Nail Fungus Can Be Treated With Oregano Oil

Nail fungus, known scientifically as onychomycosis, is a fungal disease that affects the toenails and fingernails. This condition manifests itself when the fungus enters through small cuts in the nail.

The nail bed has a warm environment which is conducive to the growth of the fungus and preventing the infection becomes very difficult. It generally affects men and those who are advanced in age. Some of the factors which may encourage this condition are weak immune system, moist environment, tight foot-wear, low blood circulation, slow nail growth, heavy perspiration, hereditary factors, and other health problems.

Another factor is the fact that it is an airborne disease and can be easily transmitted in places such as swimming pools, showers, bathrooms, locker rooms and similar places. If not treated properly, it may spread from nail to nail. Because of its easy transmission, millions of people around the world are affected by this problem. In the United States alone, about 30 million people are suffering with nail fungus.

The types of fungi that cause nail fungus are dermatophytes, Candida and nondermtophytic molds. In tropical countries, Candida and nondermatophytes are commonly responsible for this disease, while in temperate zones the dermatophytes are the leading cause.

Symptoms
Since this condition is very difficult to control, it is imperative that we know the early signs so we can prevent the disease from spreading. One key symptom is when you have an allergic reaction that causes acute itchiness and skin rashes in different parts of the body that is not affected with the fungus. Other people may feel acute pain in the toes or fingertips together with a foul odor from the wastes that accumulated under the nail bed. Infected nails will be dull, flaky, brittle, yellowish or dark brown. Some even have their infected nail detach from the nail bed.

Typical Treatment for Nail Fungus
The treatment procedures usually include oral and topical medications in the affected area which lasts for about a month. For complicated cases, surgical procedures are performed, but these are rare. There are a wide variety of over-the-counter drugs, lotions and creams that are used to control the fungi but the guidance of a medical practitioner is required for their proper use. This is to prevent the occurrence of adverse side effects.

Advantages of Oregano Oil
There is a better alternative to using pharmaceutical drugs and creams for treating nail fungus. This is by using oregano oil, a potent antimicrobial agent made of 100% organic substance. This oil is extracted from the crushed leaves of the wild oregano plant, Origanum vulgare. There are no chemical fertilizers or pesticides used in the cultivation and harvesting of the plant. In the extraction and processing of the oil, there are also no chemicals involved to preserve the potency of its natural ingredients.

This is the reason why all the germ-killing substances contained in the oil are at their full potency. Thus, this oil has been found to be able to kill all types of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi, including all kinds of dermatophytes that cause nail fungus. Since it is composed of natural substances, it has no known side effects and is very safe to use.

Oregano Oil Can Stop Nail Fungus
Through the many scientific studies and medical experiments conducted by scientists around the world, it is now an established fact that this essential oil is an effective antimicrobial agent that can kill all types of harmful microorganisms. It has this capacity because it contains powerful phytochemicals, phenols and flavonoids. This oil can also enhance the body’s immune response because it also contains significant amounts of vitamins, minerals and important trace elements.

Using Oregano Oil To Treat Nail Fungus
You can use this oil either topically or internally to control nail fungus. Here is how you can do this.

• Topical treatment – Mix 2 to 3 drops of oregano oil with one teaspoon of virgin olive oil. Put this mixture on your affected toe (or nail) and rub it gently. The oil will be able to penetrate your nail tissue and the surrounding skin. Keep your toe exposed to air as much as possible. Covering it with socks or shoes will only trap the moisture inside, allowing the fungi to breed more easily. Repeat this application three times a day.
• Oral treatment – If you want faster healing, you need to take the oil internally. The ideal dose is 2 to 3 drops of oregano oil placed under your tongue. Take it 2 times a day.

If you are conscientious with this treatment, your condition will improve and your nail fungus will be gone in about 2 to 3 weeks. If the problem persists, increasing the daily dose can solve the problem. However, since this oil contains very potent substances, an increased dose might produce unwanted side effects, so you need to seek the counsel of your medical provider in such cases.