13 Best Herbal Essential Oils For Nail Fungus
Herbal essential oils for nail fungus are plant-derived extracts used to treat fungal infections affecting the nails, typically caused by overgrowth of microscopic organisms such as dermatophytes, candida, and yeast.
The benefits of using herbal essential oils to treat nail fungus include their natural antifungal properties, which can help to inhibit the growth of fungal organisms and promote healthy nail growth.
Examples of herbal essential oils that have been traditionally used to treat nail fungus include tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) due to its high content of eucalyptol, which has antifungal properties, lavender oil (Lavandula angustifolia) for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, oregano oil (Origanum vulgare) due to its high content of carvacrol, which has potent antifungal properties, eucalyptus oil (Eucalyptus globulus) for its decongestant and antifungal effects, lemongrass oil (Cymbopogon citratus) due to its antimicrobial and antifungal properties, and neem oil (Azadirachta indica) for its antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects.
By incorporating these herbal essential oils into a treatment plan, individuals can potentially alleviate symptoms of nail fungus and promote healthy nail growth.
According to "BMC complementary and alternative medicine", essential oils for nail fungus, particularly thyme red oil and pine oil, demonstrated good activity against Candida spp., including fluconazole/voriconazole resistant strains, suggesting potential benefits for the treatment of nail fungus.
Below there's a list of the 13 best herbal essential oils for nail fungus.
- 1. Melaleuca alternifolia essential oils
- 2. Eucalyptus globulus essential oils
- 3. Lavandula angustifolia essential oils
- 4. Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils
- 5. Zingiber officinale essential oils
- 6. Thymus vulgaris essential oils
- 7. Cymbopogon citratus essential oils
- 8. Origanum vulgare essential oils
- 9. Salvia officinalis essential oils
- 10. Cinnamomum verum essential oils
- 11. Curcuma longa essential oils
- 12. Allium sativum essential oils
- 13. Ocimum basilicum essential oils
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1. Melaleuca alternifolia essential oils
Melaleuca alternifolia essential oils, also known as tea tree oil, have been traditionally used to treat nail fungus ailments due to their antifungal and antibacterial properties.
The main bioactive constituents of this herbal preparation, including cineole, terpinen-4-ol, and limonene, help to inhibit the growth of fungi that cause nail fungus, thereby promoting a healthy nail environment.
By applying tea tree oil topically to the affected area, it helps to reduce fungal infections, alleviate symptoms, and promote the growth of new, healthy nail tissue.
The benefits of using Melaleuca alternifolia essential oils to treat nail fungus include reduced fungal infections, improved nail appearance, and a decrease in the risk of further complications.
Related Study
According to "The Journal of family practice", Melaleuca alternifolia essential oils for nail fungus showed a 18% culture cure rate after 6 months of treatment, indicating a potentially effective option for this condition.
2. Eucalyptus globulus essential oils
Eucalyptus globulus essential oils, derived from the leaves of the Tasmanian blue gum tree, possess antimicrobial and antifungal properties that make it an effective treatment for nail fungus.
The bioactive constituents, such as eucalyptol and alpha-pinene, have been shown to inhibit the growth of fungi, including those that cause nail fungus, by disrupting their cell membranes and preventing them from reproducing.
Regular application of Eucalyptus globulus essential oils to the affected nail can help to reduce the severity of the infection, promote healthy nail growth, and prevent the spread of the fungus.
The benefits of using Eucalyptus globulus essential oils to treat nail fungus include reduced symptoms, improved nail health, and a lower risk of complications, making it a natural and effective alternative to conventional treatments.
Related Study
According to "Mycoses", Eucalyptus globulus essential oils showed inhibitory effects against fungal growth, specifically Fusarium species, which suggests they may have potential in treating nail fungus.
3. Lavandula angustifolia essential oils
Lavandula angustifolia essential oils have been found to possess antifungal properties that can help to treat the nail fungus ailment.
The terpinen-4-ol and linalool bioactive constituents in Lavandula angustifolia essential oils are responsible for its antifungal activity, inhibiting the growth of fungal pathogens and promoting a healthy nail environment.
By using Lavandula angustifolia essential oils, individuals can help to combat the symptoms of nail fungus, such as thickening and discoloration, and promote a healthy and fungal-free nail.
Regular use of Lavandula angustifolia essential oils can also help to prevent the spread of fungal infections and promote overall nail health.
Related Study
According to "Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)", Lavandula angustifolia essential oils, which contain major constituents like linalool and linalyl acetate, demonstrated significant antifungal activity, particularly inhibiting the growth of Candida albicans, a common fungus causing nail fungus, and showed rapid effects, reducing growth by 99.9% within 30 minutes in 27% of tested strains.
4. Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils
Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils have been traditionally used to treat nail fungus, a common fungal infection that affects the nails and surrounding skin.
The antifungal properties of this herbal preparation help to inhibit the growth of fungal organisms, thereby treating the ailment.
The bioactive constituents, including camphor, borneol, and bornyl acetate, exhibit potent antifungal activity, making Rosmarinus officinalis effective in treating nail fungus.
By using Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils, individuals can benefit from its antifungal properties, reducing symptoms and promoting healthy nail growth.
5. Zingiber officinale essential oils
Zingiber officinale essential oils, derived from the rhizome of the ginger plant, have been traditionally used to treat nail fungus ailments due to their antifungal properties and ability to promote healthy nail growth.
The bioactive constituents of Zingiber officinale essential oils, including gingerol and shogaol, exhibit potent antifungal activity against various fungal species, including those that cause nail fungus.
The antifungal properties of Zingiber officinale essential oils help to inhibit the growth of fungal pathogens, reducing the severity of nail fungus symptoms and promoting a healthy nail environment.
Regular application of Zingiber officinale essential oils may help to treat nail fungus, promoting a clear and healthy appearance of the nails.
6. Thymus vulgaris essential oils
Thymus vulgaris essential oils, derived from the leaves of the thyme plant, have been traditionally used to treat nail fungus due to their antifungal and antimicrobial properties.
The bioactive constituents, including thymol and carvacrol, help to combat the fungal infection by inhibiting the growth of fungi and reducing inflammation in the affected area.
By applying thymus vulgaris essential oils topically, individuals can benefit from its ability to penetrate the nail plate and reach the underlying fungal infection, thereby promoting a healthy nail growth.
The antimicrobial properties of thymus vulgaris essential oils also help to prevent the spread of infection and promote a speedy recovery from nail fungus.
Related Study
According to "Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV", Thymus vulgaris essential oils have shown potent antifungal activity, particularly against Candida spp., and were found to primarily exert their fungicidal effect by causing an extensive lesion of the cell membrane.
7. Cymbopogon citratus essential oils
Cymbopogon citratus essential oils, commonly known as lemongrass oil, have been studied for their potential to treat nail fungus due to their antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
The bioactive constituents, including citral and geraniol, possess a strong inhibitory effect on fungi, helping to combat the infection and promote healthy nail growth.
By applying lemongrass oil topically, the antifungal compounds can penetrate the nail bed and surrounding tissue, helping to eliminate the fungal infection and alleviate symptoms such as discoloration and brittleness.
The benefits of using lemongrass oil to treat nail fungus include its natural, non-toxic, and non-invasive approach, making it a promising alternative to conventional treatments.
Related Study
According to "Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)", Cymbopogon citratus essential oils may show potential in preventing or treating nail fungus due to the study focusing on its in vitro antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against Candida spp., a main pathogen responsible for fungal infections.
8. Origanum vulgare essential oils
Origanum vulgare essential oils, extracted from the leaves of the oregano plant, possess antifungal and antibacterial properties that make them a valuable treatment option for nail fungus.
The bioactive constituents of Origanum vulgare essential oils, including carvacrol and thymol, exhibit potent antifungal activity, helping to inhibit the growth of fungal pathogens that cause nail fungus.
By using Origanum vulgare essential oils topically, individuals can create an environment that is inhospitable to fungal growth, promoting the healing of the nail and surrounding tissue.
The antiseptic and antimicrobial properties of Origanum vulgare essential oils help to prevent the spread of fungal infections, reducing the risk of recurrence and promoting overall health and well-being.
9. Salvia officinalis essential oils
Salvia officinalis essential oils, derived from the leaves of the sage plant, have been traditionally used to treat various health issues, including nail fungus.
The antifungal properties of this herbal preparation help to combat the fungal infection, while its anti-inflammatory properties soothe and calm the affected area.
The bioactive constituents of Salvia officinalis essential oils, including camphor, linalool, and bornyl acetate, contribute to its antifungal and antimicrobial activities, which aid in the treatment of nail fungus.
The benefits of using Salvia officinalis essential oils to treat nail fungus include reduced fungal growth, improved nail health, and a decrease in the risk of infection.
10. Cinnamomum verum essential oils
Cinnamomum verum essential oils, also known as Ceylon cinnamon oil, have been traditionally used to treat nail fungus ailment due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties.
The bioactive constituents present in this herbal preparation, including cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, help to inhibit the growth of fungi that cause nail fungus, thereby promoting healthy nail growth.
The antiseptic and antiviral properties of Cinnamomum verum essential oils help to combat the infection and prevent its spread, ultimately leading to the treatment of nail fungus ailment.
The benefits of using Cinnamomum verum essential oils to treat nail fungus ailment include its natural, non-toxic, and cost-effective approach, making it a popular alternative to conventional treatments.
11. Curcuma longa essential oils
Curcuma longa essential oils have been traditionally used to treat nail fungus ailments due to their antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
The bioactive constituents of Curcuma longa essential oils, such as curcumin, turmerone, and atlantone, help to inhibit the growth of fungi and promote a healthy nail environment.
By applying Curcuma longa essential oils topically, it is believed to help treat nail fungus by reducing inflammation, preventing fungal overgrowth, and promoting a balanced microbiome on the nail surface.
The benefits of using Curcuma longa essential oils to treat nail fungus include reduced symptoms, prevention of fungal recurrence, and promotion of healthy nail growth.
Related Study
According to "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Curcuma longa essential oils, specifically turmeric oil, have been found to inhibit the growth of 15 isolates of dermatophytes, the fungi responsible for nail fungus, and have shown promise in treating Trichophyton-induced dermatophytosis in guinea pigs.
12. Allium sativum essential oils
Allium sativum essential oils have been used in traditional medicine to treat nail fungus, a fungal infection that affects the nails and causes discoloration, thickening, and brittleness.
The antibacterial and antifungal properties of Allium sativum essential oils help to combat the fungal infection by inhibiting the growth of fungi and preventing the spread of the infection.
The bioactive constituents, including allicin, sulfur compounds, and flavonoids, exhibit antimicrobial and antifungal activities that contribute to its therapeutic effects.
Regular use of Allium sativum essential oils has been reported to help alleviate symptoms of nail fungus, promote healthy nail growth, and prevent the recurrence of the infection.
Related Study
According to "Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)", Allium sativum essential oils for nail fungus have been found to have antifungal effects against certain species of fungi, such as Meyerozyma guilliermondii and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, and also exhibit antioxidant properties that can help reduce inflammation associated with nail fungus.
13. Ocimum basilicum essential oils
Ocimum basilicum essential oils have been traditionally used to treat nail fungus ailment due to their antifungal and antimicrobial properties.
The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of Ocimum basilicum essential oils help to treat this ailment by reducing the fungal growth and inflammation associated with it.
Bioactive constituents such as linalool, eugenol, and camphor present in Ocimum basilicum essential oils have been shown to exhibit antifungal activity against various fungal pathogens, including those responsible for nail fungus.
The benefits of using Ocimum basilicum essential oils to treat nail fungus include its non-invasive nature, ease of application, and potential to promote healthy nail growth and reduce the risk of infection.