The use of celandine for toenail fungus is recommended not only by traditional healers, but also by dermatologists.It is not necessary to make preparations with the plant extract yourself - they are produced by modern pharmaceutical companies, so tinctures and ointments can be purchased at any pharmacy.The selection of the release form and the treatment regimen is carried out by the attending physician in accordance with the stage of infection and the clinical picture of onychomycosis.
Properties of celandine
Celandine is a herbaceous plant from the poppy family (order Ranunculaceae) and has long been used in medical practice to treat various skin diseases (warts, fungi, onychomycosis).The natural juice of this herb 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 by vitamins A and C, alkaloids, phytoncides and organic acids contained in the plant juice.
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;Its juice has the strongest healing properties.As an independent main means of treating nail fungus on the hands and feet, organic natural preparations containing the extract of this herb are not sufficiently effective.They are used in complex therapy in combination with medications and to prevent relapse of onychomycosis.
In what form is celandine used for nail fungus?
Celandine for toenail fungus can be used in the form of freshly squeezed juice obtained by breaking the stem of the plant.The product has a “corrosive” effect and inhibits the proliferation of cells of pathogenic fungal microorganisms.In high concentrations, the liquid is toxic and can cause irritation and peeling of the skin, as well as burns of the upper layers of the epithelium.
In addition to the juice, which is applied directly to the affected nail surface, herbal preparations containing 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 for lubrication of nail surfaces infected with fungus.Celandine products for the treatment of onychomycosis can be purchased at a pharmacy or prepared yourself.
Juice
You can get celandine juice in two simple ways.The collected stems release a sufficient amount of healing fluid at breakage points 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 using a food processor or blender.The resulting mixture is squeezed through cheesecloth.
During the local treatment with pure juice, the nails affected by the fungus are first carefully washed and freed from flaking scales using a special nail file.The concentrated (undiluted) extract is applied to the damaged plates with a cotton swab or disc twice a day (morning and evening) for 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 (rapeseed, olive, almond or peach oil is suitable) to the thickness of the index finger above the grass layer.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 using celandine oil.Nails must first be steamed.A cotton swab soaked in the product is applied to the plates, fixed with a bandage or gauze bandage and left overnight.The duration of the course is 3-4 weeks, one procedure every 2-3 days.Another treatment option is to apply a few drops to the nails twice a day for a period of 2-3 months.
tincture
Liquid celandine for nail fungus is used as an alcohol infusion or decoction, and the product is used for medicinal baths.To make the tincture, the freshly harvested plant is washed, dried and poured with alcohol or vodka in a 1:2 ratio.Steep the product in a glass container in a place protected from the sun for 25 to 30 days and filter before use.
Treat nails with the resulting 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 1:1 ratio and the feet are left 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 for 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 healing 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.Use natural animal fat, for example badger or sheep, to prepare it.Mix 3 tablespoons of dry vegetable raw materials with 50 g of fat base, soak in a water bath for an hour, let cool.The 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 recommendations of the attending physician.
Pharmaceutical products based on celandine
Treatment of nail fungus with celandine can be carried out using medications with its extract.To treat onychomycosis, dermatologists recommend the following drugs:
- Plant balm is a product that does not contain celandine extract (the balm consists 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 it, ensure that the product does not come into contact with the skin (risk of burns);It is better to carry out processing with gloves.
- Extract in ampoules.To treat damaged toenails, it is used undiluted daily after hygiene measures until a pronounced effect occurs (the average treatment duration is 1.5 to 3 months).
Contraindications and side effects
The use of celandine for toenail fungus can cause negative side effects – skin irritation or allergic rashes (in case of individual intolerance).Using concentrated juice can cause burns.Contraindications to treatment with celandine preparations are:
- age of children (up to 7 years);
- periods of pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- cardiovascular diseases;
- Epilepsy;
- mental disorders.