A Holistic Approach to Treating Nail Fungus with Ayurveda
- Veena Haasl-Blilie
- Jan 28, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: 14 hours ago
Discolored, thickened, brittle, or crumbling nails may be more than a cosmetic concern. According to Ayurveda, nail fungus can reflect deeper imbalances involving digestion, toxins (ama), circulation, immunity, moisture imbalance, and the doshas — particularly excess Kapha combined with aggravated Pitta and Vata.
Rather than focusing only on the surface of the nail, Ayurveda takes a holistic approach by addressing the underlying imbalances that may contribute to fungal overgrowth and weakened nail health. Through diet, lifestyle practices, herbs, hygiene, and support for healthy digestion (Agni), Ayurvedic care aims to create an internal environment that supports stronger, healthier nails naturally.
In this guide, you’ll discover the Ayurvedic approach to nail fungus, including potential root causes, dosha imbalances associated with fungal nail infections, natural remedies, supportive lifestyle practices, and holistic ways to promote healthier nails and overall wellness.
Explore more on the Saumya Blog, selected top Ayurveda blogs and websites.
What Is Nail Fungus According to Ayurveda?
Also called onychomycosis, it is a fungal infection of the nails. "Many people pick up the fungi when they have skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a fungal infection such as athlete's foot or ringworm on their hands," according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
According to Ayurveda, all nail infections are referred to as Kunakha. Ku means bad and nahka means nail.
Nail fungal infections are more than an aesthetic issue. According to Ayurveda, when a nail infection is present, we're out of balance with Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
Explore your inner self with our articles on Ayurvedic self-observation: Ayurvedic Nail Analysis: What Your Nails Are Pointing to About Your Health.
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Which Dosha Causes Nail Fungal Infection?
Fungal infections are caused by vitiation of all three doshas, called a tri-doshic imbalance, but especially Kapha and Pitta are out of balance. Ayurveda treats the root cause of issues, so fungal nail infections are cured by treatment that address all doshic imbalances throughout the whole person.
What Causes Nail Fungus?
From an Ayurvedic perspective, fungal infections are due to internal and external problems, or both.
Internal Causes:Â May include chronic diseases such as diabetes, or chronic digestive issues as ama is produced for sub-optimal digestive process.
According the Cleveland Clinic, the following may lead to nail fungal infections:
Athlete's foot (tinea pedis)
Hyperhidrosis (a disorder that makes you sweat a lot)
A nail injury
Poor blood circulation due to peripheral vascular disease.
Psoriasis
Weakened immune system, such as from an autoimmune disorder or HIV
Dive deeper into Ayurveda What is Ayurveda? A Beginner's Guide and Beyond
How common is nail fungus? The Cleveland Clinic reports, "Toenail fungus is very common, especially as people start to age. Medical experts estimate that onychomycosis affects 1 in 10 people overall. That number jumps to 1 in 2 (50%) for people older than 70."
External Causes:Â Unhygienic condition, chemical applications, nail injury, skin injury around the nail, moist fingers or toes, wearing closed-toe shoes, swimming in a pool, wearing artificial nails, and more.
How To Know If A Nail Fungus Is Afoot?
Signs include discoloration, detaching from the nail bed, thickened, brittle, ragged, crumbly, and an unpleasant or even foul smell.
According the Mayo Clinic, you should see your doctor if:
"Diabetes and think you're developing nail fungus
Bleeding around the nails
Swelling or pain around the nails
Difficulty walking"
Check with your doctor for a diagnosis. Different infections can mimic fungal infections.
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How Do I Know If I Have a Dosha Imbalance?
Look at these comprehensive and convenient lists of signs and symptoms of dosha imbalances.
As we are all comprised of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, there can be an imbalance in any of the doshas, or a combination of dosha imbalances. Read all three lists and see if anything looks familiar.
Nail Fungus Among Us? Try Ayurvedic Treatment
Nail fungal infections result from an imbalance in all three doshas. It happens when we get run down and deeply out of balance and fungal (and other) infections make their move. It's possible for ama ("toxins" or undigested, unassimilated food debris)Â to build up, agni (digestive fire) to be compromised, and for the Vata, Pitta, and Kapha to go out of balance.
A comprehensive Ayurvedic approach is the treatment. Partnering with our experienced Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner who will develop a plan that fits you and will be woven into your daily life naturally.
A Holistic Approach to Treating Nail Fungus with Ayurveda let's us know we need to pay attention to all three dosha imbalances at the root cause through comprehensive, systemic treatment.
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A Holistic Approach to Treating Nail Fungus with Ayurveda
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MEET VEENA: YOUR TRUSTED AYURVEDIC GUIDE FOR CLIENTS WORLDWIDE
Veena Blilie is a Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, Ayurveda teacher, meditation guide, and monk with over three decades of experience helping clients worldwide achieve greater balance and well-being through Ayurveda.
As founder of Saumya Ayurveda and President Emeritus of the Meditation Center, Veena serves clients worldwide through personalized Ayurvedic wellness guidance, meditation, and yoga practices.
Saumya Ayurveda has been recognized as the #1 Ayurveda cooking blog and the #3 Ayurveda website and blog and has received multiple consecutive awards for best wellness practice.
Through her work, Ve
ena shares practical Ayurvedic guidance, nourishing recipes, and wellness education for modern living.
Inspired from an early age by learning herbal remedies, food as medicine, and traditional healing practices at her grandmother’s knee, Veena combines traditional Ayurvedic wisdom with compassionate, accessible guidance that supports mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
Known for her warmth, humor, intuitive approach, and accessible style, Veena empowers people to create sustainabl
e health through personalized Ayurvedic wellness plans designed to fit naturally into everyday life.
Veena is also the author of several free Ayurveda eBooks and writes the educational articles published on the Saumya Ayurveda blog.
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Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Ayurveda works best when tailored to your unique doshic profile, so it’s essential to understand your constitution and imbalances before using herbs, foods, or lifestyle practices. Consult a Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner for personalized guidance.
