Having thick, unsightly toenails is not something that anyone wants to endure. Thick toenails can be caused by an injury, or by a type of toenail fungus. These days, expensive creams and medicines to treat your feet can be loaded with costly chemicals, and can be accompanied by terrible side effects. Luckily, natural cures are becoming popular solutions for all that ails you – even thick toenails. These are popular natural cures and home remedies for curing thick toenails.

Vicks VapoRub: This product is one of, if not the most popular home cures for thick toenails. In fact, some podiatrists even recommend it to their patients. Simply apply the VapoRub to your affected toenails at least twice a day. In order to keep everything that your feet touches from smelling like VapoRub, you can apply the Vicks in the morning and at night, and then slip into a pair of socks. To enhance the effect, some people apply the VapoRub after applying hydrogen peroxide to their toenails. If this product works for you, it can be a great alternative to taking prescription medications.

Tea tree oil: This essential oil has long been used for its medicinal purposes, since it has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Tea tree oil can be applied twice a day onto affected toenails. Using pure tea tree oil can cause a skin reaction in a small number of people, so it may be helpful to dilute pure tea tree oil with olive oil. Try mixing one ounce of tea tree oil with four ounces of olive oil. Tea tree oil is not to be taken by mouth or used internally.

Water-board your toenails: Have you ever noticed how your nails become softer after taking a bath, or doing the dishes? Water softens your nails, so if you have thick toenails, use water to your advantage. Soak your toes in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes. Then, use an emery board or nail buffer to file off the top layers of your nail. This process not only removes the top nail layers which can be the most difficult to manage, but also makes clipping your toenails much easier. If you continue to soak and file your toenails, you should see improvement in nail condition.

White vinegar: Applying white vinegar to thick toenails is another favorite natural remedy. Grab some white vinegar out of the cupboard and pour a small amount into a dish. Then, dip a cotton swab or Q-tip into the vinegar and rub it onto your affected toenails. Repeat this process twice a day. It is also helpful to prep your toenails by clipping them, and filing off the top layers (try the method above), before applying the vinegar.

Instead of applying the vinegar with a cotton ball or Q-tip, you can also soak your feet in a vinegar mixture. A common vinegar solution is made from equal parts white vinegar and water. Another vinegar solution contains an unusual ingredient. Some people swear by a vinegar solution made from one part white vinegar and one part Listerine brand mouthwash. Who knew that the same product that freshens your breath can also help you improve your thick toenails?

If you are searching for natural alternatives to cure your thick toenails, then try these methods. As always, consult a medical professional if you have thick toenails, because thick toenails can be caused by a type of foot fungus. If you try any of these natural cures and you have a skin reaction, stop using them immediately, and consult your physician.