Toenail fungus is also known as onychomycosis. It is formed when fungal infections occur underneath the nail, which causes it to change color, become painful, and give off a foul smell. Dermatophytes are the name of the group of fungi that usually causes nail fungal infections. It also causes athlete’s foot.
Risk Factors
Apart from dermatophytes, nail fungal infections may also be caused by yeasts and molds. Some factors may also contribute to the cause and spread of the nail fungus. These include the following: walking barefoot in damp public places, having previous problems with athlete’s foot, yeast overgrowth, mold growth, footwear that cramps the toes, pedicures that use unsanitized tools, suffering from chronic diseases like diabetes, and breaks and damages to the nail.
Symptoms
It’s crucial to seek professional help when you want to identify and diagnose foot conditions. A nail fungal infection is often manifested by the following symptoms: nail discoloration, nail giving off a foul smell, debris building up under the nail, nail becoming hard and weak or brittle, the nail getting tender, and causing pain, and the nail also separates from the nail bed.
Treatment and Care
Several ways can be used for treating or preventing a nail fungal infection. A nail fungus treatment can be either conservative or surgical. The following are some of the most common ones. For the non-surgical nail fungus treatments, the following are some examples: liquid antifungals, medicated nail cream, oral antifungal drugs, daily cleaning, and medicated nail polish. Tolcylen is a popular over-the-counter medication that physicians prescribe. It is the first antifungal, cosmetic, and nail regrowth treatment. This treatment can prevent and treat nail fungal infections while it revitalizes the nails with vitamin E and jojoba oil.
There are some cases when conventional treatment is not effective. When the infection is more aggressive, surgical treatments are possible such as temporary removal of the infected nail, permanent nail removal, and laser treatment for the nail fungus.
1All about the Eclipta Alba or False Daisy
Eclipta Alba with the common name Bhringaraj in Ayurveda or False Daisy in English is a popular plant in Ayurveda due to its multiple health benefits. Aside from benefiting the hair, it also benefits the body in multiple ways. It is beneficial to the skin and helps treat respiratory problems. Bhringaraj has been used as an effective home remedy in India for centuries now. This plant has four species and comes with flowers of multiple colors. The white and yellow varieties of flowers are the ones that are extensively used in Ayurveda. Bhringaraj also contains several bioactive compounds like ursolic acid, oroboside, and luteolin, to which its numerous benefits are attributed.
The extracts from the roots and flowers of the false daisy can be used externally and internally to address various ailments. However, the plant may also be consumed raw to enjoy the health benefits of the plant directly. However, many people still like to use the concentrated or less leafy way of consuming it. This may be consumed as a juice or used as a skin salve, hair tonic, and other different forms depending on the health concern.
As an Antifungal and Antimicrobial
The extracts of bhringaraj were observed to possess good antifungal activity against multiple pathogens namely Fusarium thapsinum, Epicoccum sorghinum, Alternaria alternata, and Curvularia lunata.
In another study, the petroleum ether, methanol, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, butanol, and water extracts from the aerial parts of Eclipta alba have shown antimicrobial activity against the following microbial species: Candida albicans, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Erwinia carotovora, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, ​​Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus.
This is why one of the historical uses of bhringaraj is its being used as a treatment for various types of infections. These recent studies have exhibited the scientific basis of this medicinal benefit.
Other Health Benefits
The health benefits of bhringaraj are vast, and these benefits are not only limited to a particular part of the body. It provides lots of benefits to other parts of the body as well. Here are some of the most common ones:
Healthy blood circulation
It benefits the liver, lymph, as well as blood. This plant is known to stimulate a healthy blood flow.
A more sound mind and nervous system
Bhringaraj’s cooling effects help in calming the mind, inducing deep and restful sleep, and alleviating tension and stress.
Supports heart health
False daisy may also help in reducing one’s blood pressure and cholesterol levels. According to researchers, its ability to reduce blood pressure levels may be linked to its natural diuretic effects.
Supports oral health
Bhringaraj is used traditionally as a natural remedy for various oral health problems. Due to its antimicrobial effects, you can create a juice from the leaves of this herb and use it as a natural gargle. This will help strengthen the gums and teeth and prevent infections.
Supports eye health
Eclipta Alba is also loaded with beta carotene, an antioxidant that is crucial for the maintenance of healthy eyes. Beta carotene may fight off free radicals that result in macular degeneration and cataract formation. Adding the Eclipta alba to your herbal diet regimen may make sure that you have a clear vision for years.
Helps soothe an upset stomach
In the Ayurvedic medicinal practice, bhringaraj can be consumed orally to cure an upset stomach. When it is consumed orally, this is known to soothe stomach disturbances like constipation and indigestion. This may help restore the normal functions of various parts of the body because of the multiple varieties of organic compounds and chemicals that are found in the extracts of this plant.
Treats urinary infections
The Eclipta alba is known for multiple antibacterial and antiseptic properties, which make this herb highly effective in treating various infections. This herb has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for easing discomfort and restoring bladder functions. Research also revealed that this herb promotes urination. Once it is consumed for treating a urinary tract infection, this herb may quickly lessen the discomfort and fight off the bacteria which will restore the normal functions of the bladder.
Supports hair health
Eclipta alba is great for the hair. It helps maintain and strengthen the hair and most importantly it helps the hair grow.
