Alison Odey

When fungal infection affects the nail bed try applying tea tree or eucalyptus oil to the skin all around the nails as well as to the nail itself and underneath.
Tea tree oil can also be effective, however sometimes full strength tea tree oil is too strong and can irritate the skin causing reddening and swelling, so make sure it is diluted a little first.

Other herbs that are very effective against fungal infection are Pau D’arco (taheebo) and the New Zealand herb Pseudowintera Colorata or Horopito (Pepper tree). Both of these herbs have very strong anti-fungal activity and can be taken internally.
A course of either of these herbs can help prevent further problems.
Horopito is now available as capsules for internal use and also as an anti-fungal foot and toe cream. Go to On-line shop for Kolorex (TM).

The skin surrounding the nail should show signs of improvement first as the nail itself has to regrow before it shows improvement, so take note of new growth around the quick of the nail and the appearance of the ‘moon’.

Sometimes, in the case of nail infection, improvement is often hampered by poor circulation to that part of the body.
Improving circulation by supplementing with Ginkgo Biloba and Flaxseed oil will often lead to an improvement in fungal problems connected with the finger or toe nails.

Increasing vitamin A levels can also help the skin to heal and prevent further problems. This can be achieved by using fish oils instead of flaxseed oil or by taking a cod liver oil capsule daily.

Also see page on ‘ Candidiasis’