For centuries aboriginal people from Australia have been using 
the tea tree's leaves to treat skin infections. Tea tree oil, 
also known as melaleuca oil or manuka oil is stream-distilled 
from the leaves of this plant which grown in Australia or New 
Zealand. Brought by Captain Cook from its native Australia in the 
1770s, the oil is produced from the Melaleuca Alternifolia tree. 
High quality tea tree oil is usually available in health food or 
specialty stores.

One of the most beneficial natural antiseptics, tea tree oil has 
been extensively used to combat a wide variety of infections and 
ailments. The active ingredient in tea tree oil is terpinen-4-ol, 
which has been proven to combat bacteria and fungi. It has been 
used to treat cuts, scrapes, and other minor skin wounds and 
irritations. Not only does tea tree oil attack infections and 
speed healing, it also reduces the risk of scarring in many 
applications. Because of its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial 
properties, it has rapidly become one of the most widely used 
antiseptics. Tea tree oil also has the ability to quickly bond 
with natural oils present in the skin. Because the application of 
this essential oil to the skin encourages the formulation of a 
chemical barrier on the skin, continued growth of fungi and other 
unhealthy organisms is diminished.  

One significant application of tea tree oil is in the treatment 
of toenail fungus. Also referred to as onychomycosis, this common 
condition accounts for nearly half of all nail disorders and 
affects a considerable portion of the adult population. Toenails 
are especially susceptible to fungal growth as fungus favors the 
moist, warm conditions inside the socks.

Toenail fungus starts as a discoloration on the tip of the 
toenail and will continue to grow and 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 form a distorted shape, 
the color may become green, brown, or black, and the toes may 
begin to emit a foul odor as the nail falls off. At this point 
you may also experience some pain in the infected toes.

Although it is extremely common, toenail fungus does not have to 
be accepted as a distasteful part of life. There are many 
treatments available to eradicate the fungus that causes this 
unpleasant condition. Research has shown that tea tree oil an 
effective remedy for toenail and nail fungus and it is gentler on 
the skin than prescription medications.

There is no known negative drug interactions associated with the 
use of tea tree oil. However, it should never be ingested, and a 
poison control center should be contacted if the product is 
swallowed. Tea tree oil has recently received much attention for 
its ability to combat toenail fungus. Although tea tree oil is 
much gentler than many chemical treatments for toenail fungus, it 
may irritate sensitive skin, especially around the eyes. Before 
using this product it is wise to do an allergy test by swabbing 
some of the oil on the inner arm. If the skin becomes red, 
swollen, or itchy, do not use it on other parts of the body.

To treat toenail fungus apply tea tree oil to all areas of the 
toenail and toe that are affected by the fungus. It is not 
necessary to dilute the oil in this application. The oil will 
absorb into the toenail and kill the fungus. This treatment 
should be done two to three times daily. It is essential to 
complete this therapy daily for six months. Even as the fungus 
dies and the toenail begins to clear it is vital to continue the 
treatment daily until the infected portion of the toenail has 
completely grown out.  Missing even one day is enough to cause 
the fungus to replicate and require an extension of treatment 
time. 

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 trimmed 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. Never pick at toenails or other skin around the 
toenails; bacteria and fungus can more easily find a way into 
your toenails if you do.

If you typically have a salon pedicure, 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 
toenail polish as it 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 toenails because of the contagious nature of 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