Vicks Vaporub is commonly used as a cough and cold reliever not a toenail fungus remedy. Recently I heard about its use as a toenail fungus remedy. No clinical studies can prove its effectiveness as an ant-ifungal agent. But people who have tried it on their nail fungus infection succeeded in eliminating it. What makes it effective? Looking at the active ingredient in the rub, what stands out is the eucalyptus oil or eucalyptol.

Eucalyptus oil is from the leaves of Eucalyptus tree. Originally from Australia , it is now cultivated world wide. It is used in pharmaceutical, perfumery, culinary and industrial products. Pharmaceutical, mainly used in liniments such as Vicks Vaporub, it has antimicrobial and anti inflammatory qualities, effective for colds, cough and as topical toenail fungus remedy. But the real characteristic of Eucalyptus oil that stands out is its ability to stimulate the immune system to fight invading microorganism. Although it has not been proven clinically, this may be reason why Vicks Vaporub is a favored alternative topical toenail fungus remedy.

For a more potent remedy, soak infected toenails in cider vinegar for thirty minutes, then apply generous amount Vicks Vaporub on the toenails. Do this twice a day. Duration of the treatment may vary on how the infection responds to the remedy. Although this remedy may work as a toenail fungus treatment it just isn't practical to most people because of the time involved applying the remedy. The critical problem with these toenail fungus home remedies is the amount of time it takes to apply the treatment.