Body & Soul: Horsetail Nail Strengthener

By Janice Cox
August/September 2002
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Makes 4 ounces

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Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is an herb that can be traced back to prehistoric times. Today, many people think of horsetail as a pesky weed, but it is actually a valuable beauty plant. It can be found growing along roadsides and in wooded areas. The stems have a very high mineral and silica content and a solution made from them can be used to strengthen your nails.

• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh horsetail stems
• 1/2 cup boiling water
• 1 teaspoon pure honey

1. Place the horsetail stems in a ceramic dish. Pour the boiling water over them and let them sit for 30 minutes. Strain off the stems and discard. Add the honey and stir well. Let this solution sit for a few days. Pour into a clean bottle with a tight-fitting lid.

2. To use, brush the solution over your nails using a clean cotton swab or small brush, and let dry. Do this every day for 10 to 14 days and you should see an improvement in the condition of your nails.

Janice Cox is the author of Natural Beauty from the Garden (Henry Holt and Company, 2002). For more information, visit her website at www.JaniceCox.com. 

Click here for the main article, Body & Soul: Natural Hand and Nail Care for Gardeners. 


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