Toenail fungal infection, also known as onychomycosis, is one of the most common infections affecting humans. Toenail fungus is very difficult to cure because the fungus breeds, stays and lives in areas that are warm, damp and dark. Toenail fungus occurs when the fungus gets under the toenails.

There are certain herbal remedies available to treat toenail fungus. But before applying any herbal cures, the most important thing to do is to clean the infected area first. Any herbal remedies will be useless unless proper grooming and preparation is done. Below are some helpful herbal remedies to choose from. But, remember that people will react differently--not everything will work the same on everyone.

Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a natural and helpful antiseptic. Rub the infected toenail with a cotton ball or any clean cloth with tea tree oil. Apply twice daily or for best results, do it three times a day. Also, applying an equal amount of tea tree oil and lavender oil under the top edge of the toe nail and surrounding area 2 or 3 times daily will help fight infection and prevent skin irritation.
Lemon
Lemon is a natural antiseptic and can help in eliminating fungus/bacteria immediately. The use of cotton balls dipped in lemon oil causes the yellowish condition of the nail area to disappear.

Lemongrass
The application of lemongrass oil to the infected nail has the same herbal effect as that of lemons. It has an antiseptic attribute causing the fungus to be eliminated.

Garlic
One powerful herb that works greatly for many infections and illnesses is garlic. Garlic has antibiotic and antifungal qualities that work amazingly well with toenail fungal infection. You can rub fresh garlic directly on and around the nails or you can use the extracted garlic oil.

Vinegar
Infected toenail soaked in vinegar helps prevent the fungus from breeding and growing in the nail. Soak the toenails in the vinegar solution (warm water and vinegar in equal proportion) for 20 minutes. Be sure to wipe well the toes and toenails with a clean and dry towel. This should be done twice daily until the symptoms disappear. For a softer and exfoliating effect, an apple cider vinegar is recommended. It helps soften the skin and remove the dead skin cells while allowing the fungus to be reached and get rid off at once.

Oregano and Olive oil
Oregano essential oil has antiseptic, antibacterial, antiparasitical, antiviral, analgesic and antifungal properties to help relieve toenail infection. Use a mixture of 2 drops of oregano oil with a teaspoon of olive oil on the affected area daily for not more than three weeks.