Nutrients for Brittle Hair and Nails

Brittle nails and hair that won’t grow are a common problem that people spend lots of money trying to fix. However, rather than spending a lot of your hard-earned money on beauty products, try funneling more money to your diet budget

Green Tea

Brittle hair and nails are often a side effect of a deeper issue, namely a micronutrient deficiency. Eating a varied diet rich in fruit and vegetables can help you get the nutrients you need for supple skin, strong nails, and luscious locks. 

Some nutrients to add to your diet to strengthen your hair and nails include: 

  • B Vitamins (especially Biotin) – eggs, cauliflower, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, spinach
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids – wild game, salmon, flaxseed, chia seeds
  • Lean protein – Greek yogurt, lentils, eggs
  • Vitamin A – cantaloupe, broccoli, squash, carrots
  • Zinc – legumes, nuts, seeds, shellfish

Peppermint for Indigestion and Stomach Upset

Peppermint has long been a favored natural remedy for indigestion and stomach upset. People often use it for everything from menstrual cramps to heartburn. It works exceedingly well when paired with ginger, a common natural remedy for nausea.

Start by drinking a nice hot cup of peppermint tea after dinner. This will aid with digestion and prevent a troubled stomach from keeping you up late. Note that if you have a reflux disorder, like GERD, peppermint tea can have the opposite effect and should be avoided. As with any potent natural remedy, what works well for one person could be problematic for another. 

Bread Poultice for Wounds

Farmers of years past love the effects of a good bread poultice. Poultices are effective in drawing out inflammation and infection. They’re commonly used on cysts, abscesses, and even splinters, making them an ideal natural remedy when kids are around.

To make a bread poultice, pour milk into a pan, and heat it. You want it to get hot to the touch, but not so hot that you can’t handle it. Add a piece of bread and let it soak through. Mix the milk and bread to form a paste. Remove from the pot and apply the paste to the affected area for fifteen minutes.

Don’t hesitate to add extra ingredients to your poultice. There are various herbs and spices traditionally used in healing, like turmeric, which work well in this natural remedy. Epsom salts are another common ingredient in specialized poultice recipes.

Homemade Pain Salve for Joints and Muscles

Sore, aching muscles and joints are a poor reward for a day of hard work. Rather than tunning for painkillers, create a natural, topical treatment to soothe your aches and pains. To create a homemade pain salve, you will need:

  • ¼ cup of beeswax pellets
  • ¼ cup of shea butter
  • ¼ cup of coconut oil
  • 10 drops peppermint oil
  • 10 drops eucalyptus

In a double boiler, melt the beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil together. Remove from the heat and transfer to a storage jar. Add the drops of oil and give it a quick mix, then put it in the fridge overnight. Apply to the affected area and massage in. Never apply a salve to an open wound.

Honey and Ginger for Cold and Flu Season

Honey is one of nature’s best remedies. With natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, honey is not only a delicious treat but a fantastic tool to have on hand for cold and flu season. 

A spoonful of honey will soothe an aching throat. Not only do the healing properties help reduce swelling and pain, but the viscosity creates a soothing coating that works immediately. Adding in a dash of ginger can help offset any nausea caused by a fever or upset stomach.

Create your own cold season tea using chopped up ginger root, honey, lemon, and hot water. This mixture will keep you warm, hydrated, and healthy.

By adding these natural remedies to your home health toolbox, you’ll be able to keep your family happy and healthy.