Solution against fungal nails
Garlic’s natural antifungal and antibacterial properties make it a great home remedy for fungal nails. Garlic contains allicin, a compound with strong antimicrobial properties. When crushed, garlic releases allicin, which disrupts fungal cell membranes, inhibiting their growth. This makes garlic an effective natural remedy for fungal infections, including those affecting nails. Here’s how to use garlic to treat fungal nail infections:
What you need
- Fresh garlic cloves
- Olive oil or coconut oil
How it works
- Crush the Garlic: Peel and crush a few cloves of fresh garlic. Crushing the garlic helps release its active compounds, which include allicin, a potent antifungal agent.
- Mix with Carrier Oil: Mix the crushed garlic with a carrier oil like olive oil or coconut oil. Carrier oils help dilute the garlic’s strong compounds and make application easier.
- Create a Paste: Blend the crushed garlic and carrier oil together until you achieve a paste-like consistency. You can adjust the proportions to suit your preference, but a common ratio is one part garlic to two parts carrier oil.
- Apply to Affected Nails: Using a clean cotton swab or a small brush, apply the garlic paste directly onto the affected nails. Ensure that the entire nail and surrounding skin are covered with the paste.
- Leave on for 30 Minutes: Allow the garlic paste to sit on the nails for at least 30 minutes. This gives the antifungal compounds in the garlic enough time to penetrate the nail bed and inhibit fungal growth.
- Rinse Off: After 30 minutes, rinse off the garlic paste thoroughly with lukewarm water. You can use a mild soap to remove any residual garlic odor.
- Repeat Regularly: For best results, repeat this process daily until you notice improvement in the appearance of your nails. Consistency is key when using natural remedies like garlic.