Onychomycosis or toenail fungus can be identified by pain, inflammation, swelling, and yellowing of the toe. It is followed by the nail becoming thick and ultimately coming off. This could be the result of an unbalanced alkalinity of the skin and excessive moisture. Another cause that usually results in fungus is a diabetic condition causing poor blood circulation.

The best cure for toenail fungus is through external applications or oral medication.

As a preventive measure, one can resort to tried and tested herbal medicines. Fruit juices, natural oils and dry ingredients from your kitchen, are the safest options available. Given below are some of the best cure for toenail fungus.

Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is proven to be the best cure for toenail fungus. You can either consume this orally or apply it on the affected area to get results. The right proportion is to combine one portion of the vinegar, one portion of Epsom salt and six portions of hot water. Allow the water to cool till lukewarm. Dip your feet in the solution twice every day for up to thirty minutes to eliminate the fungus. To make the beverage sweet for drinking add two spoons of the apple cider, eight ounces of warm water and a teaspoon of honey.

Olive leaf extract
Olive leaf extract is also popular as one of the best cures for toenail fungus. It is a strong, natural, antiviral and antibacterial cure when consumed every day as a supplement. It acts as a cholesterol lowering agent as well.

Olive leaf extract is also beneficial as an effective detoxifier. You reduce the usual dose gradually as you feel detoxified. The dose again can be upped when you regain strength.

Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil acts as an excellent antiseptic and antifungal cure. Apply pure tea tree oil to the nails after cleaning the infected area with alcohol and let it rest for 10 minutes. Later, give the nail a firm scrub with a soft toothbrush. To further enhance the effects, mix one portion of tea tree oil with one portion of a natural oil like almond or olive oil. Till the nail regrows properly you can continue the given procedure, following it up for two to three weeks to stabilize the nail.

Orange oil
Another natural and one of the best cures for toenail fungus is orange oil. Apply the oil daily to combat infection with the help of a dropper on the nails and in between the toes. Rest the toenails for about an hour. Orange oil is quite strong, so those with sensitive skin can dilute it further. Add half of the orange oil with natural oils like olive oil. Orange oil is citric, so make sure to test for an allergic reaction before you use it.

Organic cornmeal
Organic cornmeal is a healthy anti-fungal food. It contains another fungus which irritates the most common fungus, parasite candida. Add one cup of cornmeal with about two quarts of water and leave for an hour before soaking the infected feet in it for half hour or more. Follow this process as and when required.

Baking soda and borax
Alkaline baking soda is a great fungus fighter as fungus is acidic. Mix sodium borate or natural borax along with baking soda in equal portions to make a paste. Rub the paste onto the affected nails twice a day for up to 2 weeks for great results.

Coconut oil
Coconut oil contains caprylic acid which digs through the candida fungi, whereby uprooting the infection. The oil must be applied on the infected area and left for about 15 minutes. Coconut oil can be used generously as it is the purest and the best cure for toenail fungus, as long as your skin is not overly sensitive.

Lavender oil
Lavender oil is mild and can be applied daily at night to the infected nails. Cover the toenails with cotton socks to lock the oil in. You can continue with the application of lavender oil even after the nail recovers in order to ensure a healthy nail.

Oregano oil
Oregano oil is another effective herb oil that helps to treat toenail fungus. A few drops of oregano oil can be mixed with a spoonful of olive oil and dabbed onto the infection.

Probiotic supplements
Healthy bacteria like Lactobacillus stump the growing and spreading of parasitic fungi. This is available in non-sweet and natural probiotic supplements. It suffocates candida, the fungus element.

The best cure for toenail fungus is available even in our homes. However, it is advisable that you visit a doctor in case the remedies mentioned above show little or no effect.