Fix

Use Vicks VapoRub To Cure Toenail Fungus

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]

Comments (AU Comments | US Comments)

  • blu-k

    tea-tree oil is also great – you can buy it at the chemist. Just paint it on for a few weeks.

  • Paul

    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]

  • Degilbo

    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.

  • 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!

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