Foot and toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, can be both uncomfortable and unsightly. The good news is that cloves, commonly used as a spice, have strong antifungal properties that can help treat fungal infections naturally. Cloves contain eugenol, a powerful compound that fights off bacteria and fungi, making them an effective remedy for foot and toenail fungus.

Here’s how you can use cloves to cure foot and toenail fungus fast with a simple and natural recipe.

Why Cloves Work for Toenail Fungus

• Antifungal Properties: Cloves contain eugenol, which has antifungal and antiseptic properties that help fight the fungus causing infections.

• Anti-inflammatory: Cloves can reduce the swelling and inflammation often associated with fungal infections, offering relief from discomfort.

• Promotes Healing: Cloves not only fight the infection but also help accelerate the healing process of the damaged skin and nails.

Clove Oil Foot Soak for Toenail Fungus

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of clove essential oil (or you can make your own clove oil, explained below)

• 4-5 cups of warm water

• Optional: 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for extra antifungal benefits

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Foot Soak: Fill a basin or large bowl with 4-5 cups of warm water. Add the clove oil and, if using, the apple cider vinegar to the water.

2. Soak Your Feet: Submerge your feet in the clove-infused water and let them soak for 20-30 minutes. Make sure the water covers the affected toenails.

3. Pat Dry: After soaking, dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes and around the toenails, as moisture can encourage fungal growth.

4. Repeat Daily: For best results, repeat this foot soak once daily until the fungus clears.

Clove Oil Application

For a more direct approach, you can apply clove oil to the infected toenails.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 drops of clove essential oil

• 1 teaspoon of carrier oil (such as coconut oil, which also has antifungal properties)

Instructions:

1. Mix Clove Oil: Mix the clove essential oil with the carrier oil to dilute it, as clove oil is very potent and should not be applied directly to the skin without dilution.

2. Apply to Toenails: Using a cotton swab or your fingers, apply the mixture directly to the affected toenails and surrounding skin.

3. Leave On: Let the oil absorb into the nails and skin. Do not rinse it off.

4. Repeat Twice Daily: Apply the oil blend twice a day—once in the morning and once before bed—for faster results.

How to Make Homemade Clove Oil

If you don’t have clove essential oil, you can easily make your own clove oil at home using the following method:

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup of whole cloves

• 1/2 cup of olive oil (or coconut oil)

Instructions:

1. Crush the Cloves: Using a mortar and pestle, gently crush the whole cloves to release their oils.

2. Heat the Oil: In a small saucepan, add the olive oil and crushed cloves. Warm the oil over low heat for about 10 minutes, but do not let it boil.

3. Let it Infuse: Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool for a few hours.

4. Strain: Strain the oil to remove the clove pieces, then store the oil in an airtight container. Use this homemade clove oil as directed above.

Precautions

• Patch Test First: Clove oil is very strong, and some people may be sensitive to it. Always do a patch test on a small area of your skin before applying it to larger areas.

• Consult a Doctor: If you have a severe toenail infection or if the infection doesn’t improve after using clove oil for a few weeks, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for further treatment.

• Don’t Apply Undiluted: Pure clove oil should always be diluted with a carrier oil to prevent skin irritation.

Additional Tips to Prevent Toenail Fungus

• Keep Your Feet Dry: Moisture encourages fungal growth, so always dry your feet thoroughly after washing or soaking them.

• Wear Breathable Shoes: Choose shoes made of breathable materials to reduce moisture and prevent fungal infections.

• Trim Toenails Regularly: Keeping your toenails trimmed helps prevent the buildup of debris and allows the clove oil to penetrate more effectively.

• Disinfect Footwear: If you have toenail fungus, disinfect your shoes regularly to prevent the spread of the infection.

Conclusion

Using cloves, especially clove oil, is a powerful and natural way to cure foot and toenail fungus. With its antifungal and healing properties, this simple home remedy can help you tackle infections quickly and effectively. Incorporate this treatment into your daily routine, and you’ll see improvement in your toenails and overall foot health in no time!