We’ve heard that Vicks VapoRub can cure toenail fungus before (it’s also helpful when you’ve got a cold!), but the New York Times recently put it to the test. The results: The thyme in VapoRub can in fact do the job.
Photo by eHow
Researchers have been studying the effects of the herb, thyme, on curing toenail fungus — a condition that, while not normally harmful, affects about 15 per cent of Americans (insert your own joke here). The over-the-counter medications for eliminating nail fungus are plagued with drawbacks. They’re expensive, don’t have great results, and have a whole slew of side effects. Here’s what The New York Times had to say about the research surrounding the use of herbal remedies such as thyme instead:
In one study, scientists tested the antifungal effects of the ingredients in a generic medicated chest rub. Of the seven ingredients, thymol was among the most effective at inhibiting the growth of dermatophytes that cause nail fungus. Other studies in animals have also shown thymol oil to be effective against dermatophytes. And studies have also shown that thymol oil destroys another cause of nail fungus, Candida, by disrupting its cell membranes and metabolism.
You can purchase thyme oil at health/natural food stores, or if you want to take the VapoRub route (the cream contains Thymol, a thyme derivative), you can check out eHow for directions on the VapoRub regimen instead.
Like we said, we’ve seen this mentioned before, so if you’ve tried this home remedy yourself, let’s hear how it worked out for you in the comments.
Alternative Medicine Cabinet: Thyme for Toenails [The New York Times]
blu-k
October 30, 2009 at 4:16 PM
tea-tree oil is also great – you can buy it at the chemist. Just paint it on for a few weeks.
Report PermalinkPaul
October 30, 2009 at 7:18 PM
Next time you have a persistent tickle in your throat and need to cough, try rubbing Vicks Vaporub on the soles of your feet.
Works every time.
Anyone know why?
[Comments from medical people especially valued]
Report PermalinkDegilbo
October 30, 2009 at 7:42 PM
That’s good to hear. Another common product I have used with success is Listerine. I have had a “toe-nail fungus” for something like twenty odd years. Tried all the (expensive) remedies to no avail. Then somewhere on the ‘net about three months ago, I read that Listerine could be effective. With me it has been. The soreness has now gone from my big toe and hopefully, the nail will now grow into one that is almost normal. Don’t know what ingredient is in Listerine – certainly not thyme as far as I know but something works.
Report PermalinkDavid Short
October 30, 2009 at 8:53 PM
The study was on a generic chest rub, but you tell us to use Vicks, and show us a great big picture of Vicks. Try to make your product placement a bit less obvious!
Report Permalinkheironymous
December 22, 2009 at 3:05 PM
good old White King bleach cured mine,soak foot in a solution every evening,paring the nail back when possible allows the bleach to enter more readily… Voila! All over Rover! this was after an expensive but useless commercial so called cure failed miserably.
Report PermalinkHelz
February 13, 2010 at 6:50 PM
Vicks Vapour Rub is the answer for getting rid of warts.. my son nearly lost his toe nail when he was 7, every night I rubbed Vicks Vapour Rub on it and ‘bingo’ a few weeks later the big wart with 7 satallites had gone.
Report Permalinkjan allen
March 30, 2010 at 8:41 PM
fungus under toe nails use betadine liquid sure fixed mine uo
Report PermalinkSusie
May 2, 2011 at 7:26 PM
Guy, i beg to differ on the vicks thing. I’v tried all the name fungus home remedies such as vicks and saw no results.
I do however recommend that product at http://funginixx.com that i purchased. My nail fungus was gone in 3 months.
Hope this helps someone.
Report PermalinkJohn
August 8, 2011 at 4:58 PM
would it be possible for a toe nail fungis infection to migrate to the skin, or mutate into a bug that could ?
Report Permalinkdalinex
August 23, 2011 at 4:53 PM
I have to agree with Susie. That funginix is a very good product. Had a nasty toenail fungus for 5yrs has pretty much cleared up my condition. Who said Loceryl works? That product is being pushed hard on TV in Australia and that thing doesn’t work.
Report PermalinkBrisbane Podiatrist
August 24, 2011 at 12:57 PM
The most effective treatment for toenail fungus is the PinPointe FootLaser. Clinically proven results
Report Permalink