Fungal nail infections are a common infection that affects both the fingernails and toenails. This nail disorder is often characterized by discolored nails, thickened nails, and nails that are likely to crack or break. It is also known by its medical name onychomycosis.
Who gets the infection?
Anyone may get a fungal infection on the nails, but these infections are more common among adult males who are 60 years old and above. This is especially true among those who have diabetes and blood circulation problems. Children don’t often have nail fungal infections.
What are the symptoms?
Nails that are infected by a fungus often become discolored (turning yellow, brown, or green), become thick, and also become fragile or cracked. A nail fungal infection is often not painful unless the infection worsens.
Some people who suffer from a nail fungal infection may also have the same infection on the skin of the foot and in the spaces between toes. This is commonly known as athlete’s foot.
Why does someone get infected?
There are many causes for one to get infected with nail fungus. It can be caused by various types of fungi as well as yeasts and molds, the most common of these fungi belong to the group dermatophytes. They thrive normally in moist and warm environments. Small cracks found in the nails and surrounding skin may allow germs to enter the nail and get it infected.
How is a nail fungal infection treated?
You have several options for a nail fungus treatment, but it would be better to consult first with a podiatrist or any doctor. Some of these medications may cause side effects such as liver problems and congestive heart failure. When you have any of these conditions, inform the doctor about them so he or she may recommend the appropriate treatment for you. Depending on the infection and how severe it is, the treatment may last for six weeks or six months up to a year.
1All about the Spreading Hogweed
Spreading hogweed is known as Punarnava in Sanskrit. This means to rejuvenate or renew the body. It is also known by many names such as red spiderling, Boerhavia Diffusa (scientific name), and tarvine. Spreading hogweed grows all over India, the Pacific, and all over the southern United States. In Hindi, it is called Lalsabuni and mookirattai in Tamil. It is a small flowering shrub that is known for its medicinal applications. The plants’ roots, leaves, and aerial parts are used in treating various conditions.
This consists of a range of powerful bioactive compounds such as serratagenic acid, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, boeravinone A to F, hypoxanthine 9-L-arabinofuranoside, and liriodendron whose medicinal benefits of the plant are attributed to. The active ingredient of the plant is alkaloid punarnavine, which has a large number of potassium salts. This is widely used to treat obesity. The majority of the anti-obesity medications contain punarnava as an ingredient. This medicinal herb is now available in the form of powder, decoction, or pills.
As an Antifungal and Antimicrobial
Based on a study, the crude extracts of spreading hogweed manifested remarkable antibacterial results in terms of its antibacterial properties against the tested microorganisms S. aureus, S. dysenteriae, and C. Albicans. Boerhavia Diffusa extracts showed excellent antifungal activity which is often linked to the anthraquinones found in it. Anthraquinones together with their derivatives were known to possess antifungal properties.
Other Health Benefits
Spreading hogweed is jam-packed with lots of health benefits from treating allergies to cancer prevention. Let’s take a look at its many other benefits here:
Obesity Treatment
This herb is a common ingredient in most herbal slimming formulations. This is mainly because the punarnava helps in the removal of body fluids without eliminating the potassium and electrolytes. It also helps promote urination, by which unnecessary fluids may be eliminated from the body, ensuring weight loss in the process.
Stress Reduction
As an adaptogen, this herb helps in eliminating stress. According to studies, the herb extract may fight off the biochemical stress indicators such as cortisol and increased blood glucose. This calms the mind, allowing for stress relief.
Diabetes Management
Punarnava leaves help in reducing the glucose levels in the blood, which also increases the body’s plasma insulin levels. The herb helps in controlling diabetes. However, it is a must to consult with your doctor before using the herb for managing diabetes.
Cures Male Impotence
The seeds of the herb are highly beneficial in preserving sexual health and reproductive issues, especially among males. It aids in rejuvenating the male reproductive system as it increases the libido not to mention the quality and quantity of semen. Spreading hogweed is also a herbal remedy that can be used for treating erectile dysfunction.
Skin Disease Prevention
Punarnava is also popularly used in treating infections of the skin. The herb possesses antimicrobial and antifungal properties that help in eliminating germs that may bring about skin irritations. It has also been seen to prevent the fungus Microsporum gypseum, which causes redness, blisters, scaling, and fissures.
Anemia Management
Spreading hogweed is also used for treating anemia. It is known to encourage the formation of red blood cells. It also helps patients who suffer from weakness and appetite loss. This health benefit is attributed to the herb’s iron content.
Treats Respiratory Issues
Punarnava is a good expectorant that helps in removing any congestion or blockage. It is also used in treating asthma because it has the capacity to relax the airway and eliminate spasms. A decoction using the spreading hogweed is known as the most effective remedy in getting rid of bronchial asthma. It is also known as a natural remedy for tuberculosis.
Edema Treatment
Spreading hogweed is a superb natural remedy for edema since it is known as a very good diuretic. For this purpose, this can be taken as a pill or decoction. Regular use of the herb also prevents cancer and urinary tract infections (UTI).
Liver Protection
This herb may also be used in treating liver disorders like jaundice. Spreading hogweed has hepatoprotective properties that can protect one’s liver from chemicals and toxins, revitalizing and cleansing it in the process. It also restores your liver’s stamina, health, and vitality.
