Do you have brittle, cracked and coarse nails? Did you know that having bad nails is infact a sign of having bad health? Nail problems may signal a more serious disorder such as asthma, emphysema or heart disease, improper nutrition and stress. Hence it is very important that you take care of your nails. Vitamins and herbs can be used to aid with healing of nail problems since it is known that good nutrition is the key to healthy nails.

Fingernails, which are made mainly of a protein known as keratin, are one of the body's strongest tissues and they protect our fingernails and toe nails. Hence it is necessary that you take in enough protein and vitamins to ensure proper nail growth. Insufficiency of essential vitamins and calcium result in ragged cuticles, brittle or dry nails.

Following are the essential vitamins, minerals, calcium and herbs that are required for healthy nails:

Amino acid complex, vitamin C, vitamin E and biotin taken together will help the body build keratin which infact improves the overall health of your nails.

Ridges in the fingernail are a sign of insufficient B vitamins. Hence include vitamin B in your diet.

Calcium and bone building formulas will benefit the nails by supplying much needed minerals.

A paste made with alum and water is effective in relieving ingrown nails.

If you have swollen and painful fingernails, then put a piece of fresh lemon to the infected area and it will work as magic.

Tea tree oil, garlic oil and calendula ointment are the best treatments for nail fungus.

Also wear gloves while cleaning and keep your fingernails short.