Toenail fungus can be incredibly stubborn because the infection often hides deep beneath the nail plate where most topical treatments struggle to reach. Using a combination of lemon and salt is an age-old remedy that utilizes the power of pH alteration and osmotic pressure. Lemons are highly acidic and contain citric acid, which creates an environment where fungi cannot survive or reproduce. When combined with salt—a natural dehydrator—this duo works to draw moisture out of the fungus, effectively “starving” it while softening the nail to allow the treatment to penetrate deeper.

Why Lemon and Salt are the Perfect Pair
The effectiveness of this treatment lies in its ability to change the “soil” of the nail bed. Fungi thrive in warm, dark, and moist environments. The high acidity of the lemon juice acts as a natural antifungal agent that disrupts the cellular walls of the fungus. Salt acts as a synergistic partner by absorbing excess moisture and acting as a gentle abrasive to clear away dead skin and infected nail debris. Together, they help to gradually clear the yellowing and thickening associated with the infection, encouraging the growth of a healthy, pink nail from the base.

Recipe: The Intensive Lemon-Salt Soak and Paste
This two-step process involves a deep soak followed by a concentrated paste for maximum contact time.

Ingredients:

Two large lemons (freshly juiced).

Three tablespoons of sea salt or Epsom salt.

One cup of warm water.

Five to six whole cloves (optional, for their powerful antifungal eugenol).

Instructions:

The Soak: In a small basin or bowl large enough for your foot, combine the warm water, half of the lemon juice, and two tablespoons of the salt. Stir until the salt is mostly dissolved. Soak your affected foot for 15 to 20 minutes to soften the nail plate.

The Paste: While your foot is soaking, mix the remaining lemon juice with one tablespoon of salt in a small dish to create a gritty paste. If you are using cloves, grind them into a powder and add them to this mixture.

Application: After the soak, dry your foot thoroughly (especially between the toes). Apply the lemon-salt paste directly onto the infected nail, pushing it into the edges and under the tip of the nail.

Set: Let the paste sit on the nail for 10 minutes before rinsing with cool water.

How to Achieve the Best Results
Because toenails grow slowly, consistency is the most important factor in any natural fungus treatment.

Daily Discipline: Perform the lemon and salt application once every evening. Fungus is resilient, and skipping even a few days can allow it to begin spreading again.

Mechanical Care: Once a week, after your soak, use a clean nail file to gently thin the surface of the thickened nail. This allows the lemon juice to reach the fungus living underneath more easily.

Dryness is Key: After every treatment, ensure your feet are bone-dry. Fungi love dampness, so consider using a hairdryer on a cool setting to ensure no moisture remains around the nail bed.

A Gentle Tip for Success
To prevent reinfection, spray your shoes with a mixture of vinegar and water and let them dry in the sun. If the skin around your nail becomes irritated or dry from the salt and acid, you can apply a small amount of coconut oil (which also has antifungal properties) to the skin once the treatment is finished. It usually takes several months to see a completely clear nail as it grows out from the root, so stay patient and persistent.