Toenail Fungus.
Fungal nail infection (Onychomcosis) can be caused by several different yeasts and molds. The skin
fungi dermatophyes most often causes the fungus under the toenails. Yeast infections are more
common on the fingernails. Other types of conditions and infections like psoriasis and athletes foot are
sometimes confused with or add to the cause of toenail infection including thickening and discoloration.
Approximately 10 percent of all adults will experience toenail fungus in their lifetime. The likelihood
increases with age. 20% of those over 60 years and 50% of those over 70 experience toenail fungus. It
is more common in men than women.
So, what causes toenail fungus? Every day the human body encounters several yeasts, fungi, molds,
viruses and bacteria. Many live peacefully and happily inside our systems. So why do some develop into
this unsightly and sometimes uncomfortable condition? At its core, toenail fungus is an imbalance of
good and bad bacteria. When there aren’t enough good bacteria living in the gut, troublesome bacteria
grow. The imbalance can overflow onto your skin or, in this case under your nails. Diabetes, vascular
problems (poor circulation), and an impaired immune system are all factors. About one-third of people
with diabetes have toenail fungus. Smokers and people that lead a sedentary life may be more at risk.
Other causes may include poor foot hygiene, nail injury, family history, and genetics. Moist socks and
shoes present an ideal environment for fungus to grow. Tight shoes that restrict toe movement and
circulation can also cause a problem.
Getting rid of toenail fungus takes time and patience. It can take several months for treatment to be
successful. Addressing the root cause will keep the infection from coming back again. Holistic
treatment of toenail fungus, or any nail fungus looks at 3 areas; Topical treatment, health of the gut and
digestive system, and diet.
1. Topical treatment of antifungal agents to the infected area. There is a long list of herbs,
essential oils and over the counter agents that work. Some better than others. The trick is to
choose a path and stick to it. Toenail fungus is tenacious. It really hangs in there and can take
up to 48 months of consistent treatment to make a difference. Some of my favorite methods
for topical applications include;
a. Foot Soaks. Soak your feet in an infusion made of herbs, essential oils and/or other
antifungal agents 2 times per day. My favorite things to use in a soak for toenail fungus
are Chaparral herb, Black Walnut Hulls, Pau’d Arco, Monarda herb, Myrrh, Oregano herb
or essential oil, Tea Tree Oil and vinegar. A great recipe might be ¼ cup Chaparral and ¼
cup Myrrh in 1 quart of hot water. Let this soak for 30 min and strain. Add 5 drops of
tea tree oil and ¼ cup white vinegar. Add cold or warm water to adjust temp to your
comfort and soak feet for 20 min.
b. Salves and Ointments. Salves and ointments should be applied to the whole foot (or
hand) 2x per day. This allows the herbs or medicine to come into contact with all of the
tissue involved and provides a greater surfaced area for the herbs to enter the
bloodstream. Applying to the entire foot increases the effectiveness of the treatment
by many times. Helpful herbs to apply topically include Oil of Oregano, Tea Tree Oil and
Tagets Essential oil (diluted in vegetable oil). Salves made of antifungal herbs including
Chaparral, Pau’d Arco, Black Walnut hulls, Native Sage, Cedar, Eucalyptus and myrrh.
Vicks Vapor Rub has shown to work well for toenail fungus. At Wonderment Gardens,
we make an anti-fungal salve that helps with all fungal, bacterial and mold overgrowths
on the skin.
c. Powders – Sprinkle on a powder made with any of the herbs listed above. Powders
work especially well for folks with moist, damp and odorous feet.
2. Digestive Health. If you’re experiencing a yeast, mold or fungal overgrowth in any part of your
system it means you have an imbalance of bad to good bacteria. Here are a few simple things
you can do.
a. Probiotics – When purchasing probiotics make sure they contain 50 billion probiotic
units or more. The more probiotic strains the better. Good probiotics are expensive.
Make sure to read the label to be sure you’re getting a quality product.
b. Eat Fermented foods – Fermented foods contain probiotics in the trillions rather than
billions and are less expensive than good probiotic supplements. Keep in mind they
need to be eaten every day. Sometimes two to three times per day depending on the
food. Fermented foods could include Kefir (water or milk), yogurt, kombucha,
sauerkraut (fresh organic), apple cider vinegar (fresh, raw, organic) and kimchee.
c. Support your liver and pancreas with gentle herbs – A tea or supplement of some of
the following herbs will help support liver and digestive organs; Burdock root, Dandelion
root or herb, Milk Thistle seeds, Nettles, Wild Oats, Fennel seeds, Ginger, Garlic, and
Cardamom. If more specific herbs are indicated, talk to an experienced herbalist for
individual recommendations.
3. Follow an anti-fungal or anti-candida diet. There are many good diets out there in books and
on the internet to help you plan this part of the process. All of which should include the
following ideas
a. Cut off the supply of sugar that feeds the yeast and bad bacteria - This includes
alcohol, sugar, honey, fruit, fruit juice, wheat and many grains.
b. Include more fiber – Fiber helps us removes toxins from the colon and provides a
healthy environment for “good” bacteria to grow. Some examples include Chia and flax
seeds, green drinks, green bananas, and fresh colorful vegetables.
c. Enjoy healthy sources of protein and nourishing fats in your diet – Include coconut oil
as it helps kill off the bad and encourage the growth of good bacteria in your gut.
Healthy protein may fresh eggs and natural (or organic) farm raised meats of all kinds
including beef, pork, chicken, and fish.
In conclusion, Toenail fungus may seem like it’s only under your toenail, but it’s caused by an imbalance
in your system and/or poor circulation with compromised immunity. For long term success, you must
treat not only the part you can see (the toenail) but also the digestive system and your diet. It will likely
take some time to see some progress. Don’t give up. First, you’ll notice that the nail gets thinner. Then
you’ll notice it becomes stronger and begins to grow clear at the cuticle. Good! Keep going! Keep it up
until the whole nail is clear for at least a month. Even when your toenails look normal again continue to
eat well and support your digestive system and gut with healthy good bacterial producing foods. Your
toes will look good and you’ll feel healthy at the same time.