Especially during the colder months of the year, taking care of our hands and nails is crucial.  My hands usually get extremely dry during this time a year.  They are constantly exposed to all of the elements, not to mention how dry it can get indoors with the heat on.

Dry hands usually also mean dry nails, which can lead to brittle nails which can split and break easily.  By whipping up a few natural hand and nail care treatments, hand and nails will look their best.  Here are a few of my favorite remedies.

DIY Hand and Body Butter

What you will need:

Shea Butter

Cocoa Butter

Grapeseed Oil

Vanilla Absolute Oil (optional)

On the stove melt 4 tablespoons (2 oz) of shea butter, 4 tablespoons (2 oz) of cocoa butter, and 4 tablespoons (2 oz) of grapeseed oil on the lowest setting.  Once the butter and oil have melted turn off the stove and stir.  Wait a few minutes.

Now add 7-10 drops of vanilla absolute or any essential oils to add natural fragrance to your hand and body butter. (Look here for other natural fragrance combination ideas.)  Now pour into a small glass container.  You can use one 8-oz jar or three 2-oz tins and give as gifts. Refrigerate until solidified.

(Feel free to double this recipe to make this DIY Hand and Body Butter as gifts for friends and family.  This recipe is simple, but this gift always feels like a luxury.)

Here are two beauty recipes for nail care from my favorite book The Herbal Home Spa: Naturally Refreshing Wraps, Rubs, Lotions, Masks, Oils, and Scrubs (Herbal Body) by Greta Breedlove.

Papaya Cuticle Soak

What you will need:

2 tablespoons (30ml) papaya juice

2 tablespoons (30ml) wheat germ oil

1 teaspoon olive oil

To make:

1. In a blender, combine the juice and wheat germ oil.  Run blender on the highest setting for 2 minutes.

To use:

1. Pour juice mixture into a small finger bowl.

2. Measure olive oil into a separate small dish.

3. Soak each hand in the juice mixture for 5 minutes, then rinse with tepid water.

4. Dip an orange stick into the olive oil, then use it to push back the cuticle on each finger.

5. Massage the olive oil into the cuticle.

Yield: 1 treatment

Fabulous Fingernails Oil

What you will need:

1 teaspoon (5ml) almond oil

1 teaspoon (5ml) apricot kernel oil

1 teaspoon (5ml) castor oil

1 teaspoon (5ml) grapeseed oil

1 teaspoon (5ml) olive oil

3 drops vitamin E oil

2 drops frankincense essential oil

2 drops benzoin resin

To make:

1. Combine all oils and resin in a small amber glass bottle (Boston round) and mix thoroughly by shaking.

2. Keep refrigerated between uses

To condition nails:

1. Using a cotton swab, apply liberally to the fingernail and cuticle.

2. Massage gently into the fingernail and cuticle

To use as a nail polish dryer:

1. Recycle a nail polish brush by cleaning it with nail polish remover and then soap and water. (You may be able to purchase a single new brush at a health and beauty store.)

2. Apply a thin coat of oil gently over just-applied nail polish, using smooth, even strokes.

3. Allow to air-dry.

Yield: 2-month supply

What is your favorite natural remedy for hand and nail care?

(Image by Mountain Rose Herbs)

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