The use of celandine for nail 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 purchased at any pharmacy.The selection of the form of release and the treatment regimen is made by the attending physician, depending on 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 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 vitamins A and C contained in the plant sap, alkaloids, phytoncides and organic acids.
Harvesting and preparing celandine are 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 most powerful healing effect.As the main independent remedy for the treatment of fungus on fingernails and toenails, natural organic preparations with the extract of this herb are not effective enough.They are used in complex therapy, combined with medications, and to prevent relapses of onychomycosis.
How is celandine used for nail fungus?
Celandine against nail 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 pathogenic fungal microorganism cells.In high concentrations, the liquid is poisonous and can cause skin irritation and peeling, burns to 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 in medicinal baths and lubrication of nail surfaces infected with fungi.Celandine products for the treatment of onychomycosis can be purchased at the pharmacy or prepared independently.
Juice
You can get celandine juice in two simple ways.The stems collected from the 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 ground in 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 exfoliated scales with a special file.The concentrated extract (not diluted) is applied with a cotton swab or disc to the damaged plaques 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 placed in a container and filled with any vegetable or essential oil (canola, 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 and 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 plaques, secured 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 a period of 2 to 3 months.
Dye
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 your 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 bathing, 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 dried plant matter, celandine, is used only as a base for medicinal baths.It is prepared by fermenting 3-5 tbsp.I.mix 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 carried out (according to the principle described in the previous section).
Ointment
Celandine for nail 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 and cool.The ointment prepared at home is used as part of the complex treatment of onychomycosis, in combination with other means of systemic and local therapy, in accordance with the recommendations of the attending physician.
Celandine-based pharmaceuticals
Treatment of nail fungus with celandine can be done with medications containing its extract.For the treatment of onychomycosis, dermatologists recommend the following medications:
- Vegetable 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 your nails once a day.When using, it must be ensured 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 nails 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 nail 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:
- children's age (up to 7 years old);
- periods of pregnancy and lactation;
- cardiovascular pathologies;
- epilepsy;
- mental disorders.