Did you know? Studies show that culinary spices have the potential to become ‘new and safe antimicrobial agents.’
This new information backs up ancient home remedies that used spices as antidotes to treat athlete’s foot, skin blemishes, and toenail fungus.
Thyme oil has secured a prominent spot in the medicinal world due to this reason. Using thyme oil for toenail fungus is one of the simplest ways to cure the disease.
Regular application of the essential oil hinders the growth of the infection. It also treats the discoloration of the affected area by nourishing the skin.
The best part is that this treatment is inexpensive, and it doesn’t carry any significant side effects.
Before we begin discussing the benefits of thyme for toenail fungus, we should take a closer look at the disease itself.
Here’s everything you need to know:
The Basics: What Is Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus is categorized as a medical condition called Onychomycosis.
The infection is commonly triggered by the accumulation of different fungal organisms inside your toenail. The most prominent of which is dermatophyte.
How does it occur? The infection is prevalent in wet communal spaces like gyms, swimming pools, beaches, and locker rooms.
That’s why you shouldn’t roam around those areas barefoot. Other risk factors include age, blood circulation problems, and people who sweat excessively.
Is it dangerous?
Toenail fungus isn’t a life-threatening disease. It is, however, a cosmetic problem as it distorts your nails.
Additionally, it’s considered a symptom for athlete’s foot. That’s why as the fungal infection gets worse you start feeling discomfort and face difficulty while you walk.
Common symptoms of toenail fungus include:
- Whitish and yellowish discoloration
- Thicker nails
- The surface of your nail becomes brittle and crumbly
- Smelly feet
- Blackish appearance due to deep fungal infection
You should start treating your nails as soon as you notice signs of fungal growth. This can be done by using home remedies for toenail fungus that cures the problem naturally.
The Treatment: How To Treat Toenail Fungus With Thyme?
Thyme is an aromatic herb that is popular in the culinary and medical world alike. Chefs use the spice to elevate their dish’s flavor profile.
In medicine, distilled thyme oil is used to tackle various health problems that range from skin conditions, immune deficiency to heart problems.
It’s also a staple in aromatherapy sessions to instill feelings of strength and courage in the patient’s mind.
For our article, we’ll discuss the properties that make it a valuable asset for people suffering from a toenail infection.
So How Does It Work?
Thyme consists of thymol and different acetate compounds that effectively react against fungal infections.
Its unique chemical composition provides it with several properties that can inhibit the growth of your toenail fungus.
These include:
- Antifungal and antibacterial properties that stop the infection from spreading.
- Antiseptic properties that disinfect the affected area.
- Anti-inflammatory tendencies that counter any redness and itching caused by the infection.
- High levels of antioxidants that revive the distorted area so that it looks healthy again.
The combination of all these properties makes thyme oil an amazing antidote for toenail fungus and other skin conditions.
How to Use It?
You can use thyme for toenail fungus in several different ways. The best strategy is to apply it topically to cure the infection.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Wash your feet and let them dry before application.
- Mix 5 drops of thyme oil with a few drops of carrier oil of your choice.
- Take a Q-tip/cotton pad and dip it into the mixture.
- Apply it to your infected toenail and surrounding area.
You should do this regularly 2-3 times a day for a month or two. Doing this prevents the infection from coming back when the new nail grows.
What else can be done?
- Fill the basin/tub with warm water then add 20 drops of thyme with a carrier oil (tea tree/coconut oil). Soak your feet for at least 15 minutes,
- You can also put a few drops in a diffuser to clear the air. This will help remove the airborne germs that trigger the infection.
Like the previous remedy, you need to do this regularly if you hope to see significant changes in the appearance of your toenail.
The Risks: Is Thyme For Toenail Fungus Safe To Use?
Like most natural remedies, thyme oil treatment has next to no side effects. You can consume it orally or apply it topically during treatment.
The essential oil, however, does have potential side effects for users that are allergic to thyme.
The side effects include irritable skin, which leads to the formation of a rash and itching. In severe cases, the affected area might start swelling.
It’s advisable for you to stop using thyme oil as soon as you see any signs of irritation. You should also consult a skin specialist if the side effects fail to subside after you stop the treatment.
The best idea is to apply the oil on a patch of skin to check for allergies or skin sensitivities. The patch test will determine whether or not using thyme is a safe option for you.
What’s more?
Other precautionary measures for using thyme oil include:
- You should dilute it with carrier oils (e.g. almond oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil) before use.
- Try not to get out in the sun right after applying the oil.
- Don’t use it on children aged 5 and below.
- Avoid using the essential oil if you’re pregnant/ breastfeeding.
- Don’t blend thyme with other oils without proper research.
- Make sure that you take the right dosage.
In short, be careful while using thyme as an alternative medication for toenail fungus. The treatment is only effective if you use it under the right conditions.
The Bottom Line
On the whole, thyme oil looks like a great option to treat toenail fungus.
The essential oil contains antifungal properties that deal with the disease with minimum side effects.
It’s also a safer option when compared to chemically-laden drugs to cure the problem.
What more can you ask for? So feel free to use thyme for toenail fungus by running it onto the infected area or soaking your feet in a thyme bath.
We’re sure that you’ll start seeing a positive change within the first few weeks of use.
Watch this space to learn more information on how to destroy toenail fungus!
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