Nail fungus is also known as onychomycosis. It is a condition that is characterized by a fungal infection on one or more nails of the fingers and toes. This results in yellowing or another form of nail discoloration while the fungus goes deeper into the nail tissue. Nail fungus may be painful and at times this may lead to the separation of the nail from the nail bed.
Causes
Nail fungal infections are quite common due to the presence of yeasts, molds, and fungal organisms everywhere. Toenails are more prone to infections since fungi thrive in a warm and moist environment, which is the same environment inside one’s shoes.
Symptoms
Toenail fungal infections may be stubborn, but they can be treated. When they are not treated, the infection may become worse over time. The most common symptoms of a nail fungal infection include discolored nails, a buildup of debris underneath the nail, separation of the nail from the skin, brittle and ragged nails, yellow streaks on the nails, and thickened, dull, and distorted nails.
Treatment Options
The doctor may recommend one or more courses of treatment for toenail fungal infection. Oral fungal medication includes a 6- to 12-week treatment. It may take four months or even longer to completely resolve the issue. The doctor may also require a liver functioning test before prescribing the oral antifungals. Topical antifungals may also be suggested by the doctor. These can be in the form of ointments or nail lacquers. The doctor may recommend a combination of oral and topical antifungals to totally clear up the infection.
In some cases where conventional treatment is not an option, a more aggressive nail fungus treatment is recommended. An example of this is the temporary nail removal to directly apply a nail fungal medication. Permanent nail removal may also be recommended for a nail infection that is stubborn and at the same time painful. The toenail fungus laser treatment is another option, which penetrates the nail to get to the root of the fungus.
1All about Nut Grass
Nut grass (scientific name Cyperus rotundus) is also commonly known as java grass, purple nut sedge, coco grass, and red nut sedge. It is a perennial plant that is native to Southern and Central Europe, Africa, and Southern Asia. This grass is a member of the Cyperaceae family or sedge family, which is a close relative of the Cyperus esculentus or the chufa or tiger nut. This grass has earned the reputation of being one of the most invasive plants found in the world. This plant comes with a bitter tuber, but it comes with a nutritional value similar to food, a reason why this plant is consumed in famine-stricken places. The nut grass has been used in traditional medicine systems all over the globe. In Pakistan, nut grass is used for treating stomach problems. It is also used as a diuretic and stimulant and also to improve the functions of the nervous system. Moreover, it is also used as a perfume in India.
As an Antifungal or Antimicrobial
Extracts from nut grass are known to have antibacterial activities against Salmonella typhimurium, Shigella dysenteriae, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. A phytochemical study also revealed that nut grass contains secondary metabolites like glycosides, anthraquinone glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, and steroid/triterpenoids which contribute to that effect.
Other Health Benefits
The root of the nut grass plant has been valued for centuries in Indian Ayurvedic medicine and Chinese medicine due to its medicinal value. Nut grass has been used in treating and preventing many health ailments. Some of the health benefits of the nut grass include the following:
Helps digestive health
Rhizomes from nut grass have been part of traditional medicine in Asian culture as a remedy for the following conditions: dysentery, indigestion, intestinal parasites, diarrhea, stomach problems, and bowel disorders. The plant’s chemical compounds make it an effective remedy against indigestion. Aside from this, nut grass also has several enzymes and active compounds that help in the stimulation of different biochemical reactions that aid the digestive system.
Skincare purposes
Though limited, there is scientific evidence that the nut grass plant may be beneficial for skin lightening and reducing aging effects. Nut grass helps in lightening one’s skin tone by preventing the formation of the skin pigment melanin. Extrapone is a formulation that can be found in various skin whitening products derived from the powdered extracts of nut grass roots. This is a natural way to lighten the skin without incurring any adverse effects. Ayurvedic doctors have been using the nut grass for treating various skin conditions like herpes, itching, rashes, and fungus infestation.
Helps control epileptic seizures
Nut grass possesses antispasmodic and sedative effects on the body. Based on animal and test-tube studies, the extract from the nut grass roots may help relax the muscles of the body. It also has a calming effect on the nerves. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, nut grass is used in treating epileptic seizures. The nut grass extract has also been found to help carry out the anticonvulsantfunctions of many animals. Moreover, the extract has also been observed to reduce the duration and level of severity of seizures. This is attributed to its unique antioxidant properties. In a study, rats were administered an ethanol extract of nut grass known as strychnine and leptazol-induced epilepsy. At the end of the study, it was exhibited that the seizure was completely controlled. Researchers said that ethanol extract may control epilepsy and may contain flavonoids that greatly promote anticonvulsant properties. Recent research has shown that the nut grass root extract may be used for making medications for treating epilepsy.
Liver Protection
Nut grass largely benefits liver functions and it also protects the liver from various adverse impacts. In a study of mice that suffer from induced liver damage, it has been observed that the ethyl acetate extract of nut grass may cure liver disorders and also provide substantial protective effects.
Helps with wound healing fast
A paste from the grounded roots of the nut grass may be used as an ointment for faster wound healing. The paste helps in improving the tensile strength of the wound site and reduces the pain by speeding up the process of healing.
