Nail Fungus: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a fungal infection of the nail plate, nail bed, and nail bed tissues that can cause discoloration, thickening, and crumbling of the nails.

It is commonly caused by exposure to damp environments, poor hygiene, and weakened immune systems. If left untreated, nail fungus can lead to discomfort, pain, and even secondary infections. To alleviate symptoms, herbal remedies such as tea tree oil, oregano oil, and turmeric can be used in medicinal preparations.

However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional and take precautions, such as patch testing and proper dosage, before using these herbs to avoid allergic reactions and interactions with medications.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of nail fungus, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of nail fungus?

The main causes of nail fungus are fungal infections caused by dermatophytes, such as Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, and Microsporum species, which thrive in warm, moist environments.

Fungal spores can enter the nail through cracks or breaks in the nail plate, nail bed, or surrounding skin, leading to infection. Individuals with weakened immune systems, diabetes, or circulatory problems are more susceptible to fungal infections. Prolonged exposure to water, especially in swimming pools, hot tubs, or showers, can increase the risk of nail fungus.

Additionally, wearing shoes that don't breathe, sharing personal care items, or having a family history of fungal infections can also contribute to the development of nail fungus.

• Humidity: High humidity creates an ideal environment for fungal growth, allowing spores to thrive and infect the nail.
• Poor Hygiene: Failure to properly wash and dry the feet, especially between the toes, can spread fungal spores and infect the nail.
• Warm and Moist Areas: Frequent exposure to warm and moist areas, such as public showers or swimming pools, can increase the risk of fungal infection.
• Walking Barefoot: Walking barefoot in areas where fungal spores are present, such as public showers or locker rooms, can increase the risk of infection.
• Weakened Immune System: A weakened immune system can make it more difficult for the body to fight off fungal infections, increasing the risk of nail fungus.
• Genetic Predisposition: Some people may be more susceptible to nail fungus due to their genetic makeup, which can affect the body's ability to fight off fungal infections.
• Anatomical Issues: Anatomical issues, such as ingrown toenails or nail trauma, can create an environment conducive to fungal growth and infection.
• Tight Fitting Shoes: Wearing tight-fitting shoes that create a warm and moist environment can increase the risk of fungal infection.
• Age: Nail fungus is more common in older adults, as the risk of infection increases with age due to a decline in immune function.
• Nail Trauma: Nail trauma, such as a nail injury or nail biting, can create an opportunity for fungal spores to infect the nail.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for nail fungus?

The main medicinal herbs used for nail fungus are Eucalyptus globulus, Melaleuca alternifolia, Cinnamomum verum, Lavandula angustifolia, Piper nigrum, Salvia officinalis, Cinnamomum camphora, Aloe barbadensis, Olea europaea, Cinnamomum zeylanicum.

Eucalyptus globulus, with its antibacterial and antifungal properties, helps combat fungal infections. Cinnamomum verum's cinnamaldehyde and Melaleuca alternifolia's tea tree oil exhibit potent antifungal activity against dermatophytes, such as Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton, responsible for nail fungus. Cinnamomum camphora, Piper nigrum, and Cinnamomum zeylanicum, which contain camphor, piperine, and cinnamaldehyde respectively, also exhibit antifungal properties that may aid in treating nail fungus.

Additionally, Lavandula angustifolia's linalool, Salvia officinalis's carnosic acid, Aloe barbadensis's aloin, and Olea europaea's oleuropein may help soothe and moisturize the affected area.

• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus contains compounds that exhibit antifungal properties, which can help combat the fungal infections responsible for nail fungus.
• Melaleuca alternifolia: Melaleuca alternifolia, also known as tea tree oil, contains terpinen-4-ol, which has been shown to inhibit the growth of fungi, including those causing nail fungus.
• Cinnamomum verum: Cinnamomum verum, or Ceylon cinnamon, has been found to possess antifungal properties, particularly against Candida albicans, a fungus that can cause nail fungus.
• Lavandula angustifolia: Lavandula angustifolia, or lavender, contains compounds that have been shown to exhibit antifungal and antimicrobial properties, which may help alleviate symptoms of nail fungus.
• Piper nigrum: Piper nigrum, or black pepper, contains piperine, which has been found to possess antifungal properties and may help combat fungal infections, including nail fungus.
• Salvia officinalis: Salvia officinalis, or sage, has been found to possess antifungal properties, particularly against Candida albicans, a fungus that can cause nail fungus.
• Cinnamomum camphora: Cinnamomum camphora, or camphor tree, has been traditionally used to treat fungal infections, including nail fungus, due to its antifungal properties.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis, or aloe vera, contains compounds that have been found to exhibit antifungal and antimicrobial properties, which may help alleviate symptoms of nail fungus.
• Olea europaea: Olea europaea, or olive tree, contains compounds that have been found to exhibit antifungal properties, which may help combat fungal infections, including nail fungus.
• Cinnamomum zeylanicum: Cinnamomum zeylanicum, or Ceylon cinnamon, has been found to possess antifungal properties, particularly against Candida albicans, a fungus that can cause nail fungus.

What are the main herbal preparations used for nail fungus?

The main herbal preparations used for nail fungus are Tincture, Decoction, Capsules, Salve, Ointment, Cream, Gel, Poultice, Suppository, Tea.

Tincture is a concentrated liquid extract of herbs like Tea tree oil, which has antifungal properties that help combat fungal infections. Decoction is a liquid extract made by boiling herbs like Turmeric and Ginger that have anti-inflammatory properties which aid in reducing fungal growth. Capsules, Salve, Ointment, Cream, Gel, Poultice, Suppository, and Tea preparations of herbs like Berberis, Aloe Vera, and Garlic have antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties that help to heal and prevent fungal infections on the nails.

These herbal preparations work by either directly killing fungal spores or reducing inflammation and promoting healthy nail growth.

• Tincture: A tincture of the antifungal compound terbinafine, extracted from the plant Trichophyton mentagrophytes, helps with nail fungus by penetrating the nail plate and treating the underlying fungal infection.
• Decoction: A decoction of the antifungal plant, Arisaema dracontium, helps with nail fungus by releasing its active compounds, which are then absorbed through the skin and used to treat the fungal infection in the nail.
• Capsules: Capsules containing the antifungal compound, itraconazole, extracted from the plant Cladosporium, help with nail fungus by allowing the body to absorb the compound, which is then taken to the nail and used to treat the fungal infection.
• Salve: A salve made from the antifungal plant, Berberis aquifolium, helps with nail fungus by creating a protective barrier on the nail, preventing the spread of the fungal infection and promoting a healthy environment for the nail to grow.
• Ointment: An ointment made from the antifungal plant, Calendula officinalis, helps with nail fungus by providing a topical application that directly targets the fungal infection, promoting healing and preventing further infection.
• Cream: A cream made from the antifungal compound, ciclopirox, extracted from the plant Microsporum, helps with nail fungus by directly targeting the fungal infection and preventing its spread, while also promoting a healthy environment for the nail to grow.
• Gel: A gel made from the antifungal plant, Grifola frondosa, helps with nail fungus by providing a topical application that directly targets the fungal infection, promoting healing and preventing further infection.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the antifungal plant, Plantago major, helps with nail fungus by applying direct pressure to the affected area, increasing blood flow and allowing the active compounds to penetrate deeper into the nail, promoting healing and preventing further infection.
• Suppository: A suppository made from the antifungal compound, econazole, extracted from the plant Trichophyton, helps with nail fungus by allowing the compound to be directly absorbed into the nail, treating the underlying fungal infection.
• Tea: A tea made from the antifungal plant, Echinacea purpurea, helps with nail fungus by allowing the active compounds to be absorbed through the skin and then transported to the nail, promoting healing and preventing further infection.