Why I Use Low-Dose Antifungal Pills and Reishi Mushrooms Together

Terbinafine is a powerful antifungal pill. But the standard protocol — 250 mg every day for 90 days — can be hard on the liver and the gut.
I use a gentler version. Instead of giving it daily, I prescribe terbinafine for 7 days each month. It still builds up in the nail plate and continues working, but it gives the liver and gut time to recover between doses.
This intermittent approach also helps reduce long-term toxicity. And I've found that it works just as well in many cases — especially when combined with other treatments.

I first started using reishi mushrooms in my wound care patients who were immunocompromised. I noticed they started responding better to treatment. That's when I began researching how reishi works.
Reishi contains natural compounds that modulate the immune system — not overstimulate it, but balance it. That's important for chronic infections like nail fungus, which often persist because the immune system isn't reacting properly.
Reishi also has antifungal properties of its own. But more importantly, it helps the body recognize and fight off fungal organisms more effectively.

Using low-dose terbinafine targets the fungus directly. Reishi improves the host response. Together, they give us a better chance of success — especially in stubborn or recurring infections.
This is part of why I always tell patients: fixing fungal nails isn't just about killing the bug. It's about supporting the environment that allows the nail to grow back healthy and clear.