Toenail fungus remedies range from surgical removal of infected nails to simple application of an everyday substance thought to have some antifungal properties. Many people search for a traditional treatment, or a natural product because the prescription drugs are very expensive, or because they have heard that the prescription drugs have unpleasant and dangerous side effects. Fortunately, there are many such alternatives that they can try.

Toenail fungus remedies are fickle however, and fungus toenail home remedy is no exception. Most treatments seem to have as many failures as they do successes, and it is unclear why. It could be because not all fungal nail infections are caused by the same fungus: perhaps remedies tend to work on some fungi but not on others. It is also true that, while some people are very focused on the treatment and follow instructions very carefully, other people have busy lives and little time, or they give up too soon, or they don't use the treatment correctly. If you doubt your ability to stick with it, but you can't stomach the idea of opting for a prescription drug, you could try a holistic remedy for toenail fungus.

The holistic toenail fungus remedies rely on a variety of substances from nature that are thought to have antifungal properties. There is some scientific evidence in support of a fungus toenail home remedy that uses some these natural substances. Some examples are Pau d'Arco, a tea made from the inner bark of the Brazilian LaPacho tree; and Tea tree oil, an essential oil derived from the leaves and stems of the Australian Tea tree. Tea tree oil is a common ingredient in a holistic remedy for toenail fungus.

A holistic remedy for toenail fungus is usually applied topically, although a few are oral toenail fungus remedies (Pau d'Arco can be enjoyed as tea, or you can soak in it, or both). Tea tree oil is always used topically - it should never be taken by mouth - but it may be combined with an oral preparation. If your chosen fungus toenail home remedy promises a quick cure, remember that toenails grow very slowly and your fungal nail infection will not be both gone and forgotten until the whole nail grows out and is replaced by beautiful health nail. Choose a treatment you think you can stay with for the long term, and get busy.