There are many nail fungus treatments on the market. After testing and researching many of the products and remedies, I have found some of the most effective ingredients that are effective in controlling and eliminating nail fungus.
Thyme Oil and Thymol
Thyme oil is obtained from the thyme herb which is widely used in culinary and medicine. Two naturally occurring terpenes in thyme oil with biocide activity include thymol and carvacrol. These substances have been demonstrated through research to be synergistically effective as a fungicide. Thymol is also used to control varroa mites and prevent the growth of mold in honey bee hives. Thymol is also an ingredient in Listerine mouth wash. As a side note, Listerine was first used as a surgical antiseptic.
Tea Tree Oil
Like thymol, tea tree oil (Melaleuca) also contains terpenes that are effective against many fungus strains. Tea tree oil has been used by the aboriginal tribes in Australia for thousands of years as an antiseptic. Tree tree oil is antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral. Its properties make it suitable for a variety of ailments including acne, abscess, oily skin, blisters, sun burns, athlete’s foot, warts, herpes, insect bites, rashes, dandruff and other minor wounds and irritations.
Clove Oil
Clove oil has been used for thousands of years wounds and oral hygiene. Research concludes that clove oil possesses strong antifungal activity against numerous fungal pathogens.
Terbinafine Hydrochloride
This broad spectrum antifungal compound is used in a variety of fungal infections including nail fungus, jock itch (Tinea cruris), athlete’s foot (Tinea pedis) and other types of ringworm (Tinea corporis). Terbinafine HCL is an ingredient used in over the counter and prescription antifungal products marketed by companies including Lamisil.
Menthol
Menthol is known to have a cooling effect on the skin. Menthol is also used as a decongestant, boosts the flow of bile, calms digestive spasms, relieves gas and fights bacteria. Research also supports its antifungal properties. It is believed to be more effective in treating nail fungus when used synergistically with other antifungal compounds.
Emu oil
Emu oil consists of around 70% unsaturated fatty acids and is an excellent transdermal carrier of ingredients through several skin layers. This is a critical component of an effective nail fungus treatment product since it is very difficult to penetrate the nail and reach all layers of the nail to kill the nail fungus.
