Essential Oils

Evidence: Preliminary

Clove oil, rich in eugenol, inhibits skin and nail fungi in lab studies, but there are no controlled human trials for nail fungus.

Evidence: Preliminary

Lavender is a fragrant herb used in aromatherapy, oral capsules and skin products. Evidence for anxiety is preliminary, and its antifungal effects are...

Evidence: Preliminary

Lemongrass oil and its main compound, citral, show antifungal activity against dermatophytes and Candida in lab studies, but there are no human trials...

Evidence: Preliminary

Manuka oil is a New Zealand 'tea tree' essential oil. Lab studies show antifungal activity weaker than Australian tea tree oil, and its safety has not...

Evidence: Preliminary

Menthol is the cooling compound in mint oils. A small uncontrolled study of a menthol and camphor chest rub on toenail fungus showed some improvement,...

Evidence: Limited

Tea tree oil is an Australian essential oil with antifungal activity. One randomized trial found modest results for toenail fungus, similar to clotrim...

Evidence: Limited

Peppermint oil gives a cooling, fresh taste and is best studied for irritable bowel symptoms. Its oral-care evidence comes from essential oil mouthrin...