How to Naturally Cure Brittle Nails

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By Lilfix
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Just as you inherit the color of your eyes and hair, you can inherit brittle nails.

And some of the things you are doing can make those brittle nails worse rather than better.

But here are a few things you can do to get healthy nails...

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Brittle nails can be caused by several things. Using too much nail polish and not cleaning the nail polish off every now and again to let your nails breathe can cause your nails to become weak and brittle. Using too much polish remover which can zap the moisture from your nails can also leave your nails brittle.
Step 2

Aromatherapy isn't just good for relieving stress and helping you sleep, but it can also help strengthen your nails.

A 15 minute fragrant oil soak can do wonders for your nails.

You will need the following essential oils: Lavender, bay, and sandalwood

And one of the following oils: Sesame or Soy

Pour 6 ounces of either the Sesame or the Soy oil into a microwave safe bowl and microwave to heat. Do not overheat. You want the oil to be warm not boiling. (I usually start with about 20 seconds on high and then add 10 seconds until I get the temperature that is comfortable for me).

Once you have warmed your oil, add 6 drops of each of the essential oils to the bowl. Since I'm going to be soaking my fingers, I use my fingers to lightly stir the mixture up. Soak for 15 minutes once or twice a week.
Step 3

Certain foods can be eaten to help strengthen your nails. Eating more cold water fish, like Salmon, Herring and Mackerel will help.

The omega-6 fatty acids found in these types of fish is what helps cure your brittle nails..

Also, try adding cauliflower, soybeans, peanuts and other foods rich in biotin. This B vitamin helps prevent the cracking and splitting that is common with brittle nails.
Step 4

If you have dry, rough hair along with your brittle nails, try a homeopathic remedy of Psorinum.

Graphites can be helpful if you have dry, rough skin.

For both of these homeopathic remedies, you will want to take a 6C dose three times a day. You should start to see an improvement within a few days.
Step 5

Essential fatty acids that you find in Flaxseed oil will also help strengthen those brittle nails. You can take flaxseed capsules or use the liquid form. Following instructions on the bottle.
Step 6

Believe it or not, Yoga can also help strengthen your brittle nails. Weak and dry nails can be caused by poor digestion. Yoga exercise can help your digestion.

To do the stomach lifts, you want to:

1. Stand with your feet about 2 feet apart
2. Keeping your back straight, you want to bend forward at the waist, slightly
3. Place your palms on your legs, just above your knees (left palm, left lower thigh, etc)
4. Breathe out, making sure to release all your breath and then bend your head as far as is comfortable for you. Try to get your chin to your throat without opening your mouth.
5. While you still have all your breath released, you will want to suck in your belly button towards your backbone.
6. Hold this position as long as you can, then relax and take a long, slow breath inward.
7. Stand up straight, and relax for a second and then repeat. You will want to do this three times.

CAUTION ABOUT THIS EXERCISE: Don't do this if you have had surgery recently, or are pregnant, or if you are having your monthly period. You will also NOT want to do this exercise if you have heart disease or high blood pressure.
Step 7

Another problem that can cause brittle nails is toxins in your colon. These toxins can be prevent the absorption of minerals that nourish bones and nails.

Cleansing your colon with triphala can help. You can find triphala capsules in some health food stores. Follow the directions for daily use that is on the container.

Comments

daconn said

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on 11/21/2009 What an amazing assortment of treatments - you really did your research!

southerngirl09 said

on 9/18/2009 Thanks for your suggestions to naturally cure brittle nails. I just recently started flaxseed capsules, I hope they will help my nails. 5*

ourlastchance said

on 9/3/2009 Great natural tips

Lilfix said

on 8/30/2009 Hi chevalita...I'm a not a big fan of hard as nails...If you look at the ingredients, it has Isopropyl Alcohol in it(along with some other harsh chemicals)...this is an ingredient that is flammable which is something I don't want on my nails...grin..I prefer soaking my fingernails (for one it forces me to sit still for about 15 minutes and do nothing...grin...If you don't want to try the essential oils, try warming some Coppertone suntanning lotion and soak your fingers. This is a great hot-oil type treatment...hope this helps...thanks for commenting...if you have any other questions, please let me know...hugs..