DIY Antifungal Powder for Toenail Fungus
Nothing can make you want to crawl under a rock (or at least stick your feet under it) as much as a raging case of foot fungus can. Thick, discolored nails and a wretched smell can make this condition humiliating. And though it may be irritating, toenail fungus and its coexisting nuisances are not all that uncommon.
Toenail Fungus Causes
Several factors can contribute to this condition. And if toenail fungus goes untreated, it can become painful and possibly even an open wound. When the fungus is present between your toes, it’s known as “Athlete’s Foot.”
The majority of fungal strains grow best in warm, humid conditions like sweaty shoes and tile shower floors. However, you can also contract fungal infections like Athlete’s Foot from wearing someone else’s shoes or walking on the same surface as an affected person. Additionally, people with specific co-factors may be at higher risk for developing foot fungus.
These co-factors include:
- Diabetes
- Auto-immunity
- Blood flow problems
- Skin conditions such as psoriasis
- Older age
- Damaged nail beds
More often than not, toenail fungus won’t go away on its own, and though it’s not really dangerous, it isn’t very pleasant either. So then the question becomes… what can you do about it?
Toenail Fungus Remedies
There are numerous toenail fungus treatments. Many are over-the-counter, and there are prescription medications available that can help. But is all of that necessary… or safe?
In short, not usually. In fact, store-bought powders often contain artificial fragrances and talc. Talc may contain the known carcinogen asbestos, and it’s probably best to avoid using those kinds of chemicals whenever you can.
Luckily, I’ve got a cheap and easy-to-make option for you. Toenail fungus powders, like the one below, can be rubbed on the feet or added to shoes and socks. Foot powders are great because they soak up moisture and last a long time. Let’s briefly look at some ingredients to understand better how they work.
Bentonite Clay for Fungus
Bentonite clay works great as a toenail fungus eliminator because It’s detoxifying. Bentonite clay absorbs positively charged bacteria, fungi, and even many heavy metals. It also has antibacterial properties that can help fight infections that might arise from a prolonged fungal issue—making it the ideal powder base for your homemade toenail fungus powder. And as if its absorption capacity isn’t enough, bentonite clay contains many skin-loving minerals, including calcium, magnesium, silica, sodium, copper, iron, and potassium. As a result, it nourishes the skin by balancing the oils, removing dead skin cells, and clearing clogged pores.
Cayenne Pepper Powder for Fungus
As usual, it’s the capsaicin in cayenne pepper you’re after for this recipe. Capsaicin helps get rid of the fungus and keeps it from coming back. It’s also a warming spice that dries the moisture that encourages fungal growth. Plus, it can help with any soreness caused by a fungal infection.
Cayenne powder is made by grinding dried cayenne peppers into fine powder. I made my own for this recipe using the flour setting on my blender. Be sure to let it rest before removing the lid if you do the powder yourself. Inhaling even a little cayenne powder is sure to cause a coughing fit. Otherwise, cayenne pepper powder is readily available to purchase online.
Cinnamon and Fungus Control
Cultures across the globe have used this common spice for centuries for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Cinnamon oil is excellent for helping to clear up infections and is particularly helpful for fungal infections caused by candida yeast—like Athletes’ Foot. Cinnamon is also anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and a potent anti-oxidant that can help soothe itchy-inflamed feet. This popular bark spice is the perfect addition to any toenail fungus remedy.
Clove for Fungus
Even if you’re not a fan of clove, there is no doubting its therapeutic properties, especially when treating toenail fungus. This spice (often recognized for its contribution to the yearly Christmas ham) is a powerful anti-inflammatory and mold and fungus killer. Eugenol is the main component of clove and is known to attack the cell membrane of various types of fungus, leading to their cessation.
Frankincense for Foot Fungus
While frankincense (or Boswellia) is anti-bacterial, it’s also an antiseptic and reparative oil. As a result, frankincense can prevent the spread of fungal infections and even decrease inflammation. Further, it helps rebuild healthy skin tissue, which makes it extremely valuable for treating toenail fungus at home.
How to Make Antifungal Powder for Feet
Making your homemade toenail fungus treatment is as easy as mixing some essential oils into bentonite clay. I recommend using a food processor to ensure all the oils are evenly distributed into the clay powder, but you can mix it by hand if you want to.
You will need:
- ½ cup of Bentonite Clay powder
- 2 tsp. of Cayenne Pepper powder
- 6 drops of Cinnamon Essential Oil
- 6 drops of Clove Essential Oil
- 6 drops of Frankincense Essential Oil
- A container with holes to shake out your foot powder (or you can spoon it out)
Steps
- Measure out the Bentonite Clay into your food processor or bowl if you intend to mix it up by hand.
- Add the cayenne powder.
- Add the essential oils one at a time.
- Process on low for about 30-seconds or stir well with a fork or whisk.
- Add the finished powder to a container that is easy to scoop or shake out.
Warnings and Cautions
Some people may be sensitive to some of the oils in this recipe. It’s best to test a little bit on a small skin patch to ensure you don’t have any reactions before wearing it on your feet all day. And to avoid any skin irritation, always wash your hands thoroughly after handling the powder. DO NOT touch your eyes or face until your hands are completely clean. It is best to wear gloves when handling anything with cayenne.
If your powder becomes moist, you can add dry rice to it just like you would with table salt. Try using a salt shaker to add foot powder to your socks or shoes. And if you try this recipe, don’t forget to let us know your thoughts. Enjoy!
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Hi, can you replace the cinnamon oil for powder?
Hello Saskia,
It is best to use an EO, as it is more potent. Cinnamon oil, according to UWE researchers, can act as an antifungal by damaging the cell membrane and preventing yeast from forming pseudohyphae. The yeast uses these long, branching filamentous structures to absorb nutrients needed for their growth.
Many blessings and good health!
Can you apply this directly to the feet or should you only put in shoes and/or socks? Also, do you use it daily until the fungus is gone? Thanks so much for all you helpful information!
Hello Arika,
Simply sprinkling the powder on your feet will do the trick. Another excellent application is to put it in your sock and then slip your socks on. For one to two weeks, use twice a day. You can even apply it before bedtime, but make sure to wear socks. Also, if you experience any additional irritation, discontinue use immediately.
Many blessings and good health!
Omg let’s c if help me I have three toenail fungus for more than 25 years, sometimes it is painful, I just keep no sugar intake then don’t hurt but definitely I’ll make it I’ll let you know 🙏🙏🙏🙏 thank you thank you
Hello Maggie,
We’re sorry to hear that and we hope this homemade powder will help.
Please let us know if you try the recipe!
Many blessings and good health!
What Is The Recipe?
I Only See The Finished Product For Sale.
Hi, thanks so much for this recipe! Both the elderly moms in my life could use this. I am curious what are the instructions for actually using it? I read through several times and I didn’t see how much to use per foot, as well as how to use it.
Hello Onnie,
Thank you for your interest in this recipe!
Simply sprinkling the powder on the feet will do the trick. Another excellent application is to put it directly in the sock and then slip it on. For one to two weeks, they can use it twice a day. The powder can even be applied before bedtime. Also, if they experience any additional irritation, they should discontinue use immediately.
Many blessings and good health!
Can you use this same recipe for an under arm yeast infection? Thank you so much for all you do!!!
I would not think that would be a good idea. Cinnamon is a HOT oil and Cayenne is consider so as well. In an occluded area such as the under arm, that is already very warm, it would increase permeability of the skin and also increase likelihood of sensitivity or rash/ contact dermatitis.
I appreciate your response!!!
Where do you get your herbal books for teas and medicines?
I have been soaking my feel in borax and white vinegar every morning for 3 months and my feet are much healthier. But Im keen to try this too. Yes – how to apply and is it a good preventative as Id use it to keep it away – but how to apply would be great.
Hello Ingrid,
Simply sprinkling the powder on your feet will do the trick. Another excellent application is to put it in your sock and then slip your socks on. For one to two weeks, use twice a day. You can even apply it before bedtime, but make sure to wear socks. Also, if you experience any additional irritation, discontinue use immediately.
Let us know how this recipe worked out for you!
Many blessings and good health!
I suffered with this & when I totally eliminated sugar from my diet the fungus disappeared!
I stopped sugar as well and got the same result but this is a recipe for my son who has a bad diet and the worst fungus to try.
Hello Ewenme,
Thank you for your interest in this recipe.
Let us know if he tries it and if there are any improvements after 2 weeks of use.
Many blessings and good health!
Some Natural Healers pointed that toenail fungus cannot be successfully and completely removed by topical remedies, because the fungus is already inside our bodies and could be very dangerous leading even to amputations! There are several commercials about such products, which are expensive… What would be your recipes to heal body off the toenail fungus in addition to lowering or exclusion of sugar consumption?
I’d like to know also
Hello Al,
The articles below might be helpful for you:
https://thelostherbs.com/3-home-remedies-for-skin-fungus-that-actually-work/
https://thelostherbs.com/the-super-herb-that-destroys-candida/
Many blessings and good health!
Where can I buy the clay?
I ordered it on Amazon.
Can you use this same remedy for tinea on the skin?
Hello Robin,
Yes, but use it with caution, as the capsaicin in cayenne pepper can cause further swelling and irritation.
Many blessings and good health!
Do you just sprinkle this on the toe and in the sock? Will this work for fingernail fungus too and how would I use it for a fingernail? Thanks you
Hello Bonnie,
Simply sprinkling the powder on your feet will do the trick. Another excellent application is to put it in your sock and then slip your socks on. For one to two weeks, use twice a day. You can even apply it before bedtime, but make sure to wear socks. Also, if you experience any additional irritation, discontinue use immediately.
It can be used on fingernails as well (dip it in the powder), but we recommend trying this homemade cream instead: https://thelostherbs.com/homemade-nail-fungus-cream/
Many blessings and good health!
Thank you!
I’m keen to try this too!
Dr. Josh Axe has a similar recipe. He says to put this powder into a Glass bottle to prevent chemical leaching from Plastic.
He says you can put it in the toe of your socks and slip socks onto feet. It helps to get it between the toes. .
Apply it twice daily for two weeks. You can even sleep with it on but make sure your socks don’t come off or it will stain the bedsheets. How this helps!
*Hope this helps 😀
Thanks!
I see both sodium and calcium Bentonite for sale with good reviews -which is the preferred? Thank you!
I finally got all the ingredients to make my “DIY Antifungal Powder for Toenail Fungus” & hope it works.
I’ve tried everything to get rid of my toenail fungus.
I will update on the progress.
If you dig out your ingrown toe nail you are not getting a complete fix. I’m 68 at 24 my dad gave me the answer. Cut your toe nail straight across. This requires time. Resist the temptation to dig it out. It will hurt as it grows out.. Since then perfect toe nails. He was so right also passed the MENSA tests but wouldn’t join. Podiatrists will never share this with you. It really works.
This article is about toenail fungus, not ingrown nails. But anything you read will tell you to trim toenails straight across. As will most podiatrists.
Thank you so much for providing a much needed treatment for athletic foot relief.
I’ve tried so many treatments and this is the only one that has actually worked!
However, the nail fungus part is a longer process in the results, which is to be expected. Also, if I stop treatment, my feet shows the oncoming irritation so I’ll continue the treatment.
do you have some available to purchase ?