Athlete’s foot and toenail fungus may seem like small annoyances, but anyone who’s dealt with them knows how stubborn they can be. Most people reach for antifungal creams or even prescription pills, but what many don’t realize is that these medications place extra stress on the liver. Since the liver is the body’s main detoxifier, it makes sense to care for it while also addressing the fungus itself.
The Fungus-Liver Link
When we think about fungal infections, we usually focus only on the skin or nails. But if prescription antifungal drugs are used, the liver has to process those chemicals. For someone whose liver enzymes are already running a little high, that extra load could make things worse. Supporting the liver while tackling fungus is a smart, whole-body approach.
Why the Liver Matters
The liver is the body’s filter and processing center. Every bite of food, every drop of drink, and every pill passes through it. If the liver is stressed, it can’t do its job as effectively, and that can leave the body more vulnerable to infections and slow down healing. Keeping the liver strong helps the immune system handle fungal invaders more efficiently. If you are using any antifungal medications — oral or topical cream — you need to give your liver some extra TLC.
Protecting Your Liver While Healing Fungus
- Pure and simple, alcohol irritates the liver. Even “moderate” intake (a glass of wine or beer daily) can add up. Cutting back or pausing for a few months is a good experiment.
- Tylenol and other acetaminophen products deplete the liver's glutathione supply, and a cascade of events lead to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.
- Metabolic health can be compromised. Keep your blood sugar stable, use raw honey or organic maple syrup for your sweetener.
- Avoid processed foods, such as seed/vegetable oils and ultra-processed foods, because they add more strain to the liver. Eat instead animal-based, nutrient-dense foods. Linoleic acids, the seed/vegetable oils, are a major culprit in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), more so than fructose and other sugars.
- Gut and food sensitivities, such as celiac disease and other gut inflammation, affect liver health. If you have any digestive symptoms, anemia, or unexplained fatigue, it’s worth asking your provider about.
- Regular movement (walking, stretching, strength work) supports liver health.
- Hydrate with mineral-rich water to keep the body flushing out toxins.
- Prioritize sleep and stress relief (the liver does most of its repair at night).
- This is not the time to detox your liver while you are taking/using a fungicide. The liver is working hard enough to filter and breakdown the fungicide, so going through a detox at the same time would overwork the liver.
Natural Supplements or Alternatives for Fungus
There are many gentle and effective natural remedies that don’t put stress on the liver:
- Tea Tree Essential Oil – a classic antifungal that can be applied (diluted) to skin and nails.
- Oregano, Thyme, and Clove Essential Oils – powerful antifungals, but use sparingly and always diluted.
- Garlic and Coconut Oil – both can be taken internally or applied topically for their antifungal properties. Garlic contains allicin, which has antifungal action. Coconut oil is a natural antifungal (caprylic acid), soothing for skin.
- Apple Cider Vinegar Soaks – changes skin pH, making it less friendly to fungi.
Gentle Support for the Liver
While you’re fighting fungus, it’s wise to nourish the liver at the same time:
- Probiotics – a healthy gut helps balance yeast and fungus throughout the body. You can purchase probiotic capsules or eat plain, full-fat yogurt with live bacteria.
- NingXia Red* – made from Chinese wolfberries (goji) — is a nutrient-rich drink that supports liver health, energy, and resilience. These particular wolfberries have long been valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine for strengthening the liver and kidneys. It is only available from Young Living.
The Bigger Picture
Healing isn’t just about killing fungus. It’s about creating balance in the whole body — inside and out. By supporting the liver while using natural antifungals, you’re working with the body’s design, not against it. That’s how you set yourself up not just for clear skin and nails, but also for long-term vim, vigor, and vitality.
A Suggested Gentle 1-week rotation plan:
Days 1 & 4 – Vinegar Soak
- Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 2 parts warm water
- Soak foot 15 minutes
- Pat dry and apply coconut oil (natural antifungal & soothing)
Days 2 & 5 – Essential Oils
- 1 teaspoon carrier oil
- 1 drop Clove OR Thyme oil (alternate each time)
- 1 drop Tea Tree oil (optional)
- Apply thinly to affected area
Day 3 – Garlic Soak
- Crush 2 garlic cloves and steep in hot water for 10 minutes
- Let cool until warm, soak foot 10 minutes
- Rinse well to avoid lingering odor
Day 6 – Oregano Tea Soak (mild)
- Steep 2 tsp dried oregano in boiling water 15 minutes (OR add 1 drop oregano essential oil to warm water below.)
- Cool to warm, soak foot 15 minutes
- Rinse and pat dry
Day 7 – Rest & Repair
- Just wash, dry thoroughly, and apply plain coconut oil or shea butter
- Gives skin a break while still nourishing
💡 Extra tip: Always dry between toes well—fungus thrives on moisture.
*Would you like to purchase the NingXia Red or any of the essential oils listed? Click here and explore the website. If this is your first time of ordering from Young Living, use this code for a discount! SHAREYL
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