Treating Nail Fungus with Apple Cider Vinegar

Have you ever been so embarrassed by your brittle and discolored nail that you did the best you could to keep them covered at all times? Research shows that about 3 million people in the US have issues with nail fungus. That usually happens if you spend a lot of time in moist environments, water or injure your nail. However, it’s not uncommon for people with a weak immune system, diabetes or smoking habits to have this kind of fungus.

Although fingernail fungus can also happen, toenail fungus is the one that is most common. If you’re wondering why, it’s because that part of our body has less blood circulation – making it more difficult to fight off the infection. The fact that it’s generally exposed to moist and dark environments only adds to the problem.

Why Apple Cider Vinegar Is Good

You are most likely going to find a lot of antifungal pills, creams or medicated nail polishes that claim to remove the fungus… when they actually don’t. Left untreated, something as simple as nail fungus may lead to cracking of the nail or even nail loss. This is exactly when you should turn to something natural such as apple cider vinegar, because:

• It balances the pH level and increases the acidity, making it impossible for the fungus to thrive.
• It has antibacterial and antifungal properties that fight off the fungus.
• The acidic nature of the apple cider vinegar will prevent the already existent infection from spreading

The best part about apple cider vinegar is that it’s safe for anyone to use – regardless if they are children or adults.

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can be used alone or combined with other ingredients. Here are a few options:

• Simple ACV

There are three ways for you to treat yourself with pure apple cider vinegar:

• Soaking: combining equal amounts of ACV and water and soaking your feet for 30 minutes
• Direct application: pouring some drops of ACV on the nail and letting it dry.
• Consumption: diluting 2 tablespoons of ACV is 16oz of water.

If you decide to drink it but can’t stand the taste, you can mix it with 1 teaspoon of manuka honey.

• ACV and Baking Soda

After you apply the “Simple ACV” technique for 10-15 minutes, repeat the process with 2 teaspoons of baking soda and enough water. Pat the area dry, and repeat this process twice a day.

• ACV and Rice Flour

Make a paste out of 2-3 teaspoons of ACV and enough coarsely ground rice flour. Scrub gently for a couple of minutes on the nail to remove dead skin and then leave it on for a couple more to ‘settle in.’ Rinse it off and pat your nail dry, and repeat this process regularly.

Remember that the apple cider vinegar needs to be organic, unfiltered. Trim the nail regularly, wash your feet (and dry them) often, and before long, you will have gotten rid of the pesky nail fungus.