Myrrh has been widely known as an effective natural antiseptic 
agent. It is a mixture of volatile oil, gum and resin which 
originated in Ethiopia, Somalia, and the Arabian Peninsula. It 
has been used for thousands of years as a remedy for a host of 
ailments. Myrrh can be found in the contemporary market in 
commercial mouthwashes, soaps, and cosmetics.

Myrrh is a bitter, pungent herb known for its stimulating effect 
on the senses. Often it is used to rejuvenate and invigorate 
tired bodies and minds. It has been used to treat cuts, scrapes, 
and other minor skin wounds and irritations because of it's 
effectiveness as a fighter of infection. Myrrh increases 
circulation, supports the immune system, and acts as a 
respiratory decongestant. Not only does myrrh lessen the chance 
of infection and speed healing, it also prevents and alleviates 
fungal infection. One application of this healing herb is in 
cases of nail fungus.

Fungus of the nail is first shown by a lackluster or unhealthy 
appearance of the fingernails. As the fungus spreads, the dull 
color turns to yellow and the nail may lose its natural shape and 
become thick and distorted. This distortion accentuates as the 
edges of the nail become excessively brittle and may crumble 
away.  

If the nail fungus is allowed to grow unchecked, eventually the 
nail may turn dark yellow, green, brown, or black. Additionally, 
an unpleasant odor may be present and the entire fingernail may 
become detached from the skin and fall off. These latter stages 
of nail fungus can be extremely unsightly and painful. While 
there are many prescription medications that can be used to fight 
nail fungus, they can often be very costly and have adverse side 
effects. Using an herbal treatment is a great alternative with 
fewer side effects.

Myrrh can make a substantial difference in the overall health of 
skin and nails that are infected with fungus. A tincture made 
from myrrh can be an effective against nail fungus. Rubbing the 
infected area of the foot with myrrh will help to reduce the 
fungus that has attacked the nail.  It also has a slight 
anesthetizing effect, which serves to relieve the pain that often 
accompanies the condition. Please note that it is wise to 
maintain clean skin by gently cleansing the skin twice daily with 
a mild soap, especially prior to a myrrh treatment. It is always 
recommended that the infected skin be thoroughly dried after 
cleansing to discourage new fungal growth.

There are no known adverse side effects associated with myrrh. 
Although myrrh is much gentler than many pharmaceutical 
treatments for nail fungus, it has been known to irritate 
sensitive skin, especially around the eyes and vaginal area. 
Before using this product it is wise to do an allergy test by 
swabbing some of the myrrh on the inner arm. If the skin becomes 
red, swollen, or itchy, do not use on other parts of the body.

When using myrrh or any other treatment for your nail fungus, the 
success of the treatment depends on your willingness to 
faithfully treat the nail every day and to continue your chosen 
course of therapy for the recommended amount of time. 
Unfortunately, because the cure for nail fungus can take up 3-6 
months, many people choose to live with it until it becomes too 
severe, rather than take measures to combat it. The treatment 
must continue until the infected portion of the nail has 
completely grown out.  While there are many products that have 
anti-fungal properties Fungal Research, LLC, only recommends the 
best, most effective products for rapid response and long-term 
results.

Once the nail is completely healthy, it is vital to take steps to 
ensure that the fungus does not return. Keeping nails clean and 
trimmed is important because fungus can make a home under the 
nail. When your hands are exposed to water for prolonged periods 
of time, use rubber gloves and make sure to give the gloves ample 
time to dry inside out after use. Never pick at hangnails or 
other skin around the nails as germs can more easily find a way 
into your nails if you do.

If you typically have your nails done at a salon, be sure that it 
is a reputable one that understands the importance of sterilizing 
all manicure equipment. It also may be necessary to discontinue 
using nail polish or artificial nails as they can trap moisture 
under the polish and encourage the growth of fungus. It is also 
important to keep the hands clean, especially after contacting 
fungus that may reside on other fingernails or toenails because 
of the contagious nature of the fungus. Additionally, maintaining 
a healthy immune system is a key to fighting any fungal 
infections to which you may be exposed. 

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