It's time to talk about the benefits of tea tree oil for toenail fungus.
If you happen to have a fungal infection and you're looking for a natural remedy…
This article is definitely in your interest.
Let's look at how this essential oil works in your favor and how to use it correctly.
Note: This article is based on my research on Tea Tree Oil.
Tea Tree Oil For Toenail Fungus (In A Nutshell)
Tea tree oil has long been known for its anti-fungal properties.
Knowing this, it's no surprise that people are using it for their toenail fungus.
Let us see how effective this oil really is:
- inhibits the growth of fungus
- is safe to use
- is accessible in terms of price and availability
Enticing as this may sound, you should not expect tea tree oil to cure a fungal infection.
In fact, studies have only looked at how this oil takes action on fungi in labs.
Naturally, this means that we cannot be sure of its efficacy when it comes to the human body.
Still, it is certain that tea tree oil hinders fungi.
However, it does not make for a potent enough treatment, especially not by itself.
Plus, there are a couple of aspects to keep in mind, if you want to avoid problems:
- As previously mentioned, you have to dilute tea tree oil with carrier oil.
- To do this, every 1-2 drops of tea tree oil require around 12 drops of carrier oil.
- Make sure you never swallow tea tree oil.
Nonetheless, tea tree oil is not some miracle remedy.
It's not strong enough to benefit too much, but it also shouldn't harm you…
As long as you make sure to dilute it.
But you shouldn't have high expectations from it.
If you are looking for something that will surely remove the toenail fungus…
I recommend going for a proper anti-fungal treatment.
The best one I know is Kerassentials.
Its formula also contains tea tree oil, among other goodies.
I assure you that it will take care of your infection like nothing else!
1. Inhibits Fungal Growth
It is a known fact that tea tree oil is one of those home remedies with antifungal properties.
Otherwise, you would not read about it in articles like this one, am I right?
Well, let's see how it proves useful in this sense:
- great against Trichophyton rubrum (a fungus that affects the toenail)
- according to a study, it's way better at treating this fungus than a placebo [1]
As it stands, there is evidence that backs up the claims of this oil's antibacterial capabilities.
However, take note that this was all observed on fungus strains in a lab.
When it comes to humans, there are no extensive studies.
This means that one cannot expect miracles by simply using tea tree oil.
However, combining tea tree oil with standard medicated creams is also a viable option [2].
So seeking out treatments that make use of this ingredient is worthwhile.
Moreover, another study found that tea tree oil is just as effective as the Desenex antifungal [3].
Now, there is quite a bit of research that shows the potential of this oil.
However, it is not going to remove your infection by itself.
So it is best to use it to complement another treatment that you are taking…
Or just look for an all-in-one product that includes this oil in its formulation!
2. Safe To Use On Toenails
For the most part, tea tree oil should not cause problems.
However, there are a couple of precautions that you should keep in mind.
First and foremost, make sure to never swallow tea tree oil.
That's because it is toxic if you administer it through ingestion [4].
Instead, focus on applying it topically – external use is definitely optimal.
Still, make sure to not go overboard:
- tea tree oil is highly concentrated
- this makes it too strong on its own for topical treatments
As such, it is highly important to combine tea tree oil with carrier oil.
You may be wondering – what is carrier oil?
In short, they are used to dilute essential oils and help your body absorb them safely [5].
This is very important because essential oils run the risk of irritating your skin (if applied on their own).
You definitely don't want this if you are already dealing with a fungal infection, right?
Well, then be sure to make use of tea tree oil responsibly.
3. Widely Available
As you may know, most essential oils are available as over-the-counter products.
This means that you can get them without a prescription.
Naturally, tea tree oil is part of this group as well!
This also means that you can find all sorts of versions out there.
Plus, you can find it at your nearest pharmacy or health food store.
Bottom line – it's not some obscure treatment that can only be found in very particular ways.
As such, no need to make a trip somewhere specifically for a product like this.
Instead, you can snatch it while you're out shopping for other things you might need.
This is particularly convenient, but it also explains why essential oils are this popular.
Well, it's because they are always at hand!
Anyone who is curious enough can have the opportunity of trying them out.
4. Doesn't Break The Bank
Have I mentioned that essential oils are also known for being easy on the wallet?
Surely you will appreciate that.
If you have looked into standard treatment for toenail fungus (or even supplements)…
You may have noticed that they tend to get quite high in price.
Thus, if you are looking to try something more affordable, tea tree oil is worth a shot.
In fact, let's take a look at some prices on Amazon, shall we?
Perhaps this will help you consider this essential oil as an option:
- the lowest price is even below $1
- the highest I have seen is $583
Of course, you absolutely don't have to buy the fanciest version available.
I just mentioned the spectrum of prices for the sake of thoroughness.
Regardless of how much or how little you pay, tea tree oil should be just as good.
Of course, make sure that it comes from a trustworthy producer.
Other than that, you can certainly get away without spending a fortune on tea tree oil.
5. Easy To Use
Seeing as we are talking about an essential oil…
It's really not complicated to put it to use.
Of course, there are a couple of rules you are recommended to follow.
After all, the safety of your own skin is on the line.
You may take this step as a continuation of the second benefit.
There, I told you that you should dilute this essential oil with a carrier oil.
Allow me to explain this in more detail:
- every 1 to 2 drops of tea tree oil require 12 drops of carrier oil
- apply a bit of this mixture on your forearm and watch how your body reacts
If a couple of hours pass and nothing happened, you should be safe to apply it on your affected toenail.
In case you are not sure which oils classify as carriers…
Let me give you some inspiration:
- coconut oil
- Jojoba oil
- olive oil
- sweet almond oil
- argan oil
- grape seed oil
These are just a couple of options that you have in this department.
I also briefly mentioned that the next best thing is to look for a ready-made product that contains tea tree oil.
It's best if it's also a topical treatment so that you can apply it straight to your infection.
That being said, I happen to have a really good product in mind.
I'm talking about my #1 recommendation among anti-fungal treatments.
In other words – have you heard of Kerassentials?
This product contains tea tree oil and it's very comfortable to use.
It has a dropper, which means you only have to apply it to the problem area:
- twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon
- try to gently file your nails for a stronger effect
If you also file the surface of your nail, the product will be absorbed better.
As such, this should take care of your toenail fungus in no time at all.
Since it's a topical product, its application should not be a headache.
My Verdict – Tea Tree Oil For Toenail Fungus?
Short answer: It's worth a shot.
While it's far from a miraculous solution for toenail fungus…
Tea tree oil is definitely a good ally in such situations:
- Antimicrobial and antifungal action.
- Pretty safe to use (if diluted).
- Available in most pharmacies or health food stores.
- Accessible price.
- High factor of convenience.
In all fairness, it is easy to see why tea tree oil is so sought after.
It makes sense for people to want to treat an issue from the comfort of their own homes.
However, remember that you shouldn't have high expectations.
After all, this is just an essential oil.
If you happen to be looking for something more potent, I strongly suggest an anti-fungal treatment.
More specifically, I recommend one that has a formula specifically designed to combat fungus.
Of course, assuming it also contains tea tree oil – all the better!
Luckily, I have the perfect recommendation for you.
That's right, I'm thinking of Kerassentials!
After all, there are good reasons why it's the best product for fungal infections:
- Extremely efficient against fungus.
- Removes fungal buildup.
- Also eliminates the infection from the root.
- Formula is 100% natural.
- Very easy to use.
- No risk of side reactions.
As I already mentioned, Kerassentials also contains tea tree oil.
Of course, it also has plenty of other anti-fungal agents.
So it will definitely get rid of your toenail fungus in no time.
I assure you that this treatment is much more potent than an oil.
It makes removing fungus seem like easy work.
In other words, you surely won't regret giving it a try!
References:
1 – https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/-s11046-013-9622-7
2 – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/-10357864/
3 – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/-8195735/
