Feet Naturally — natural steps, better health
The shelf
07
Kitchen staple

Garlic

The strongest antifungal in your kitchen

Garlic — still life

Crush a clove of garlic and it releases allicin — a compound the plant makes as a chemical defence. Allicin is genuinely potent against fungi and bacteria, and it is why garlic appears against athlete's foot, toenail fungus and plantar warts alike.

Two things follow from that potency. First, garlic works: this is not folklore, and the antifungal action is well documented. Second, the same compound that kills fungus can burn skin. Garlic applied raw and left under a dressing has caused real chemical burns. It must be diluted and it must be watched.

Used sensibly it is one of the most effective and cheapest things here. Used carelessly it will hurt you.

How to use it

  1. 1

    Garlic oil for nails

    Crush two cloves into two tablespoons of olive oil, leave for a few hours, then strain. Apply to the affected nail twice a day with a cotton bud. Expect months, not weeks — a toenail grows out slowly.

  2. 2

    Antifungal soak

    Crush four or five cloves into a basin of warm water. Soak twenty minutes, then dry completely. Gentler than direct application and better for skin between the toes.

  3. 3

    Eat it

    The book is right to mention this. Raw garlic in food supports the body's response from the inside, and it costs nothing extra.

Before you use it

  • Never tape raw crushed garlic to skin and leave it. This causes chemical burns.
  • Stop immediately if you feel burning or stinging rather than mild warmth.
  • Not on broken skin, and not for diabetics without a doctor's say-so.
  • Garlic thins the blood. If you are on a blood thinner, keep it to normal food amounts.

Treats

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From the book

Feet Naturally

The original book this guide is built from — 30 common foot problems and the natural remedies for them.

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This is natural-care information for general guidance only — it is not medical advice. For severe, worsening, or diabetic foot problems, please see a doctor.