The use of celandine for toenail fungus is recommended not only by traditional healers, but also by dermatologists.It is not necessary to prepare preparations with the plant extract yourself - they are produced by modern pharmacological companies, so tinctures and ointments can be purchased at any pharmacy.The selection of the release form and treatment regimen is carried out by the attending physician, according to the stage of infection and the clinical picture of onychomycosis.
Properties of celandine
An herbaceous plant from the poppy family (order Ranunculaceae), celandine has been used in medical practice for a long time to treat various skin diseases (warts, fungi, onychomycosis).The natural juice of this herb and medicines with its extract have an antiseptic, anesthetic, antifungal and antimicrobial effect, stop the inflammatory process, relieve swelling, pain and itching.The therapeutic effect is achieved thanks to the vitamins A and C contained in the plant juice, alkaloids, phytoncides and organic acids.
The collection and preparation of celandine is carried out during the flowering period, which occurs in mid-May and the first half of June.Only flowering plants are suitable for preparing medicinal potions; their juice has the most powerful healing effect.As an independent main remedy for the treatment of nail fungus on the hands and feet, organic natural preparations with the extract of this herb are not sufficiently effective.They are used in complex therapy, combined with medications, and to prevent relapse of onychomycosis.
In what form is celandine used for nail fungus?
Celandine against toenail fungus can be used in the form of freshly squeezed juice obtained by breaking the stem of the plant.The product has a “cauterizing” effect and inhibits the proliferation of cells of pathogenic fungal microorganisms.In high concentrations, the liquid is poisonous and can cause irritation and peeling of the skin, burns of the upper layers of the epithelium.
In addition to the juice applied directly to the affected surface of the nail, herbal preparations with celandine are used for local treatment.They prepare medicinal oil for external treatment of damaged plates, decoctions and alcohol tinctures used for medicinal baths and lubricating nail surfaces infected with fungus.Celandine products for the treatment of onychomycosis can be purchased at a pharmacy or prepared independently.
Juice
You can get celandine juice in two simple ways.The collected stems in places where they are broken release a sufficient amount of healing liquid for a one-time treatment of diseased nails.To prepare the product for future use, the collected leaves and stems are passed through a meat grinder, and then crushed with a food processor or using a blender.The resulting mixture is squeezed through cheesecloth.
For local treatment with pure juice, the nails affected by the fungus are first carefully washed and cleaned of exfoliated scales with a special nail file.The concentrated (undiluted) extract is applied with a cotton swab or disk to the damaged plates twice a day (morning and evening), 30-90 days (until the therapeutic effect is achieved).
Oil
For local treatment of onychomycosis on the legs, celandine oil is used.To prepare it, take crushed plant material, which is poured into a container and filled with any vegetable or essential oil (canola, olive, almond or peach are suitable), to the thickness of the index finger above the layer of grass.The resulting mixture is kept in a water bath for 60 minutes, then infused in a dark, cool place for 7-10 days.The strained mixture is stored in the refrigerator.
You can make medicinal compresses with celandine oil.Nails must be steamed first.A cotton swab soaked in the product is applied to the plates, secured with a bandage or gauze bandage and left overnight.The duration of the course is 3-4 weeks, one procedure at a time, once every 2-3 days.Another treatment option is to apply a few drops on the nails twice a day every day for a course of 2-3 months.
Tincture
Liquid celandine for nail fungus is used as an alcohol infusion or decoction, using the product for medicinal baths.To prepare the tincture, the freshly harvested plant is washed, dried and poured with alcohol or vodka in a 1:2 ratio.Infuse the product in a glass container, in a place protected from the sun, for 25-30 days, filter before use.
Treat the nails with the resulting tincture twice a day, or add it to water for medicinal baths (0.2 liters per 1 liter of boiling water).The resulting solution is diluted with water in a 1:1 ratio, and the feet are kept in it for 15-20 minutes.After the bath, the affected nails are lubricated with an ointment with a fungicidal effect.The number of procedures is 2-3 per week, over several months, until the therapeutic effect is achieved.
Decoction
A decoction of dry plant material, celandine, is used only as a basis for medicinal baths.It is prepared by brewing 3-5 tbsp.l.crushed herbal mixture with a liter of boiling water.After 10-15 minutes in a water bath, the liquid is infused for a quarter of an hour, diluted with hot water in equal proportions and a therapeutic bath is carried out (according to the principle described in the previous section).
Ointment
Celandine for toenail fungus can be used in the form of a medicinal ointment with a fungicidal effect.To prepare it, use any natural animal fat, for example, badger or sheep.Mix 3 tablespoons of dry vegetable raw materials with 50 g of fat base, soak in a water bath for an hour, cool.The ointment prepared at home is used as part of the complex treatment of onychomycosis, in combination with other systemic and local means of therapy, according to the recommendations issued by the attending physician.
Pharmaceutical products based on celandine
Treatment of nail fungus with celandine can be carried out using medications with its extract.For the treatment of onychomycosis, dermatologists recommend the following medications:
- Plant-based balm is a product that does not contain celandine extract (the balm is made from sodium bicarbonate, chloride and sodium hydroxide), but has a similar pharmacological effect.Apply 2-3 drops to the nail plates, once a day.When using, you must ensure that the product does not come into contact with the skin (due to the possibility of burns); it is better to carry out processing with gloves.
- Extract in ampoules.It is used to treat damaged toenails undiluted, daily, after hygiene procedures, until a pronounced effect appears (the average course duration is 1.5-3 months).
Contraindications and side effects
Using celandine for toenail fungus can cause negative side effects - skin irritation or allergic rashes (if individual intolerance).Using concentrated juice may cause burns.Contraindications to treatment with celandine preparations are:
- children's age (up to 7 years);
- periods of pregnancy and lactation;
- cardiovascular pathologies;
- epilepsy;
- mental disorders.