Q: Rather than a question, I offer a note about toenail-fungus treatment.  I have treated my toenails with Listerine for a few years, but saw only slight improvement.  A couple of months ago, I started applying caster oil to my toenails after showering.  The improvement was clear within a few days.

I continue to apply castor oil to my toenails once or twice a week.  My toes and feet haven’t looked so good in years.  I hope this helps someone else.

A: We could find no scientific research to support the use of castor oil (Ricinus communis) against nail fungus.  The leaves of this plant, however, have shown to possess both antibacterial and antifungal activity (BMC Research Notes, Dec 1, 2017).

Castor oil is greasy.  Applying this oil to the toenails could be messy.  Be careful not to slip.

There are many other home remedies for nail fungus that readers may find helpful, including Listerine and white-vinegar soaks, topical hydrogen peroxide, cornmeal, tea tree oil and white iodine.

• article by Joe and Teresa Graedon
• copyright The Seattle Times