Natural Remedies Reverse Nail Problems and Promote Healthy Nail Growth

The role of the nails is to protect the finger tips and tips of the toes from injury. Made mostly of a protein called keratin, the nails are a substructure of the outer layer of the skin known as the epidermis. Nails can grow from 005 to 1.2 millimeters a week and if a (nail growth) is lost for any reason, it usually takes about seven months to fully grow back.



The skin on top of which the nails grows is called the nail bed and when they are pink, it is a sign that they are getting adequate blood supply and are healthy. Abnormalities on either the fingers or the nails can often be a good signal of what's going on inside one's body. In many cases, these abnormalities can indicate an underlying disorder.

Listed below are some of the changes than can be produced in the nails as a result of nutritional deficiencies:

Lack of vitamin A and calcium - Causes dryness and brittleness.

Lack of folic acid, vitamin C and protein - Causes hangnails.

B vitamin deficiency - Causes fragility with horizontal and vertical ridges.

Zinc deficiency - May cause white spots to develop on nails.

Iron deficiency - May result in nails that develop a concave shape (spoon nails) and/or vertical ridges

Lack of hydrochloric acid (HCI) - contributes to nail splitting.

Insufficient vitamin B1 intake - leads to very dry, round and curved nail ends as well as darkened nails.

Following the regimen outlined below can help maintain healthy nails and avoid nail problems safely & naturally:

The diet should be protein rich and include nuts, seeds, legumes and oatmeal.

Avoid simple carbohydrates and refined sugars.

Drink plenty of pure water.

Apply a natural hand cream to the hands and nails regularly.

Always wear gloves when working outside, washing dishes and in cold weather.

Keep the fingernails and toenails neatly trimmed and avoid biting and picking the nails.

Do not trim the cuticles.

Cut toenails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails.

If nails tear or detach from the bed, trim the nail and file smooth.

Do not tear a hangnail; instead, clip the nail close to the skin and apply a natural hand lotion.

Acidophilus (take as directed on label) - Inhibits harmful bacteria that causes infection.

Vitamin B complex (take as directed on label) - Fragile nails are a sign of a deficiency.

Silica (take as directed on label) - Supplies silicon, which is needed for healthy hair, bones and nails.

Black Current Seed Oil (500 mg twice daily) - Helpful for weak, brittle nails.

Calcium (take as directed on label) - Necessary for nail growth.
Magnesium (take as directed on label) - Balances with calcium.
Vitamin D₃ (take as directed on label) - Increases calcium absorption.

Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids (3,000 - 6,000 mg daily) - Helps ward off hangnails and inflammation.

Alfalfa, Black Cohosh and Dandelion - Strengthen the nails.

Butcher’s Broom and Chamomile - Good for circulation, which nourishes the nails.( nail growth )

Nail Growth Ideas!

The speed of nail growth increases if you enjoy a healthy diet. This is not a joke but a proven fact. Illness however, can slow it down.

Enhancing Nail Growth

Rub the fingernails of one hand across the nails of the other hand for about 5 minutes each day. This will increase nail growth.

Strong cleaning products and the sun can break your nails. Use a sun block cream while going out into the sun. While doing household chores use a pair of gloves. Use a good moisturizer on your hands each night before going to bed.
Corners of your nail should not be filed. Filing them will weaken the nail and they will break easily.



Food rich in potassium, iron, calcium and vitamin B are especially good for your nails. Almonds, garlic, spinach celery, yogurt, eggs and seafood are good for your nails.

Drinking insufficient water can cause your nails to break.
If your nails are brittle then do not use perfumes that contain alcohol, as this will further deteriorate the condition of your nails.

Use four fingers of the opposite hand and knead each finger from the tip to the bottom of each finger. It will relax your fingers.

Almonds contain fatty acids that are good for your nail. Eat 6 almonds a day and your nails will visibly improve.

To prevent yourself from biting your nails, make a paste of the gel from one fresh aloe leaf by double boiling it in a pan. Put into a jar and apply this paste on your nails to prevent biting. Ingesting too much of this paste will cause vomiting.
To encourage nail growth massage the cuticle and nail with your finger tips.

Some don’ts of good nail growth

Don’t wash dishes without wearing a pair of rubber gloves.

Do not pick at your nail polish, as you will damage the nail.

Don’t let your nails grow too long as they will break easily.

Don’t use your nails as tools as this will weaken your nail.

Don’t go out in public with chipped polish.

Remember to moisturize your cuticles every night.

Some Facts about Nail Growth

A healthy toenail takes about a year to grow out completely.

A healthy fingernail takes about six months to grow out completely.

Nails grow faster in the summer.

Men’s nails generally grow faster than women’s.

Nails grow faster on the hand you use most.