If you are struggling with yellow, thick, or brittle nails, cloves are the most powerful natural “eraser” you can use. The reason this remedy is so effective—often more so than pharmaceutical creams—is the incredibly high concentration of Eugenol. This compound is a natural fungicide that penetrates the hard keratin of the nail to reach the fungus living underneath. While most topical treatments sit on top of the nail, clove oil has a unique molecular structure that allows it to “soak” through, suffocating the fungus and stopping its reproductive cycle instantly. With consistent use, the infected part of the nail simply “grows out” while the new nail stays 100% clean and healthy.
How Cloves “Dissolve” Nail Fungus
The “Fungal Eraser” method works through deep-tissue sterilization:
- The “Antiseptic Burn”: Cloves have a high “ORAC” score (antioxidant capacity), which means they create an environment where fungus cannot survive.
- Keratin Penetration: Unlike water-based treatments, the volatile oils in cloves can seep into the microscopic cracks in the nail plate.
- Stops Spreading: Cloves kill the spores on contact, preventing the fungus from jumping to your other toes or your skin (Athlete’s Foot).
Recipe: The “Maximum Strength” Clove & Garlic Nail Serum
This recipe combines cloves with other “penetration enhancers” to ensure the remedy reaches the “root” of the fungus.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of Whole Cloves (ground into a powder).
- 1/4 cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Coconut Oil (as a carrier).
- 2 Cloves of Fresh Garlic (crushed).
- 10 drops of Tea Tree Oil (optional, for a “double-strike” effect).
- A small glass jar.
Instructions:
- The Infusion: Place the ground cloves and crushed garlic in a small glass jar. Pour the olive oil over them until they are completely submerged.
- The Heat Activation: Place the jar in a “double boiler” (a pan with 1 inch of simmering water) and heat gently for 20 minutes. Do not boil. This “pulls” the eugenol into the oil.
- The Strain: Let the oil cool, then strain it through a cheesecloth or fine mesh into a clean bottle. Add the tea tree oil if using.
- The Prep: Before applying, file down the surface of the infected nail slightly with a nail file. This makes the nail “porous.”
- The Application: Use a cotton swab to apply the serum to the nail and, most importantly, under the edge of the nail.
- The Seal: If the infection is severe, wrap the toe in a small piece of plastic wrap or a Band-Aid to keep the oil in contact with the nail for at least 30 minutes.
- The Routine: Apply this twice a day (morning and night). Within 7 days, you will notice the yellowing begins to fade.
Three Reasons This Is the “Best Remedy”
- No Toxic Side Effects: Many oral antifungal medications can be hard on the liver; this topical clove treatment is safe and 100% natural.
- Instant Odor Removal: Cloves naturally neutralize the “cheesy” or unpleasant smell often associated with fungal infections.
- Nail Reconstruction: The Vitamin E in the carrier oil helps repair the “brittleness,” making the new nail growth stronger and more flexible.
A Friendly Tip for Success
For the fastest results, make sure to sanitize your shoes and socks while using this treatment. Spray your shoes with a little clove-infused water to kill any lingering spores. You’ll know the “Fungal Eraser” is working when the base of your nail (the lunula) starts growing out perfectly pink and clear!
