Garlic: A Natural Solution to Toenail Fungus

The benefits of garlic as a natural health remedy, once 
considered to be mere folklore, have been proven by the 
scientific community in recent years. From lowering cholesterol 
to preventing cancer and boosting the immune system, this wonder 
food continues to show its promise in the field of health and 
wellness because of the over 100 biologically useful chemicals it 
contains. By encouraging white blood cells to fight infections 
and promoting other immune cells to combat bacterial and viral 
infections and scavenge for cancer cells it supports immune 
system vitality. Garlic is also a powerful antimicrobial, meaning 
that it eliminates or slows the growth of harmful microbes. One 
of these potentially harmful microbes is fungus such as tinea 
pedis.

One in every five people will be infected with fungus in their 
life. Fungi are molds and yeasts that can live in the top layer 
of the skin and toenails. This fungal infection can become quite 
unsightly and painful. Fungal growth at the toenail begins as a 
light colored spot under the tip of the nail in addition to a 
loss of the nail's natural luster. As the fungus grows, it will 
continue to spread until the entire toenail becomes thick and 
yellow with crumbling edges. If no treatment is given to destroy 
the fungus, the condition will worsen and eventually the toenail 
will have a distorted shape, the color may become green, brown, 
or black, and a foul odor may be present.

There are many treatments available to eradicate the fungus that 
causes this unpleasant condition. Interestingly, one of the most 
effective cures for this condition also happens to be one of the 
least expensive. And you probably have it in your kitchen 
already. Garlic has been shown over the years to be a great way 
to fight even the most persistent cases of toenail fungus.

Treating toenail fungus with garlic is easy and painless. There 
are several methods that work well and depending on the severity 
of your fungal infection, you may wish to try one or more of 
them. Its ability to eliminate the fungus makes it a natural 
choice and one that is easy to attain and use. In the beginning 
stages of the infection it is useful to place several chopped 
cloves in the toes of your socks at night. Or, for a more 
targeted approach, simply crush some fresh cloves and place them 
in contact with the affected area for 30 minutes. The skin should 
be washed before and after both of these applications. Garlic 
powder can also be used to combat toenail fungus. A light dusting 
of it is an easy way to get a healthy dose of this powerful 
natural remedy.

Using garlic is a highly effective, not to mention inexpensive, 
way to fight even the most persistent cases of toenail fungus. 
Another product that makes garlic treatment easy is known as 
garlic oil ointment. You may be able to find this effective 
formula in health food stores, where it would be sold chilled. If 
not, it is simple to make and can be stored in your refrigerator 
for up to one month. It is made by combining one tablespoon of 
fresh chopped garlic cloves, three tablespoons of coconut oil and 
one tablespoon of olive oil. 

The only downside to using this home remedy for toenail fungus is 
that it may stain the nail a yellow color which makes the nail 
look unpleasant.  This will go away with time, however it is hard 
to monitor the progress of new clear nail growing out when the 
solution will also stain the healthy nail yellow. 

When using garlic or any other treatment for your toenail fungus, 
the success of the treatment depends entirely on your willingness 
to faithfully treat the toenail every day and to continue your 
chosen course of therapy for a considerable amount of time. It is 
best to treat toenail fungus or nail fungus from the inside out. 
Taking fresh garlic cloves, garlic pills or a super concentrated 
spagyric formula is most effective.  Unfortunately, because the 
cure for toenail fungus can take six months or more, many people 
choose to live with it rather than take measures to combat it. 
The treatment of toenail fungus is lengthy due to the fact that 
the treatment must continue even after the fungus has died and 
the toenail begins to clear. The fungus is not completely cured 
until the infected portion of the toenail has completely grown 
out.  Treatment internally and externally should then continue 
for at least 3-4 weeks to make sure it does not come back. 

Once the fungus has been taken care of and the toenail is 
completely healthy, it is vital to take steps to ensure that the 
fungus does not return. Keeping toenails clean and trim is 
important because fungus can make a home under the toenail. Wear 
socks that allow the feet to breathe, such as those made from 
natural fibers such as cotton. If you have exceptionally sweaty 
feet, give them ample time to dry out during the day, if 
possible.  When doing any type of treatment for toenail fungus or 
athlete's foot make sure to throw away old infected socks as 
washing may not kill the fungus.   

Dr. Jonathan N. Group, B.S., R.D., D.C. is a Doctor of 
Chiropractic, Registered Dietitian and Independent Research 
Scientist. He has over 15 years of educational and research 
experience in health care focusing in clinical nutrition, 
alternative medicine, chiropractic, fitness, health and wellness. 
Dr. Group is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Fungus 
Research, L.L.C. and heads the research and development team 
dedicated to producing advanced, new anti-fungal and 
anti-microbial products. http://www.nail-fungus-toenail.com