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 plant extract yourself - they are produced by modern pharmacological companies, so tinctures and ointments can be bought at any pharmacy.The choice of release form and treatment regimen is carried out by the doctor, in accordance with the stage of the infection and the clinical picture of onychomycosis.
Properties of celandine
A herbaceous plant from the poppy family (order Ranunculaceae), celandine has long been used in medical practice for the treatment of various skin diseases (warts, fungus, onychomycosis).The natural juice of this plant and medicines with its extract have antiseptic, anesthetic, antifungal and antimicrobial effects, stop the inflammatory process, relieve swelling, pain and itching.The therapeutic effect is achieved thanks to vitamins A and C contained in the plant juice, alkaloids, phytoncides and organic acids.
Collection and preparation of celandine is done 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 strongest medicinal effect.As an independent main means for the treatment of fingernail and toenail fungus, organic natural preparations with the extract of this plant are not effective enough.They are used in complex therapy, in combination with drugs, and to prevent recurrence 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 cell proliferation 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 that is applied directly to the affected nail surface, herbal preparations with celandine are used for local treatment.They prepare medicinal oil for the external treatment of damaged plates, decoctions and alcohol tinctures that are used for medicinal baths and lubricate fungal nail surfaces.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.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 chopped with a food processor or 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 peeled scales with a special nail file.The concentrated (undiluted) extract is applied with a cotton ball or disk to the damaged plates twice a day (morning and evening), for 30-90 days (until the therapeutic effect is achieved).
Oil
Celandine oil is used for the local treatment of onychomycosis on the legs.To prepare it, take crushed plant material, pour it into a container and fill it with any vegetable or essential oil (canola, olive, almond or peach are suitable), up to the thickness of the index finger above the layer of grass.The obtained mixture is kept in a water bath for 60 minutes, and then it is infused in a dark, cold place for 7-10 days.The strained mixture is stored in the refrigerator.
You can make healing poultices with celandine oil.Nails need to be scalded first.A cotton swab soaked in the product is applied to the plates, fixed with a bandage or gauze 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 to the nails twice a day every day for 2-3 months.
Tincture
Liquid celandine for nail fungus is used as an alcoholic infusion or decoction, using a medicinal bath product.To prepare the tincture, the freshly harvested plant is washed, dried and poured with alcohol or vodka in a ratio of 1:2.Give the product in a glass container, in a place protected from the sun, for 25-30 days, filter before use.
Treat your nails with the obtained tincture twice a day, or add it to the water for medicinal baths (0.2 liters per 1 liter of boiling water).The resulting solution is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:1, and the feet are kept in it for 15-20 minutes.After the bath, the affected nails are lubricated with fungicidal ointment.The number of procedures is 2-3 per week, over several months, until a therapeutic effect is achieved.
Decoction
A decoction of dry plant material, celandine, is used only as a base for medicinal baths.It is prepared by boiling 3-5 spoons.l.ground 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 performed (according to the principle described in the previous section).
Grease
Celandine for toenail fungus can be used in the form of a medicinal ointment with a fungicidal effect.For preparation, use any natural animal fat, for example, badger or sheep fat.Mix 3 tablespoons of dry herbal raw materials with 50 g of fat base, soak in a water bath for an hour, cool.Ointment prepared at home is used as part of the complex treatment of onychomycosis, in combination with other systemic and local therapeutic agents, according to the doctor's recommendations.
Pharmaceutical products based on celandine
Treatment of nail fungus with celandine can be carried out with medicines containing its extract.For the treatment of onychomycosis, dermatologists recommend the following drugs:
- The plant-based balm is a product that does not contain celandine extract (the salve is made of 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 the treatment with gloves.
- Extract in ampoules.It is used to treat damaged toenails undiluted, daily, after hygiene procedures, until a pronounced effect appears (the average duration of the course is 1.5-3 months).
Contraindications and side effects
Using celandine for toenail fungus can cause negative side effects - skin irritation or allergic rash (if individual intolerance).Use of concentrated juice may cause burns.Contraindications for treatment with celandine preparations are:
- children's age (up to 7 years);
- periods of pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- cardiovascular pathologies;
- epilepsy;
- mental disorders.