Coconut Oil Nail Fungus – Can You Use Coconut Oil to Treat Nail Fungi?

Tackling nail fungus can not only be a very unenjoyable experience, but can also be very difficult to find a solution that is effective.

Coconut oil, on the other hand, is becoming increasingly more popular not only with food recipes, but also in beauty products.

The fatty acids in coconut oil have been proven very beneficial for a number of things, such as skincare, moisturizing, and preventing skin conditions.

Many people have been using coconut oil in a number of remedies, but one that has really caught the attention of many, is using coconut oil to defeat nail fungus.

This may sound pretty odd, and you are probably asking yourself, “how can coconut oil kill foot fungus?” then look no further. Today I am going to tell you how to use coconut oil for foot fungus.

How does coconut oil help nail fungus?

Using something as simple as coconut oil had probably left you slightly confused with how this works and why it is not more commonly known – I was exactly the same!

The thing is, coconut oil – the oil extracted from the coconut plant – contains lots of fatty acids that work as natural fungicides. Coconut oil is in fact an antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-fungal ingredient. 

It is used in many skincare products for this exact reason. The acids help to break down the fungal membranes which eventually clear up once they have been destroyed.

How to treat nail fungus with coconut oil

Using coconut oil to treat your nail fungus is surprisingly easy and simple. it’s also being a quick and easy job, so it does not take up too much of your time.

If you are struggling with nail fungus, you can use raw coconut oil and apply it directly to the area, however it is better to either use it as a warm solution or a bandage. To use coconut oil to remove toenail fungus as a warm solution, simply follow these simple steps in order to remove and prevent your nail fungus:

1. Purchase an organic, 100% pure coconut oil. This ensures that your coconut oil has no other ingredients that may get in the way of it working its magic.
2. Warm the coconut oil by placing the required amount in a bowl and submerging this bowl into hot water. This will warm the coconut oil without overheating it, and will allow it to be at a temperature you can handle. Overheating the coconut oil may destroy the elements needed to fight the fungus.
3. Wash the affected area and pat it dry.
4. Use your hands to apply the coconut oil to the affected area. You can also wear gloves if you do not want to directly touch the infected toenails.
5. Allow the coconut oil to absorb into your toe so that it isn’t removed or wiped off by anything, such as socks or shoes.
6. Repeat this method 3 to 6 times a day until you see the fungus clear up.
7. If you regularly suffer from toenail fungus, you can use coconut oil to massage your feet before bed. This will help prevent the fungus from returning.

Coconut oil bandage for nails

Alternatively, you can use coconut oil to create a coconut oil bandage. This method is more effective and is best done before bedtime.

1. Warm the coconut oil using the same method as above.
2. Soak a bandage in the liquified coconut oil.
3. Wash your feet with warm water and pat them dry.
4. Apply the soaked bandage to the affected toenail.
5. Allow the bandage to dry.
6. Cover with socks or a plastic bag and leave on overnight. 
7. In the morning, remove the socks and the bandage and repeat each night using a fresh bandage.

This method is more effective as it allows the toenail to soak in the oil all night as opposed to absorbing the oil immediately.

If you have time, for best results you should rub coconut oil into the affected toe a few times throughout the day. Then use the bandage method at night when you have more time and won’t have to walk around or wear shoes.

Combine cinnamon oil with coconut oil to treat nail fungus

If you have the ingredients, you can enhance the coconut oil treatment by combining 2 tablespoons of coconut oil with a couple of drops of cinnamon oil. This can be used for either the warming method or the bandage method.

Cinnamon will help to increase blood circulation to the toe, which will ultimately help speed up the healing process.

This can also be done with tea tree oil, clove oil, or oregano oil. They each have their own health benefits and all will help to enhance the impact of the coconut oil. If you do not have access to other essential oils, coconut oil on its own will still provide great results.

This is a process that takes patience, and you need to ensure you create a routine with it and maintain the treatments if you want to see the results.

How long to use coconut oil for nail fungus?

The healing time will ultimately depend on the extent of the fungal infection. As mentioned, the key is consistency. You may begin to see results within a few days. However you may need to continue to treat the infected area for up to a couple of weeks in order for the fungal infection to completely clear up. 

Benefits of coconut oil for fungus

Using coconut oil as a treatment for toenail fungus comes with many benefits alongside tackling nail fungus.

Safe and Reliable

Coconut oil is a natural, organic ingredient. This means that even those who have sensitive skin should be okay to use coconut oil anywhere on their body.

Coconut oil is entirely safe to use, unless of course you have an allergy towards coconuts.

Affordable and Accessible

Another benefit of using coconut oil for home remedies is that it is available in most drug stores, online, and in many supermarkets.

Coconut oil is affordable, often sitting at under $10 a tub. Just be sure to by a natural coconut oil with no additives if you are looking for the best results. This is also to ensure that it has no chemicals that you may react to.

Versatile

Additionally, if you do find that you no longer need it for your toes, coconut oil can be used as a body moisturizer or a face moisturizer. You can use it in your food for a flavorful, healthy alternative to cooking oil!

Final Thoughts

So, can coconut oil cure toenail fungus? The answer is yes! How long to use coconut oil for nail fungus will depend on your individual circumstances. But with a bit of patience you will see the results.

It is a natural, versatile ingredient to own. It will not only help with your fungal infections, but it is a natural moisturizer that smells delicious. Your skin will thank you!

It is never too late to begin treating your toenail fungus infection, so what are you waiting for? Get yourself a tub, use it on the infection. Continue to use it afterwards, and your nails will be as good as new before you know it!

More on nail health on the blog:

• Green Nails From Fake Nails
• Essential Oils for Nail Growth

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