give you adverse side effects.