Main Menu

Mouthwash for Toenail Fungus

Try it for feet

Mouthwash is a traditional remedy for toenail fungus. Most people who use mouthwash to treat toenail fungus use the original amber Listerine. Listerine is a formula that was originally developed in the late 1800s by Dr. Joseph Lister, to be used as a disinfectant during surgery. Its main ingredients are four essential oils: eucalyptus, menthol (which is derived from peppermint), methyl salicylate (wintergreen oil) and thymol (which is derived from thyme oil). All essential oils can be used as antimicrobials and antifungals, but these particular oils are thought to be especially effective against toenail fungus and athlete’s foot.


Using Mouthwash to Get Rid of Toenail Fungus


  • Soak the affected area in mouthwash for 15-20 minutes, twice a day.
  • Dry the feet carefully after soaking.

Why It Works

Eucalyptus, menthol, and thymus, like most essential oils, are high in terpenes, compounds that disrupt the cell membranes of bacterial and fungal cells. Some scientists say that terpenes “punch holes” in cells. As a result, terpenes can kill bacteria and fungi colonies fairly quickly.

Listerine mouthwash also contains methyl salicylate. Methyl salicylate contains salicylate, a substance that causes the skin to shed dead skin cells more quickly than usual. Toenail fungus feeds on dead skin cells, so reducing the amount of dead skin on the foot can be helpful.


Mouthwash is generally believed to be safe for topical use. It should not be swallowed, however.

More Remedies



Daily Videos



Do You Take Supplements To Stay Healthy?
Yes, I take a multivitamin
Yes, I take individual vitamins
Yes, I take herbal supplements
Yes, I take various supplements
No, but I should
No, I don't believe in them
Total votes: 7086