Natural Nail Biting Remedies (what works?)
Around 30% of people continue to bite their nails into adulthood, mostly due to a nervous disposition or gluten intolerance. Avoid toxic nail biting liquids, that could harm babies or pets that may kiss your hands.
- Identify and remove nail-biting triggers. For instance, many people find that after having a glass of wine or absently watching TV (or both) in the evening may lead to subconsciously nibbling.
- Try giving up gluten. Many people who have been chronic nail-biters for decades find their habit disappears overnight, once they give up gluten. This is thought to be due to gluten blocking B vitamins.
- Consider clinical hypnotherapy. Harbour Hypnotherapy offers affordable ‘habit downloads’ from a clinical hypnotherapist (there are also downloads to help stop thumb-sucking, hair-pulling, addiction to caffeine or chocolate and even cocaine).
- Try this supplement to stop biting nails. NAC (N-acetyl-L-Cysteine) supplement has helped some people give up nail-biting. This amino acid builds keratin (good for nails, skin & hair), and stop other hair-pulling or skin-picking. Check with GP before taking supplements if pregnant/nursing or on medication.
One woman in Seattle wrote that after a few months of taking this, her nails grew for the first time in her life (she also gave up any desire for alcohol!)
How to treat nail infections, naturally
Reduce alcohol, refined grains and sugar (including fruit juice). Use a natural cotton bud to ‘paint’ nails with coconut oil then cover with a plaster, until nails grow out.
Podiatrists do not recommend tea tree oil as it could cause contact dermatitis.
Sustainable Tools for Eco-Friendly Nails
Most emery boards, foam buffers, and disposable orange sticks—are designed for short-term use and cannot be recycled. Upgrading to durable, long-lasting tools is a crucial step toward zero waste.
- Wear Protective Gloves: Protect your hands from cleaners and dirty gardening soil by wearing durable, natural rubber gloves.
- Glass or Crystal Nail File. Glass files last for years, don’t dull easily, seal the keratin edge of the nail to prevent splitting, and can be easily sanitized.
- Stainless Steel Cuticle Pusher. Highly durable, easy to sterilize with boiling water or rubbing alcohol, and lasts a lifetime.
- A plant-based bristle nail brush. Plastic-free, fully compostable at the end of its lifespan, and effectively cleans under nails.
