DIY: Make Your Own Herbal Nail Tonic

Our favourite Herbalist, Erin Lovell Verinder, shared this simple nourishing recipe for a nail tonic that is easy to make and delicious to drink.

Life can be harsh on our nails – stress, fatigue and poor diet can all impact the strength of our nails, leaving them prone to breakages or weakness. We asked Erin Lovell Verinder if there was a simple way that we could use plants to support our nails, and of course she had the perfect recipe for us.

“This is a beautiful nourishing mineral dense tea blend for nail (and hair) health! I suggest brewing this blend as an overnight infusion to deepen the mineral content. An overnight infusion allows the medicinal constituents of the herbs to fully release into the water, drawing out deep nourishment, minerals, and plant intelligence. It’s slow herbalism — potent, simple, and deeply supportive.” – Erin Lovell Verinder

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

Dried herbs (as below)

1 litre of boiling water 

1 heat proof glass jar with lid (a tall canning jar is perfect) 

A fine mesh strainer 

HERBAL INGREDIENTS:

🌿2 tablespoons dried Nettle leaf- rich in silica, iron, calcium, b vitamins, vit a c e. 

🌿1 tablespoon dried Hibiscus flower- rich in vitamin c for collagen synthesis. 

🌿2 tablespoons dried Horsetail - rich in silica which supports keratin production. 

🌿1 tablespoon dried Alfalfa - rich in vit a c d e k + minerals calcium iron potassium. 

🌿1 tablespoon dried Oat Straw - rich in b vitamins, silica, calcium:

HOW TO BREW:

1. Add your dried herbs to your clean heat proof jar, spoon them in with thanks and gratitude. I like to consider and connect to the land they have grown on how they got to be with me!

2. Fill with boiling water and stir gently to soak the herbs. Seal the lid and leave to infuse for 6 -12 hours. The herbs will awaken and imbue their mineral magic. I like to make my overnight infusions just before bed so they are ready in the morning.

3. In the morning, strain the infusion through a fine mesh strainer. Compost the herb (it has given all it can), and pour the liquid into a clean jar or bottle. Sip throughout the day, either at room temperature or gently warmed. 

**If you prefer to drink it as a tea brewed swiftly, adjust the amount of herb to fit your pot or cup, just keep the ratios the same. A simple way to do this is to convert the herbal amounts to teaspoons instead of tablespoons. Pop the ingredients into your cup or teapot, add boiling water, and let it steep for 3-5 minutes before straining and drinking.