Introduction
Nails are pinkish because of hemoglobin in the underlying capillaries and the hard part of the nails contains a tough protein called keratin. At the base of the nail, a whitish area called the Lunula looks like a partial moon. Beneath the lunula is the nail matrix which helps in making the nail grows. Nails acts as a tool for manipulating small objects helps to aid in grasping and helps to give protection against trauma to the fingers and toes ends.
Human nails have three parts – Root bed – At the nail base, Body – Attached to the fingertip and free edge – Grows beyond the end of the finger or toe.
Common Nail problems
It is very important to take care of the nails to maintain their beauty and shine. Sometimes we might face some problems with our nails
some of them are listed below
- Discoloration of nails
- Brittle nails due to aging, excessive use of nail enamels, nail polish removers and overexposure to water, etc.
- Nails with ridges
- Fungal infections like – Psoriasis, eczema, lichen planus or illness of the nails like – Anemia
Home Remedies to Strengthen the weak and brittle nails
Having shiny and beautiful nails enhances the overall beauty of your hands. But sometimes we may have weak and brittle nails that become chipped and cracked easily. So, it is vital to take special care of nails just like we pamper our skin. Some home remedies can provide you naturally strong and healthy nails, which are listed below –
1. Coconut oil massage
Coconut oil is the one-stop solution for nail problems. It helps in keeping the nails hydrated, helps in improving blood circulation and acts as an amazing moisturizer for the nails and prevents various types of nail infections.
2. Lemon juice soak
Lemon juice is an effective natural bleaching agent and a remedy for dry brittle nails also. Lemon juice helps in removing ugly yellowish stains from the nail surface, helps in fortifying damaged and peeling nails and giving it a bright sheen.
3. Milk soak
Milk is the best and easily available natural source of protein and calcium that helps in fortifying the nails because weak and brittle nails can be due to lack of nutrients such as protein in the diet.
4. Orange juice soak
Orange is rich in anti-oxidants and is also good for nail problems.
How To Use
You can soak your nails in fresh orange juice for 10 minutes per day to grow them faster, to improve their strength and appearance. After that rinse thoroughly and then apply a natural moisturizer to reverse any dehydration.
5. Apple cider vinegar soak
Apple cider vinegar is a useful, inexpensive and widely used ingredient in various nail problems. It contains vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium, all of which are essential for developing thicker and stronger nails.
6. Olive oil soak
Olive oil is widely used for various skin and health problems. Olive oil can penetrate the nail cuticles to repair and strengthen the nails and is also an effective remedy for dry and brittle nails.
7. Vitamin-E oil massage
Vitamin E helps in supplying nourishment to the nail cuticles and is an amazing brittle nails cure by keeping the nails hydrated and moisturized.
8. Flaxseed oil massage
Flaxseed is full of essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and minerals which promote faster, stronger growth of the nails.
How To Use
You can simply massage the Flaxseed oil into your nails for a few minutes one or two times daily.
Herbal remedies to strengthen the weak and brittle nails
1. Blackstrap molasses
Blackstrap molasses is bittersweet syrup which contains the vitamins and minerals that help in healthy growth of nails.
How To Use
You can add a tablespoon of blackstrap molasses to warm water or tea and can simply drink 1 – 2 times daily for healthier nails.
2. Biotin
Biotin is naturally contained in foods such as legumes, whole grains, nuts, some fruits and vegetables and is also a vital nutrient necessary for the body’s production of keratin, which is the primary component in nails.
2. Garlic
Garlic has anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties. In case of any fungal infection of the nail
How To Use
You can simply resolve it by placing chopped or crushed garlic cloves on the affected area for 30 minutes daily. It also helps in making the nails stronger.
3. Horsetail
Horsetail is a perennial herb that looks like the tail of a horse. This herb is a rich source of calcium, iron, manganese, tannins, flavonoids, fatty acids. It helps in growing strong and healthy nails and helps in removing white spots and infections from nails.
How To Use
You can simply soak your nails daily in a horsetail infusion.
4. Nettle leaf
Nettle tea is rich with minerals which your body needs to form new nail tissue and is also an ancient natural remedy for the growth of longer, stronger, healthier nails.
How To Use
You can simply make tea by taking 2 – 3 teaspoons of dried organic nettle leaf in a cup of hot water for about 10 minutes for stronger nails.
5. Olive leaf extract
Olive leaf extract contains an active substance oleuropein, which is thought to have anti-fungal, anti-microbial, and immune boosting properties. For stronger nails or in case of any fungal infection of the nail you can simply apply olive leaf salve directly to nail fungus.
6. Oregano oil
Oregano oil contains thymol which has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.
How To Use
You can simply apply oregano oil to the affected nail twice daily with a cotton swab in case of any fungal infection of the nail. It also makes your nails stronger.
7. Tea Tree oil drops
Tea tree oil is a natural medicine for treating brittle nails caused by fungal infections and it also helps in treating discolored nails due to its anti-septic properties.
How To Use
It should always be mixed with water or some other oil and should always be applied in diluted form, because it is strong in nature.
You can follow some tips to make your nails stronger
- Balanced diet
- Regular exercise
- Yoga and meditation
Dr. Vikram Chauhan (MD – Ayurveda) is the CEO and Founder of Planet Ayurveda Pvt. Ltd. He is Author of the Book “Ayurveda – God’s Manual For Healing”. He is an Ayurveda Expert Serving People worldwide through all the Possible Mediums, Operating from Main Branch in Mohali, India. With his Vast Experience in Herbs and their Applied Uses, he is successfully treating Numerous Patients suffering from Various Ailments. He is Serving the Society with Purest Herbal Supplements for One and only Purpose of Making People know and utilize the Wonderful Benefits of the Ayurvedic Diet, Lifestyle, and Natural Herbs. He Formulates Herbal Supplements himself and also Use Classical Ayurvedic Formulations for Helping People Get Rid of All Types of Health Issues, Restore their Health, Uses and Save themselves from the Worst Side-effects of Chemical Based Treatments. For More Details, visit www.PlanetAyurveda.com.
