I recently made a 2-ingredient topical application for a small fungal spot on my left big toenail that appeared out of nowhere. It worked FAST and the infected spot was eradicated in 2 months of casual (not persistent) use. It has been proven to work on resistant fungus like the case seen above.
(Below, I share (1.) the study (which reports the application being a “cure”) and (2.) the recipe I used topically.)
Toenail fungus, medically referred to as onychomycosis, is more than just a cosmetic problem. It often becomes an embarrassing and persistent issue, causing thickened, discolored, and brittle nails. It becomes very tough and stubborn if left untreated for long.
It can spread to other nails or even to the skin if untreated. There are countless remedies on the market, some of which have harmful ingredients (like polysorbate 20 or 80). Side-effects like organ toxicity and skin irritation are common in many of the drugs for treating toenail fungus.
If you have a toenail fungus, it tends to take much longer to treat than, say, a skin fungus like ringworm. The difficulty with toenail fungus is that the fungus is living inside and underneath the nail itself, so just slathering on an OTC antifungal cream is not likely to penetrate all the way through. (source)
One safer solution that has been gaining popularity is topical povidone-iodine mixed with DMSO.
What Is DMSO?
Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) is a natural unadulterated byproduct of wood pulp and is a colorless, odorless liquid that has been used in a variety of medical treatments since the 1960s.
I’ve written about DMSO before for 1. spinal and brain injuries and 2. COPD and asthma in more depth here and here.
These are 2 DMSO products I’ve purchased: Clinical Grade 100% DMSO and WoldoHealth 99.9% DMSO.
Initially, DMSO gained popularity for its ability to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and promote remarkable healing.
Its most notable feature for this application, however, is its ability to penetrate the skin (and toenails) and carry other substances with it. This means that when applied topically, DMSO can help deliver other medications directly to the affected area, including natural anti-fungal agents.
In the case of toenail fungus, DMSO has been used as a means to help iodine or a natural oil such as tea tree oil reach deeper layers of the nail and skin, where the infection typically resides.
Why OTC Toenail Fungus Remedies Seldom Work
Antifungal resistance often develops during the usual extended (6-9 month) of OTC toenail treatment regimens. This is complicated by the inability of most topical agents to effectively penetrate the toenail to the deeper infected tissues. It leads to chronic reinfection, even during continuous treatment, so there are extremely low success rates of most onychomycosis therapies.
A Treatment You Can Do at Home that Works & DOES NOT Cause Fungal Resistance
The Benefits of Topical Therapy with Povidone-Iodine & DMSO
Since DMSO has so much value as a pharmaceutical vehicle, a large volume of scientific literature exists on DMSO being used in combination with natural DMSO combination therapies. (This highlights the absurdity of our medical bureaucracy, who states, alone, DMSO is “dangerous and unproven” but when combined with other patentable agents “safe and effective”). (source)
A topical mixture of Povidone-iodine (Betadine 10%) and DMSO does NOT have potential side-effects or interactions with other drugs. It works by penetrating the nail bed to where the fungus is growing.
If you read my DMSO post here, you saw that I referenced Amandha Vollmer’s book Healing with DMSO.
To Clarify Amanda’s Recipe:
The Antifungal Toenail Recipe:
• 1 – 100 mL glass dropper bottle (slightly smaller than a 4 ounce -120 ml – dropper bottle)
• 1 mL 10% povidone-iodine = 20 drops or just 0.20 U.S. teaspoons (see mL to drops calculator)
• 44 mL 99.9% pharma grade DMSO = 880 drops or just shy of 9 teaspoons (see mL to teaspoon calculator)
• 55 mL distilled water = just over 11 teaspoons or 1100 drops
Mix up your dropper bottle and apply sufficient number of drops to the infected nail(s) topically 2-3 times a day and to other areas that may be infected. Rub in. Leave open to the air as much as possible.
(I know others who have added a few drops of antiparasitic ivermectin 1% liquid to the mix (used for injecting cattle) and found under the name Durvet at Tractor Supply. It makes the above recipe thicker and the 3 together are even more powerful. Read more about ivermectin (paste and liquid) use in the post Dirt Road Discussions Ivermectin Horse Paste Protocol by Request.)
Iodine Boosts Immune System
Iodine’s antifungal and antimicrobial properties make it an effective treatment agent against a range of fungal species.
Iodine is a critical mineral that maintains a healthy immune system through systemic therapies with almost no side-effects. Healthy immunity can resist numerous infections, including fungal distribution. (Btw, many consistently used iodine (Lugol’s 2% drops) during the height of Covid by adding a drop or 2 to the medicine cup when nebulizing diluted hydrogen peroxide and it was extremely effective! Read more at the end of this post.)
In addition, it is much cheaper compared to prescription drugs.
In case you are thinking of using iodine to cure your toenail fungus, here are some useful tips:
• Choose the appropriate topical iodine solutions for fungal infections. I use 10% povidone-iodine for topical application. Never oral.
• Before application, make sure that you clean and dry your feet properly to enable penetration of the nail bed by iodine this enables efficient delivery.
• Rub on a little amount directly on the infected nails and around the toe twice a day.
• Remember that nail fungus is not something that clears up in one or two weeks; it will take time, perhaps 3-4 months.
Showers & Surfaces Disinfecant Recipe To Prevent Reinfection
A 2-ingredient homemade disinfectant spray applied to shower floors several times a week consistently can halt spread of toenail fungus and athlete’s foot – and it’s not harmful to humans.
For an alcohol-based recipe, add these to a spray bottle:
• 16 ounces of 120 proof vodka or rubbing alcohol
• and add 12-36 drops thyme essential oil
Note: On average, Plant Therapy thyme essential oil has about 40% thymol. We need to use ~12 drops of essential oil per 16 ounces of vodka or rubbing alcohol base. It’s best to get the thyme thymol chemotype, but thyme linalool can also work. Since the linalool variety has much less thymol you’ll need to triple (3x) the amount used in the recipe. (source)
Wellness Mama writes: “Alcohol is one of the most popular disinfectants used for hand sanitizers and hard surfaces. Many homemade products, though, don’t have enough alcohol to work well. According to the CDC 60-90% alcohol is necessary to make a disinfectant that works. If we start off with 60% alcohol and then dilute it with water… we just killed the efficacy of the cleaner. She continues: “The average vodka is 80 proof, or 40% alcohol. Even if we use it straight up that’s well below the recommended 60%. If you opt for vodka it needs to be at least 120 proof. And Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) is available at pharmacies and most grocery stores. It’s cheaper than vodka and ranges from about 70-90% alcohol so it fits the bill for a homemade disinfectant spray.” (source)
Are there any contraindications when using iodine therapy for toenail fungus?
Yes, individuals who are allergic to iodine or have thyroid issues should consult with a medical professional before using.
“Lack of iodine is widespread in the U.S. today.” For many years iodine was added to bread so that each slice contained 150 micrograms (mcg), the RDA for iodine. In 1960 the average American got about 1 milligram—1 milligram (mg) equals 1000 micrograms—of iodine daily, mostly from bakery products. This amount of iodine was enough to decrease thyroid absorption of radioactive iodine present in the atmosphere, reducing the rate of thyroid and other cancers. The breast cancer rate at that time was one in 20. Now it is one in seven and rising by ~1% each year. In the ’60s, the food industry decided to remove iodine from baked goods and replace it with bromine.” ~Dr. James Howenstine (source)
“Most people have no idea how important iodine really is. Yet 96% of people tested are deficient —leaving the thyroid, breasts, ovaries, and prostate vulnerable to disease.” ~Dr. Mark Sircus, “
Click these links to find more safe and effective homemade remedies and protocols that work. ~Jacqueline
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Medical Disclaimer: I am no longer a practicing medical professional, and I am not doctor. I am a mother. I do seek scientific confirmation of the safety and effectiveness of the herbs and remedies I use. Using remedies is a personal decision. Nothing I say on this blog is intended to treat or prevent disease. Consult your own doctor.
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MS
What a TIMELY post!!! I realized over this past winter a ‘discoloration’ on my large toenail and did not know what it is, so I ignored it.. As time went on, it moved up the nail and upon research online, I suspected I was dealing with toenail fungus.. I have been daily attempting all the natural treatments I found suggested online (TeaTree, Oregano Oil, Vicks VaporRub, etc).. Just to be clear of what I was dealing with, I went to a Podiatrist (last week) who confirmed it was a fungus. I refused any prescription medication and said I would continue to attack things naturally. I then came upon some online content that suggested Iodine! So your post is uncanny and confirms my recent purchase of Iodine (I already own DMSO).
Thank you so much for your article!! I really appreciate its clarity and direction..
Once again you have tended to a need in our home- Much appreciation for your constant efforts to help inform and equip your readers.
May God Bless you and your family~
Susan Ussery
I m interested in nebulizing DMSO for asthma but would like some more info about the actual process and did not see anything in the article – ie is the plastic medicine cup that came with the nebulizer suitable for DMSO use, how much should be nebulized t one sitting, etc. I have several books on DMSO but none of them address this issue and I haven’t been able to find anything elsewhere.
Most of what I do find says don’t take it internally.
Thank you for any help you might can give me.
Jacqueline
Hi, Susan,
Yes, DMSO can be taken internally as it has helped my varicose veins (taken orally) tremendously! I have a post on nebulizing it here: https://deeprootsathome.com/dmso-heals-lungs-copd-asthma-etc-how-to-nebulize-dmso/
And more on how to use it orally: https://deeprootsathome.com/dmso-could-help-millions-with-brain-and-spinal-injury-arthritis/
I hope all of that helps you navigate the topic!
Blessings,
Jacqueline
Christine Watanabe
For an alcohol for your disinfectant spray, you can also use Ever Clear which I can get in 151 proof and I think they make an even higher proof.
Jacqueline
Yes, Christine, good point. I was thinking Everclear, as well, would be high enough proof, but it seems rather pricey, though, to me for this use. ~J
Katie
Jacque – I know someone who cleared up toenail fungus with 10 minutes daily of near infrared light therapy on the bottom of the feet.
The heat lamps from feed stores are a cheap but very effective way to do near infrared light therapy. These are the heat lamps used to brood chicks in spring. They have high EMF. We built a rack that has three heat lamps and a frame with aluminum screening to block the EMF. Works great! We love it.
Katie
Jacqueline
Katie,
I love that you used aluminum screening to block the EMFs (and it apparently worked!). Could you also use hardware cloth like this?: https://amzn.to/3NEDbns We use it on our chicken tractors.
We use the Hooga lamp (single bulb) that costs $44, for a lot of things. https://amzn.to/3NEDbns
My husband is using it on his kidneys, his liver (post surgery), and his pineal gland (for better sleep)for only 5 minutes per area. The Midwest Doctor writes about it, but I can’t remember which post of his.
We may do your idea for our chicks soon, this spring.
You are a wealth of information 🙂
Love you all,
Jacque
Julia
I ordered via your links and sat down to make the treatment. The Woldo Health DSMO says, “Do not apply on any part of human body or animal body.” Just want to check that I’m using the right thing since I’m giving it to my mom to use at her house.
Jacqueline
Julia, that’s a hard one to understand! We use DMSO on the skin in different concentrations all the time (not usually 100%, but sometimes)! Maybe they mean don’t use it undiluted…? I’d have to see their words in context to have full understanding.
This post is all about using DMSO on the skin: https://deeprootsathome.com/dmso-could-help-millions-with-brain-and-spinal-injury-arthritis/
It has to be done according to instructions as with anything medical or in life!
And yes, for toe nail fungus, it is used ON the skin.
Hope that helps,
Jacque
Grace4today
Good morning Jacque and Katie, you both are such a blessing. Wondering if you could explain how you built an infrared rack? Looking to try an inexpensive setup to start. Or perhaps, point to a trusted site that does explain it more?
Katie~ enjoy reading your comments on Jacque’s blog. Do you have a website as well?
Thank you both for all you do! God’s best to you both!
Darlene K.
Hi Jacqueline! I made this for my husband and he started using it a couple days ago. He’s frustrated because it seems to roll off the nail easily. I mentioned he needed to rub it into the nail. I’m wondering if I replaced some or all of the distilled water with castor oil to make it stay on the nail better. Would that reduce its efficacy? What are your thoughts?
Jacqueline
Darlene, I rub it into the toenail and other places that seem probelmatic and let it dry. I don’t use much, BUT I really like your idea to thicken it with castor oil. Just know it will need to covered with a sock as it is quite sticky! Let me know how it goes!
Sending peace,
Jacque
Joy
Hi Jacque! Do you know if de-colorized iodine will work just as well? Trying to avoid staining the nails if possible. Thank you 🙂
Jacqueline
Hi, Joy! I am not aware of 10% povidone-iodine causing a stain, especially diluted 20 drops P-I to 880 drops DMSO. It doesn’t for me. I scrubbed into the OR for surgery before gloving for years using only 10% povidone-iodine and never stained my hands or nails. Buying a decolorized iodine means buying a more processed product. I don’t know if it is less effective or not, though. ~Jacque
Joy
Thank you Jacque! I was using the decolorized with DMSO for several months with no results, but after reading your post I purchased the providone and have begun using that instead. Do you prefer providone over Lugols though? I have that on hand as well. Blessings
Jacqueline
Hi! Yes, in this case 10% povidone iodine is what they are using in the study I showed in the post. Lugols is either 2% or 5% and apparently insufficient. Hope that helps! ~J
Renee C
Hi Jacqueline, If my husband used this toe fungus recipe would is the amount of DMSO be enough that he would start to smell like many DMSO users do?
Jacqueline
I don’t know, Renee. Everyone is a bit different.
There are some DMSO products that are purified or called low-odor. You might search it suing that term.
I hope that helps,
Jacque
Lee
After trying so many different “remedies” for my battle with toenail fungus, I am not so confident in the ability of this mixture to work either. However, here’s to hoping it does…
Having said that, I wonder if there is a similar protocol for basically the same issue in my nasal passages? Let me set up the background so you have all the facts. However, please note to all readers of this post of mine, if you get squeamish easily, turn your reading eyes away as this may trigger you, lol.
When I do a long-term, water-only fast, I do so for at least 14 to 28 days once or twice a year. About 1/2 way through I notice it becomes easier for me to breath through my nose. When I have trouble breathing through my nose I have to try and “dig out” what is up there and reachable by my (pre-washed and disinfected) fingers. What I pull out at times is a hard, crusty, white substance that looks and feels EXACTLY like the hard, crusty, white substance I pull out from underneath my toenails.
I actually heard recently that it is likely parasites that cause the hard lining up your nose as well as the hard lining under your toenails. This would not surprise me at all. Then, within a week of beginning to eat clean food again (I eat vegan) my breathing difficulty returns. I don’t wake up as refreshed as I used to after 5 to 7 hours of sleep (I’m a 53-year-old male until late Sept in 2026) and I think it’s because of this breathing issue.
I know that the nasal cavity has more sensitive membranes in it compared to our feet, so I will NOT just assume I can use this same protocol and use a Q-tip to apply this solution you talk about above, directly to my nasal passage as far up as I can handle or reach, lol. Maybe there is a separate protocol somewhere else you have that might address this nasal/breathing issue?
Right now one of my biggest fears is that I will die of a self-inflicted panic attack if someone broke into my house and taped my mouth shut expecting I will easily be able to breathe through my nose … Joke’s on YOU criminal! Now you’re in trouble for murder, lol!!
Hopefully you have some helpful info for me to eradicate THIS as well.
Thank you,
Lee
Jacqueline
Wow, Lee, that is a challenge. I am guessing that you are a mouth breather then, because of the nasal issues?
To start, since you are vegan, I would like to ask you to read this to the end – and read the studies, please. I want you to be fully informed. The causes of our being “out of whack” and not having vigorous health is complicated, but I am looking at root causes for these problems. It all goes back to being fully nourished and mineralized to be able to maintain health. https://deeprootsathome.com/low-fat-dogma-bad-nutrition/
Next please read this and see if you can’t just eat some eggs if you are philosophically against meat. Your brain will thank you as you age: https://deeprootsathome.com/just-1-egg-per-week-cuts-alzheimers-risk-by-almost-half/ I respect your choices.
For your nasal passages, specifically, there are several inexpensive and readily available things to try on your nasal passages. I have heard of these being used, but have no first hand experience with #2 and #3.:
1. Swab your nasal passages with 3% brown bottle hydrogen peroxide as far back as you can w/o it hurting, 2-3 times a day. Don’t use the same swab end for the other nasal passage.
2. Mix just DMSO and liquid ivermectin half and half and swab see if that doesn’t clear it up.
3. Mix DMSO, iodine and liquid ivermectin and swab see if that doesn’t clear it up.
2 homeopathic remedies I use for my sinuses and lungs due to allergies… these really work for me are:
https://www.elixirs.com/products.cfm?productcode=HH23
and you might consider this one as you read it to see if it fits your symptoms: https://www.elixirs.com/products.cfm?productcode=HH18B I am praying you find relief!
I hope that helps,
Jacque
Andrea
My husband had his big toenail pulled 30 years ago and it has been deformed and fungus ridden since it grew back in. This last spring the toenail completely fell off on its own and I made this recipe to treat the toenail as it grew back in. It has been working great!!! Thank you!!!
Jacqueline
Andrea,
I love hearing these reports! Thank you for sharing here so others can gain confidence! ~Jacqueline
Mary
Ms. Jacqueline,
I just wanted to reach out and let you know that I have recently found your webpage/articles. I believe the Lord Jesus sent you to me to help me and my pup through our ailments and living in a rapidly decaying world of toxins.
I thank the Lord for you and all of your hard work as you put the pieces together that we benefit from. May He bless you and yours!
With gratitude,
Mary
Jacqueline
Mary, thank you for your kind words and encouragement! You make me smile! I thank the Lord for YOU and for his mercy and grace to help me write anything at all, because it really all flows from Him guidance and daily leading.
May He bless and keep you as things here get darker — but we can be glad, because will just see Him all the sooner!!
Hugs,
Jacqueline
Cris
Hello, I read the measurements for the DMSO & Iodine but I purchased mine online and the iodine is 10% but the DMSO says 70% Pharma grade from Woldo health. I have had nail fungus for over 50 years it just got unbearable in the last 15 years because the toe nails gets bad where they look like barnacles and you can never show your feet ever. I really hope this will work. Please help.
Jacqueline
Cris,
The iodine should be 20 drops of Povidone iodine 10%, but it (as Amandha Vollmer’s book Healing with DMSO says) it could also be 20 drops of Lugol’s 2%. I think povidone would be more potent at 10%…
The DMSO should be the 99.9% pharma grade DMSO I linked to. You could also use DMSO Store 99.99% here https://amzn.to/4hw4FaZ
A 70% dilution probably won’t work.
Give it time and gently file the top of your toenail a bit thinner so it doesn’t have to absorb through so much thickness.
And if it is very bad, apply the solution 3 times a day. Make sure your shoes are not reinfecting you.
Praying this makes sense and helps you!
Jacqueline