Coconut oil is a natural remedy that has been used for centuries in Asia to treat fungal infections. As natural remedies go, many people use coconut oil for toenail fungus because it contains lauric acid, capric acid, and caprylic acid which fight fungi by disrupting their cell membranes and limiting their growth.
- What is coconut oil?
- Health Benefits of Coconut oil
- How coconut oil is made
- Is coconut oil good for treating toenail fungus?
- How to use coconut oil for toenail fungus
- How long for coconut oil to cure toenail fungus?
- How does coconut oil work for nail fungus?
- What type of coconut oil works best for toenail fungus?
- Bottomline
What is coconut oil?
Coconut oil is a fat that is extracted from the meat of a coconut, a tropical fruit that is cultivated mainly in the countries of Africa, Asia and Indonesia.
It is a small evergreen with long, slender leaves and clusters of flowers rich in nectar. It produces two types of fruit: the seed or nut (the hard shell) which is an important article of commerce; and the fleshy inside (the soft shell) which contains about 20% sweet, oily liquid called coconut water.
Fact: The coconut tree is the only tree having a fruit that can be used as food and as an oil.
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Health Benefits of Coconut oil
In addition to using Coconut oil for toenail fungus, there are also a number of medicinal uses. According to research, it is effective for diseases such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and heart disease.
Coconut oil is used in cooking because it has a high smoke point at 350°F- when butter starts burning at 250°F).
Another use is moisturizing because it is high in both saturated and unsaturated fats and is not greasy. It has a smooth texture and mild coconut flavor with natural antimicrobial properties to soothe the skin.
How coconut oil is made
Coconut oil can be made at home by using a special machine called a co-opter, or water grogger. The machine extracts the oils- usually coconut oil- from copra. Copra refers to the kernel or meat from coconuts after they are dried.
To make coconut oil, a person must have access to fresh coconut meat, which is then cut and squeezed in a co-opter machine. The extracted oil is then filtered and bottled.
Is coconut oil good for treating toenail fungus?
With regard to nail fungus, studies have shown that it can be applied topically to treat the problem effectively. A study was conducted that showed coconut oil successfully reduced toenail colonization by 90% and work even better than anti-fungal medications.
How to use coconut oil for toenail fungus
Coconut oil should be applied topically to the affected nail, typically in a thin layer to the cuticle. It should be applied twice daily for at least a month, although this can vary depending on the severity of your condition. You can use coconut oil in combination with other natural remedies for toenail fungus, such as apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil or lemon juice.
It is also important to keep your nails clean and dry and avoid walking barefoot in public places that are exposed to a lot of germs. Oftentimes, it is the buildup of dirt and germs that may be contributing to the condition. Shoes are also an important consideration when trying to get rid of toenail fungus, as shoes should always be kept free from any kind of foul smell or stain.
How long for coconut oil to cure toenail fungus?
You should wait 2-3 weeks before seeing results with coconut oil treatment. Once you start treating your nail, it will take roughly 3 months for you to see appreciable results, or much shorter in combination with other antifungal remedies.
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How does coconut oil work for nail fungus?
Coconut oil has anti-fungal capabilities due to its high concentration of lauric acid.
Coconut oil can burn if it is too hot and is either too cold or not mixed well with water. This can cause skin irritation and should be avoided if possible.
What type of coconut oil works best for toenail fungus?
There are different types of coconut oil available in the market. Some of the readily available ones are Virgin Coconut oil, Organic Coconut oil, Extra Virgin Coconut oil, and fractionated Coconut oil. Fractionated coconut oil is processed coconut oil that does not have long-chain fatty acids which are responsible for its moisturizing effect. It just contains short-chain fatty acids and it is used as an emollient (helps to smooth skin when applied). The virgin coconut oils are in liquid state at room temperature while the rest are solid at room temperature.
According to the research study on “Lauric acid in coconut oil” by Mary G. Enig Ph.D. and Sally Fallon in 1999, virgin coconut oil is the one that has medium-chain fatty acids of 12-18 carbon atoms with lauric acid being dominant among them.
Bottomline
If you’ve tried other remedies and haven’t had much success, you can try to use coconut oil for your toenail fungus. It has high antifungal activity and in combination with other antifungal home remedies, might help you to get rid of your toenail fungus.
