Sickle Cell Anemia: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment
Try One Of These 10 Home Remedies For Toenail Fungus
You may be able to treat toenail fungus at home with certain essential oils and other products with antimicrobial and antifungal properties, like Vicks VapoRub.
Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a common fungal infection of the toenail. The most noticeable symptom is a white, brown, or yellow discoloration of one or more of the toenails. It may spread and cause the nails to thicken or crack.
Sandal season or not, toenail fungus typically isn't what you want to see when you look at your feet. There are many treatments you can try, and some of them can be natural.
Here are 10 at-home treatments for toenail fungus:
1. Vicks VapoRubVicks VapoRub is a topical ointment. Although designed for cough suppression, its active ingredients (camphor and eucalyptus oil) may help treat toenail fungus.
An older 2011 study found that Vicks VapoRub had a "positive clinical effect" in treating toenail fungus. Another 2016 study on living with HIV confirmed this finding.
To use, apply a small amount of Vicks VapoRub to the affected area at least once a day.
2. Snakeroot extractSnakeroot (Ageratina pichinchensis) extract is an antifungal made from plants in the sunflower family.
An older 2008 study showed that the remedy is effective against toenail fungus as the antifungal medication ciclopirox.
For the study, snakeroot extract was applied to the affected area every third day for the first month, twice a week for the second month, and once a week for the third month.
A 2020 study on people living with diabetes mellitus confirmed these findings.
3. Tea tree oilTea tree oil, also called melaleuca, is an essential oil with antifungal and antiseptic abilities.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), some small-scale clinical studies showed that tea tree oil might be effective against toenail fungus.
Paint the tea tree oil directly onto the affected nail twice daily with a cotton swab.
4. Oregano oilOregano oil contains thymol. According to a 2016 review, thymol has antifungal and antibacterial properties.
To treat toenail fungus, apply oregano oil to the affected nail twice daily with a cotton swab. Some people use oregano oil and tea tree oil together.
Both products are potent and may cause irritation or allergic reactions. Combining them may increase this risk.
5. Ozonized oilsOzonized oils are oils like olive oil and sunflower oil that are "injected" with ozone gas.
According to research from 2020, this type of ozone exposure in low concentrations for a short duration can then inactivate many organisms, such as fungi, yeast, and bacteria.
6. Listerine mouthwashListerine mouthwash can help treat toenail fungus because it contains menthol, thymol, and eucalyptus, which have antibacterial and antifungal properties. This may be why it's a popular folk remedy for toenail fungus.
Supporters of the treatment recommend soaking the affected foot in a basin of amber-colored Listerine for 30 minutes daily.
7. GarlicA study from 2019 suggests that garlic extract could have antifungal properties, but more research is needed to confirm this.
You may treat toenail fungus with garlic by placing chopped or crushed garlic cloves on the affected area for 30 minutes daily.
It may be better, and less smelly, to treat it from the inside out with garlic capsules. Take as directed by the manufacturer.
8. Apple cider vinegarOnly anecdotal evidence exists supporting vinegar as a treatment for toenail fungus. There is one 2017 study on apple cider vinegar suggesting it has antimicrobial properties. That said, more research is needed on its actual effect on toenail fungus.
If you want to give vinegar a try, soak the affected foot in one part vinegar to two parts warm water for up to 20 minutes daily.
9. ProbioticsResearch shows that probiotics may help prevent the growth of various fungi, which may be able to reduce the chance of an infection.
Consider eating more foods containing probiotics or taking probiotic supplements as a preventive strategy.
10. Other natural optionsThe are a few other plant-based remedies that may be effective in treating toenail fungus, according to research. These include:
In most cases, toenail fungus is considered a cosmetic problem. Still, it may cause serious complications for some people.
People living with diabetes have a greater chance of getting toenail fungus. Infections may, in turn, contribute to the development of a diabetic foot ulcer.
You shouldn't use home remedies for toenail fungus if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system. Contact your doctor for the appropriate course of action.
Does hydrogen peroxide help toenail fungus?According to a study, a new medication A3IS (Mycosinate) that slowly releases hydrogen peroxide was found to be about 40% more effective than amorolfine (Curanail, Loceryl, Locetar, and Odenil) after 6-12 weeks of treatment, and 70% more effective at 6 months of treatment. That said, Mycosinate may not yet be available for commercial use.
However, this research did not examine the direct application of hydrogen peroxide on toenail fungus. The Global Nail Fungus Organization does list the substance as a remedy.
What absolutely kills toenail fungus?Prescription oral antifungals, such as terbinafine (Lamisil) or fluconazole (Diflucan), are traditionally used to treat toenail fungus and will usually resolve it faster and more effectively. On the other hand, they can also cause serious side effects such as upset stomach, dizziness, severe skin problems, and jaundice. This may be why many people try home remedies instead.
Learn about medical treatments for fungal nail infections.
How do you get rid of toenail fungus fast at home?If you want to get rid of a toenail fungus quickly, you will likely need to see a doctor for prescription medication such as fluconazole (Diflucan). Natural remedies may be able to relieve your symptoms, but there isn't certainty that they will work, and even if they do, it will likely take longer.
Home remedies may be more effective than prescription medications in treating mild-to-moderate toenail fungus. Although home remedies typically have fewer side effects, there's less scientific evidence that they work.
Many factors come into play when treating toenail fungus, such as nail penetrability, infection severity, and overall health.
Home remedies may take longer to wipe out toenail fungus than topical prescription medications or oral systemic antifungals. You may not see results for several months. Reinfection is common.
Once the infection is gone, keep your toenails dry, clean, and well-trimmed.
Severe cases of toenail fungus may cause pain and irreversible toenail damage. If you try home remedies to treat the infection that doesn't work or causes side effects, consult your doctor.
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Natural Remedies For Constipation
Sometimes, a person may find it difficult to have a bowel movement. Some natural remedies, such as exercise and diet changes, can help people empty their bowels more regularly.
Everyone experiences bowel movements differently. The frequency of bowel movements varies, but experts consider the healthy range to be from three times per week to three times per day.
Many factors can affect the ability to have a bowel movement, including diet, health conditions, and changes in routine.
A laxative is a medication that encourages a bowel movement. There are also some natural remedies that people can use as alternatives. This article looks at seven of these options.
Learn more about how often to poop.
A person can try some natural remedies to encourage a bowel movement. The following sections list some actions to take, foods and drinks to try, and herbal remedies that may help with constipation.
1. ExerciseExercise can stimulate muscles in the lower part of the digestive system. This part of the gut removes waste from the body in the form of stool.
A 2019 review of existing research suggests that low intensity exercise, such as taking a brisk walk, can be an effective treatment for constipation. However, more research is necessary to understand how different types of exercises affect digestion.
Learn more about constipation.
2. Relaxation and postureNot being able to have a bowel movement when necessary can be stressful. Straining or forcing the body to pass stool is not healthy, so trying to relax and take enough time can help.
Certain toilet positions may make it easier for a person to pass stool. For example, raising the knees above the hips can make it easier to poop. Resting the feet on a block or stool when sitting on the toilet is one way of raising the knees.
3. PrunesThis dried fruit is a great source of fiber, which helps move food through the digestive system. Eating a few prunes may encourage a bowel movement.
While prune juice lacks the fiber of the dried fruit, both are high in sorbitol. This is a type of sugar that can pass quickly through the gut and draws water into the gut. This can help bulk up stool and stimulate a bowel movement.
Learn more about prune juice for constipation.
4. SennaSome people use the leaves and fruit of the senna plant as a natural laxative. Senna is available online in liquid or tablet form.
Senna takes around 8 hours to work. Some people choose to take senna before going to sleep, which allows it to work overnight. Often, this results in a bowel movement in the morning.
Senna is a natural substance that people have used for centuries to relieve temporary constipation. However, long-term use can lead to dependency, requiring higher dosages to get the same effect. Long-term use is not advisable and can have irreversible negative effects on the digestive tract.
Learn about senna tea.
5. KiwifruitKiwifruit is high in fiber. A small 2019 study suggests that it may aid digestion. This could mean that kiwifruit might be a beneficial natural laxative to try. However, more research is necessary to find out more about its effects.
Learn about the health benefits of kiwifruit.
6. CoffeeSome research suggests that hot beverages, such as coffee, may help people have a bowel movement.
A 2021 review notes that compounds in coffee can improve the motility of the digestive tract and, therefore, that coffee may help provide relief for those experiencing constipation.
Learn more about why drinking coffee might encourage bowel movements.
7. FlaxseedFlaxseed is a small seed that comes from the flax plant and is rich in fiber. In particular, flaxseed contains a type of dietary fiber called mucilage fiber. This type of fiber forms a gel when it combines with water, which can help soften stool and act as a natural laxative to help relieve constipation.
Learn about the health benefits of flaxseed oil.
"Constipation" is the medical term for not pooping regularly or finding it hard to poop. Symptoms include feeling bloated or sick and having a stomachache.
Constipation does not always have a clear cause. It often happens because a person is not eating enough fiber, drinking enough fluids, or exercising enough. Stress or a change in routine can also cause constipation, and it can be a side effect of some medications.
Traveling can mean that a person does not use the restroom at their usual times, hydrate regularly, or eat their typical diet. Planning bathroom breaks to try to maintain a routine may help.
Additionally, stress or anxiety about using a restroom outside the home can prevent people from emptying their bowels. A person should try to relax, feel comfortable, and not rush.
Learn about foods that might help with constipation.
Eating high fiber foods, drinking plenty of water, and making an effort to have regular bowel movements can help prevent constipation.
Consuming fiberA diet that contains enough fiber can help keep the digestive system healthy. Two kinds of fiber are essential to the diet: soluble and insoluble fiber.
Sources of fiber include:
Soluble
Insoluble
Foods such as fries, ice cream, and processed foods do not contain a lot of fiber.
Learn more about high fiber foods.
Drinking waterDrinking enough water helps soften stool, making it easier to pass. Recommendations on the amount of water an adult should drink vary.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gives no recommendation for how much plain water adults should consume daily, while the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom indicates that an average adult should aim to drink 6–8 glasses of water per day.
Learn more about how much water to drink each day.
Regular bowel movementsAiming to have a bowel movement around the same time each day can help some people pass stool regularly. A person should try to go when the urge first arrives. Delaying pooping causes the body to reabsorb the water, which leads to harder stool that is more difficult to pass.
The body needs time to digest food, so a person should allow some time to pass before trying to poop after a meal. Regular mealtimes help with regular bowel movements as well.
Allowing enough time to use the bathroom and making it a relaxing space can help. Stress can make it difficult to poop when necessary.
Learn more about reducing anxiety in order to poop regularly.
A person is likely to have constipation if:
If a person does not receive treatment, constipation can lead to complications such as piles, also known as hemorrhoids.
If a person has changed their diet and lifestyle but still experiences constipation, a doctor can likely help.
A doctor may recommend a laxative to treat constipation. Many laxatives are available, and a doctor will prescribe the most suitable one.
Always follow the instructions for how much of a laxative to take. Laxatives can be harmful to health if a person does not take them properly. Using laxatives regularly or too often can also decrease the bowel's natural ability to move stool.
In some cases, being unable to poop regularly could indicate an underlying medical condition. A person should consult a doctor if they are experiencing the following symptoms in addition to not being able to poop regularly:
Learn more about the differences between laxatives and stool softeners.
How do you stimulate a bowel movement quickly?Using a stimulant laxative suppository can help someone have a bowel movement in 15–60 minutes. These laxatives are available over the counter. Stimulant laxatives are only suitable for occasional use unless a doctor recommends otherwise. Glycerin suppositories are an effective alternative that soften stool and act as a mild stimulant.
Adopting a squatting position may also help stimulate a bowel movement. Squatting may help the abdominal muscles work efficiently so a person can empty their bowels. While sitting on the toilet, people can place their feet on a footstool to raise their knees higher than their hips to simulate squatting.
Read more about the best poop position.
What helps constipation fast naturally?For fast, natural constipation relief, people can try certain yoga positions or squatting while leaning against a wall or piece of furniture for support. Gentle movement while squatting, such as rocking or circling the hips, may help.
On the toilet, people can raise their knees higher than their hips using a footstool, lean forward and rest their forearms on their thighs, bulge out their abdomen as they take a deep breath in, and push down into the anus as they breathe out.
Read more about home remedies for constipation.
Being unable to pass stool can be uncomfortable and frustrating. Some diet and lifestyle changes can ease constipation and help keep bowel movements regular. Walking, exercising, drinking fluids, and eating some high fiber foods, such as fruit and whole grain bread, can help.
12 Best Natural Remedies For Premature Ejaculation
You may be able to help stop a quick release due to premature ejaculation naturally. This can include supplements, practices, and products applied to the skin like ointments.
Ejaculation happens when semen is released from the penis during an orgasm. Premature ejaculation (PE) happens when ejaculation comes about a little too fast for your liking, especially if you and a partner want to keep having sex.
Premature ejaculation can lead to frustration and anxiety. Some people with premature ejaculation may even have less sex than they want to or avoid sex as a result. But there are treatments that can help.
Read on to learn more about home remedies and natural treatment options for premature ejaculation.
People experiencing premature ejaculation tend to orgasm before or directly after penetration and are usually unable to delay ejaculation. PE is also known as:
PE can also be related to psychological causes. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR) lists three main criteria to diagnose PE:
So the cutoff time for PE is usually considered around 1 minute or less, with 3 minutes or longer considered a typical length of sexual activity before ejaculation.
PE is relatively common. According to one 2021 study, about 20% to 30% of sexually active men experience PE.
It's hard to know exactly how many people truly experience PE. That's because the relationship between ejaculation time and sexual satisfaction is often subjective to the person and their partner.
The perception of ejaculation happening too early can depend on how long the person wants to experience sexual intercourse before ejaculation. In some cases, a person may feel like they're ejaculating too quickly even if they last 3 minutes or much longer before ejaculation.
What causes premature ejaculation?It's not quite known what causes premature ejaculation exactly, but the general consensus is that it's often a psychological condition.
But not all cases of PE are the same. There are four main types of PE:
Depression, anxiety, guilt, relationship issues, lack of confidence, and a history of sexual trauma can all play into the development of premature ejaculation.
Certain medical issues can also cause this condition, including:
Premature ejaculation wipes work by reducing sensation in the tip of the penis. These wipes contain benzocaine, a topical anesthetic that blocks the sodium channels that cause sensation in the penis.
A small 2017 study found that participants who used these wipes for at least 2 months experienced less distress related to intercourse. The majority of participants also ejaculated well after the 2-minute time period that's typical of premature ejaculation.
The study participants also reported the wipes were well tolerated (i.E., no heavy side effects). But make sure to talk with your doctor before trying these benzocaine wipes, as topical anesthetic can cause more serious side effects in certain individuals.
Looking to try out benzocaine wipes for yourself? Here are two of our recommendations for the best climax delay wipes:
Hims Clockstopper Climax Delay Wipes are one-time-use wipes that can help you delay your orgasm and potentially treat premature ejaculation. These over-the-counter benzocaine wipes are small, discreet, and can be sent directly to your home.
Cost: Hims offers a recurring subscription plan that sends you 2 boxes (containing 12 wipes each) every 3 months for $65, which works out to approximately $2.71 per wipe. However, if you are curious to try out these wipes but might not be ready to commit to regular shipments, Hims offers a starter pack of just 3 wipes for $19 or approximately $6.34 per wipe.
Roman Swipes are fast-acting benzocaine wipes that can help treat the symptoms of premature ejaculation. Each box comes with 8 individually wrapped wipes and can be ordered through Roman without a prescription.
Cost: If you're looking to try out these wipes, each box costs $27, or they can be purchased on a quarterly schedule, where Roman will send you 3 boxes every 3 months at a discounted rate of $22 per box.
Topical gels and creamsLike premature ejaculation wipes, many over-the-counter (OTC) topical anesthetic creams contain a numbing agent that can treat premature ejaculation by reducing sensation and delaying climax. Apply the cream to your penis 10 to 15 minutes before sex for it to be most effective.
A 2017 review found that some topical creams could help increase the time it took to ejaculate, but further research is still needed to establish a clear range of that increased time.
Although generally well tolerated, anesthetic creams can cause:
Talk with your doctor about the right topical cream for such a sensitive area.
Lidocaine sprayLike topical creams, lidocaine spray can help treat premature ejaculation by desensitizing the penis and decreasing hypersensitivity.
Try using the spray about 15 minutes before sex for best results. Known potential side effects include temporary sensitivity loss and some difficulty maintaining an erection before intercourse.
'Climax control' condomsIn general, condoms can decrease sensitivity and keep you from ejaculating early. But there are also climax control condoms available over the counter that are either made of a thicker latex material or contain a numbing agent meant to delay climax.
Supplements for premature ejaculation Zinc supplementsZinc not only supports healthy immunity and cell growth, but the essential mineral may also help produce testosterone, which in some cases may help with premature ejaculation.
Zinc is one of the more natural treatments for men living with lowered testosterone. The recommended dosage is of 220 mg of zinc sulfate, twice a day, over 1 to 4 months.
It's important to note that more is not always better, especially with supplements. Taking too much zinc may cause:
Zinc supplements should only be considered along with your doctor's evaluation to see if your zinc levels are too low. If you're receiving a sufficient amount of zinc in your diet, a supplement won't improve PE and could even result in zinc poisoning or a zinc overdose if too much zinc is taken.
Ayurvedic herbal medicineAyurveda is India's traditional healing system. It relies on thousands of herbs to treat everything from diabetes to inflammation.
Certain Ayurvedic medicines, like kaunch beej, are thought to treat premature ejaculation when taken in capsule form twice daily with lukewarm water. Ayurvedic medicine has also been used in an effort to treat erectile dysfunction.
A 2017 study found that men who used Ayurvedic medicine saw a slight increase in the time it took to ejaculate during sex. Known potential side effects include:
Talk with a healthcare professional before adding any extra herbs or supplements to your diet. They may affect other medications you're taking and may not be advisable for everyone.
Chinese herbal medicineA weekly or daily dose of Chinese herbal medicine — in particular, Yimusake tablets or Qilin pills — may treat premature ejaculation by boosting sexual stamina and improving energy.
That 2017 study also found that different types of Chinese herbal medicine can increase ejaculation time by about 2 minutes. Known potential side effects include:
Again, make sure to talk with a healthcare professional before adding any extra herbs or supplements to your diet.
Home remedies for premature ejaculation Pause-squeeze techniqueThe pause-squeeze technique may help ease premature ejaculation by letting arousal dwindle before climax. When you feel you're ready to ejaculate, stop and have you or your partner squeeze the end of your penis where the head joins the shaft.
Have them hold the squeeze for several seconds until you no longer want to climax. Be sure to communicate with your partner during this process because they won't know the correct timing otherwise.
Repeat this process as much as necessary. Eventually, you may be able to delay ejaculation without help.
Stop-start techniqueThe stop-start technique, also known as orgasm control or "edging," can help delay climax by drawing out pleasure.
When you feel the urge to ejaculate, stop having sexual activity completely. Once you feel less aroused, slowly start to have sexual activity again. Repeat this process as much as necessary to help you manage ejaculation.
Pelvic floor exercisesStrengthening your pelvic floor muscles can have a big effect on how long it takes you to climax.
An older 2014 study found that pelvic floor exercises can help men dealing with lifelong premature ejaculation manage their ejaculatory reflex, increasing the time it takes for them to climax. To perform pelvic floor exercises:
Masturbating an hour or two before you have sexual activity may help delay ejaculation during penetration. This sexual release should reduce your need to climax quickly.
Avoid intercourse for a period of timeFocus on other types of sexual activity instead of intercourse may help take the pressure off your sexual encounters.
Penetration isn't the only way to reach sexual satisfaction. Think about other ways you and your partner can feel pleasure that won't cause either of you distress or frustration.
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