The use of celandine for toenail fungus is recommended not only by traditional healers, but also by dermatologists.There is no need to prepare preparations based on plant extracts yourself - they are produced by modern pharmacological companies, so tinctures and ointments can be purchased at any pharmacy.The choice of release form and treatment regimen is carried out by the attending physician, depending on the stage of infection and the clinical picture of onychomycosis.
Properties of celandine
An herbaceous plant from the poppy family (order Ranunculaceae), celandine has long been used in medical practice to treat various skin diseases (warts, fungi, onychomycosis).The natural juice of this plant and medicines containing its extract have an antiseptic, anesthetic, antifungal and antimicrobial effect, stop the inflammatory process, relieve swelling, pain and itching.The therapeutic effect is achieved due to vitamins A and C contained in the juice of the plant, 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 of the hands and feet, natural organic preparations containing the extract of this plant are not sufficiently effective.They are used in complex therapy, in combination with medications, and to prevent relapses 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 “cauterizing” 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, burns of the upper layers of the epithelium.
In addition to juice applied directly to the affected nail surface, herbal preparations based on 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 lubrication of nail surfaces infected with fungus.Celandine products for the treatment of onychomycosis can be purchased at the pharmacy or prepared independently.
Juice
You can get celandine juice in two easy ways.The stems collected from the places where they are broken release a sufficient amount of healing fluid for one-time treatment of diseased nails.To prepare the product for future use, the collected leaves and stems are passed through a meat grinder, then ground with a food processor or using a blender.The resulting mixture is squeezed through cheesecloth.
For local treatment with pure juice, nails affected by the fungus are first thoroughly washed and cleaned of exfoliated scales with a special nail file.The concentrated extract (undiluted) is applied using a cotton swab or disc to damaged plaques twice a day (morning and evening), for 30-90 days (until the therapeutic effect is achieved).
Oil
For local treatment of onychomycosis of 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 is suitable), up 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 filtered mixture is stored in the refrigerator.
You can make medicinal compresses with celandine oil.The nails must first be steamed.A cotton swab soaked in the product is applied to the plaques, 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 for 2 to 3 months.
Dyeing
Liquid celandine for nail fungus is used in the form of an infusion or alcohol 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 sunlight, for 25-30 days, filter before use.
Treat 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 ratio of 1:1 and the feet are kept in it for 15-20 minutes.After bathing, the affected nails are lubricated with ointment with a fungicidal effect.The number of interventions is 2 to 3 per week, over several months, until the therapeutic effect is obtained.
Decoction
A decoction of dry plant matter, celandine, is used only as a base for medicinal baths.It is prepared by stirring 3 to 5 tbsp.L.mixture of crushed herbs 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 made (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 fatty base, soak in a water bath for an hour, leave to cool.Ointment prepared at home is used as part of the complex treatment of onychomycosis, in combination with other systemic and local therapeutic means, 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 drugs containing its extract.For the treatment of 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 to 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 risk of burns);it is best to carry out the treatment with gloves.
- Extract in ampoules.It is used to treat damaged nails undiluted, daily, after hygiene procedures, until a pronounced effect appears (the average course of treatment is 1.5-3 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 old);
- periods of pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- cardiovascular pathologies;
- epilepsy;
- mental disorders.