Fingernails ­ Jewels or Tools?

 

Tradition has it that in ancient Egypt it was illegal for a man to see a woman who was a member of another man’s harem. When a harem member fell ill the physician was sent for. His assessment of the woman’s problems had to be done based on what he could learn from her hand as she revealed it between the breaks in the curtains.

While fingernails may not provide the complete and thorough diagnostic base of more modern, scientific and holistic methods, they can certainly point us in the right direction. Medical doctors even learn a few select fingernail symptoms in medical school (as outlined in Bates’ Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking), so we, as people who have a holistic bend, certainly can’t be accused of being archaic or unscientific!

Nails are simply a specialized extension of skin. They are dead keratinaceous/epithelial material that is firmly attached to richly vascular nail beds. Because they grow rapidly in healthy people ­ fingernails up to .1 mm daily, toenails less quickly ­ they can provide fairly good recent history of physiological imbalances throughout the body. Also, changes in the vascularity of the nail bed will change the color of the nails and indicate other clinical problems in various areas of the body.

Fingernails that grow slowly and/or have deformities indicate potential problems.

The white half-moon that should appear at the base of each fingernail is called either a moon or a lunula.

Let’s look at fingernail symptoms in categories of color change, texture change, and combination changes. Obviously, when an organ system or specific disease process is listed below, the way to correct the accompanying fingernail problems is to address the organ system or disease process directly. Where there are less obvious remedies, I will include them.

Color Changes: Color changes can be the result of changes in blood supply to the nail bed, changes in organ chemistry, or toxic infiltration from the surface of the nail. Color changes may be in the nail bed (behind the nail) or in the nail tissue itself.

White: White nails can indicate liver diseases, kidney diseases, and anemia. Anemia can be caused by iron deficiency in the diet, inadequate digestion of iron bearing foods, or poor absorption of iron in the gastrointestinal tract. Adding digestive enzymes and increasing iron (eg. Combination three, yellow dock) are possible solutions for anemia.

Yellow: Swelling in the hands, respiratory conditions such as chronic bronchitis, lymphatic problems, diabetes, and liver disorders can all cause nails to appear yellow, especially at the nail bed. If the white tips of nails appear yellow it can be tinting from using nail polish frequently. Massaging the fingernails with lemon essential oil will help to prevent polish-induced yellow tinting.

Pink and white: When nails appear part pink, part white suspect kidney diseases.

Red nail bed: The nail bed is directly behind the nail. When this appears red heart conditions may be present or building in the body.

Pale nail bed: Pale anything almost always means poor blood supply or poor oxygenation of the blood. The same is true here. Anemia is often the cause of a pale nail bed.

Yellowish nails with a slight blush at the base This is a potential indicator of diabetes.

Terry’s nails: Terry’s nails are opaque white nails with a dark band at the end of the finger. This is a somewhat more ominous sign. It often indicates a serious illness is in progress. Possibilities include cancer, cirrhosis, congestive heart failure and diabetes. Aging can also be the cause of this.

Slate blue lunula: This indicates potential lung problems or over exposure to silver.

Deep blue nail beds: Pulmonary obstruction, asthma, and emphysema, all conditions that reduce oxygenation of the blood, can create deep blue nail beds.

Half white with dark spots on tips: This is yet another indicator that the kidneys may be in serious trouble.

White with pink near tips: This color combination can indicate cirrhosis.

Nails pitted with red-brown spots, splitting at tips: This complex set of symptoms can indicate a broad range of potential conditions. Consider psoriasis, nail injuries, dish soap, vitamin C deficiency, folic acid deficiency, and protein deficiency.

Mee’s lines: These white lines run across the nail following the shape of the lunula. These do not resemble white spots at all. The nail bed appears white and opaque in a band or stripe across the nail. They are a strong indication of arsenic poisoning or acute or serious illness. They will generally grow out when the problem is corrected.

White lines: White lines that don’t necessarily follow the shape of the lunula can indicate heart disease, liver disease, or history of a recent high fever. These look like the traditional ‘white spots’ that run together across the nail.

White spots: Traditionally, holistic practitioners have recognized white spots on fingernails as being an indication of low zinc. Additionally, white spots can indicate low calcium or injuries to the fingernail.

White, square nails: When the nails are very white and square look towards hormonal disorders as the cause.

Texture and general characteristics

Onycholysis: When the nails separate painlessly from the bed it is called onycholysis. This, again, is a broad symptom that can be indicative of any one or more of several potential problems. Injury, psoriasis, drug reactions, fungal infections, reactions to nail hardeners or acrylic nails, and thyroid disorders are on the list. Fungal infections in the nails respond well to topical applications of tea tree oil. If this is not strong enough, one can add tee tree oil orally ­ one drop to a glass of water, taken two times per day, and add Olive leaf extract and/or colloidal silver also.

Clubbing: When nail beds bulge and the nails curve down around the fingertips this is a potential indication of oxygen deprivation, lung disease (including lung cancer), heart disease and liver disease.

Beau’s lines: Nail growth is susceptible to stress. When a body undergoes severe illness or trauma, including major surgery, general anaesthetic, even a serious flu, the nails may stop growing. The result is a crosswise indentation in the nails. This generally will grow out with time.

Spoon nails: When nails create upward spoons as they grow out an iron deficiency can be suspected. Good sources of iron include green leafy vegetables, egg yolk, red meat, and poultry. Combination Three, Green Zone, and I-X are some excellent herbal sources of iron. In the event the problem is assimilation of iron, look to Digestive enzymes, UC3-J, Slippery elm, and CLT-X to enhance absorption.

Flat nails: Raynaud’s disease can cause flat nails. As mentioned in a previous article, Raynaud’s can be controlled/corrected with strong adrenal gland support. AD-C, Stress formula, Pantothenic acid, and hawthorn are all excellent adrenal support choices.

Dark, thin, flat, or spoon-shaped: These symptoms can indicate a B12 deficiency. Hawthorn Berries and Spirulina are great sources of B12. Of course, B12 can also be found in beef, chicken, and egg yolk.

Thick, discoloring nails: This is often an indication of psoriasis. Doing cleanses, alternating with building programs, and focusing on reducing the acid levels of the blood and body through diet are usually very helpful in correcting psoriasis.

Thick nails: This is a cardiovascular indicator. It indicates a weakening of the vascular system and poor circulation. Using MC (mega-chel), HSII, CoQ10 and other cardiovascular supporting supplements would be wise.

Lengthwise grooves: Kidney disorders, aging, and iron deficiency can all contribute to lengthwise grooves. For aging concerns, use IGF-1 or Colostrum.

Lengthwise ridges: This is a strong indication of arthritis. Beside simply lowering the acid levels in the diet and supporting the kidneys and adrenals, using blood type diets is very helpful in controlling arthritic symptoms.

Beading: This is a strong indication of rheumatoid arthritis. Use blood type diets to control this.

Pitted and dented: Nails that resemble hammered brass portend of total or partial hair loss. Chipping, cracking, peeling, breaking easily. Nails that are this fragile indicate general nutritional deficiency, insufficient hydrochloric acid in the stomach, and deficient minerals and protein in the diet. Some of the best remedies for these problems include GreenZone, Healthy Blast, Collatrim, and Colostrum. Massaging lemon essential oil into nails can help to strengthen nails and correct these symptoms.

Brittle, soft, shiny, no moons: These symptoms point to an overactive thyroid. Since the thyroid is controlled by the pituitary, working with the pituitary is often helpful. Parsley and alfalfa are good choices here.

Thinning nails accompanied by itching skin: These are symptoms of lichen planus. This is a skin condition with itchy, purple, angular bumps. Medical science reports that causes can include drug reactions, color film developers, polymyositis, malabsorption syndromes and lymphoma. Cleansing and general nutrition support, including HSN-W, are helpful. Liver support is also important.

Raised at base with small white tip: This can simply be hereditary, or it can be an indication of respiratory disorders.

Red skin a base of nail: While this is not really a fingernail symptom, red skin around the base of a nail can indicate connective tissue disorders. Collatrim and Colostrum are key therapies here.

Fingernails are more than just jewels or tools. They are indicators of physical well-being.

FINGERNAILS or TOENAILS
 

Changes or abnormalities are often the result of nutritional deficiencies or specific conditions. These changes may indicate illness even before the rest of the body does. Genetics may play a role in producing poorly formed or easily injured nails that suggest joint and connective tissue problems, or may just not be significant at all. The whole person must be assessed to judge significance. Diagnosis should not be made on nail condition alone.

(Sources: Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Balch and Balch, 1990; and Alternative Medicine compiled by The Burton Goldberg Group, 1993; Footprints On The Path, Summit Resources, 1995; CNHP seminars, and others.)

Brittle, ridged, and curved nails - may be seen in anemia secondary to iron deficiency (Chlorophyll or I-X).

Dry, brittle - lack of vitamin A and calcium; iron deficiency, thyroid, kidney, circulation, kidney disorders and/or poor circulation; or a need for Omega-3 fatty acid.

Brittle, soft, shiny nails without a moon - may indicate an overactive thyroid (Target TS II).

Excessive dryness, very rounded and curved nail ends, and darkened nails - B12.(B-12 Complete)

Chipped, peeling, cracked, breaking or splitting nails - lack of hydrochloric acid (PDA); detergents, chemicals. Need protein and minerals. Poor mineral levels often secondary to low digestive enzymes or food allergies. Golden Salve good on cuticles.

Hangnails - lack of Protein, Folic Acid, and vit. C.

Nails separated from nail bed - may signify a thyroid disorder (Thyroid Activator).

Raised nails at the base with small white ends - show a respiratory disorder such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis. May be hereditary.

Discolored nails - prolonged illness, stress, nicotine, allergies, or diabetes.

Green - bacterial or fungal infection loosening nail; Acidophilus is needed (also Pau D’Arco).

Yellow nails or elevation of ends of nails - lymphatic, respiratory (bronchial/lung), diabetes, liver (Lymphomax). Continual nail polish wear or nicotine staining. Yellow toenails may mean Candida.

White nails - possible liver or kidney disorders and/or anemia (Liver Balance or Kidney Activator or I-X).

Whitish nails with pink near the tips - are a sign of cirrhosis (from absorbing propylalcohol?).

Half-white nail with dark spots on tip points out - a possible kidney disease. (Kidney Activator)

White bands - protein diffency.

White lines across the nail - may indicate a heart or liver disease, high fever, or arsenic poisoning.

White spots - Zinc deficiency.

Deep blue nail beds show pulmonary obstruction such as asthma or emphysema, heart, iron deficiency, or heavy metal poisoning (Heavy Metal Detox).

Clubbed, blue, purple usually indicates poor circulation - [Capsicum, Mega-Chel].

Black, splinter-like marks under the nail bed - may come from bleeding disorders or heart disease.

Red skin at the bottom of the nail - may indicate a connective tissue disorder (lupus) or poor essential fatty acid metabolism, or nervousness.

Fungus under and around nails - insufficient lactobacillus present in body; Candida; Tea Tree oil.

Nails don't grow - need Calcium and magnesium and vit. D.; L-Cysteine for sulphur (MSM).

Inflammation around nail - Vit. C, 3,000 mg. [3 grams] daily.

Loose, brittle - too much soap and water (Sunshine Concentrate).

Thinning nails - may signal an itchy skin disease (lichen planus) (HSN-W).

Thick nails may indicate that the vascular system is weakening and the blood is not circulating properly, (onychogryposis - thickened and curved nails) most often affects the big toe and may signify poor circulation or a vascular system that is beginning to degenerate, or thyroid disease.

Downward curved nails may mean heart, liver, or respiratory problems.

Unusually wide, square nails can suggest a tendency toward hormonal disorders (Pro-G-Yam, Female Comfort)

Broad nails turned up at ends - gentle but courageous nature.

Long and narrow nails - a quarrelsome nature but scientific (Liver Balance and STRESS-J).

Flat nails - can denote poor circulation from Raynaud's disease (Magnesium Comb, CoQ10, Vit E, Colostrum).

High domed nails - kidney problems (Kidney Activator).

Spoon-shaped - B-12 deficiency or anemia (B-Complete, I-X or Yellow Dock).

Thin, flat, "spoon" nails and/or vertical ridges - iron deficiency (I-X or Yellow Dock).

Nails that are thin and brassy, often ridged, - that resemble hammered brass indicate a tendency toward partial or total hair loss.

Fragile with horizontal and vertical ridges - Vitamin B deficiency (Vitamin B-Complex).

Crosswise (horizontal) lines or ridges - can signify flu or fever or severe stress on the body, either emotionally, from disease, and/or infection; anemia (VS-C and/or Chlorophyll).

Lengthwise (vertical) groove or lines or ridges - may indicate a kidney disorder (Kidney Activator) or iron deficiency (I-X) or a tendency to develop arthritis (Joint Health) or poor nutrient absorption, or decreased general health or poor protein metabolism. Need PDA or Food Enzymes.

Nail heading (bumps) - is a sign off rheumatoid arthritis (EverFlex and/or Joint Health).

Pitting - may signify alopecia areata (hair loss or tendency toward hair loss during stress) or anemia or parasites (I-X for iron and Para Cleanse for parasites).

Pitted with onycholysis (separation of the nail from its bed) or red-brown spots - frayed split ends indicate Psoriasis; need vit. C., Folic Acid, Protein (also HSN-W).

Pink moons - usually indicate Candida or parasites in bowel (Caprylic Acid or Para Cleanse).

Red moon - heart problems (Cardio Assurance).

Slate Blue moon - indicates overexposure to silver, or lung trouble (ALJ and PLS II).

No moons on fingernail - means no circulation to that part of the body that finger represents (Butcher’s Broom, or CoQ10 or HS II).

Longitudinal ridges on fingernails - mean malabsorption of nutrients to that part of the body (Proactazyme Plus)

Thumb – brain (Brain Protex)

Index finger – metal – large intestines (LBS II ), lungs (Lung Support)

Middle finger – earth – stomach, spleen, digestion (Food Enzymes)

Ring finger – water – kidneys (Kidney Activator)

Little finger – fire – heart, thyroid (called second heart because it controls rhythm of heart) (Nervous Fatigue Formula and Thyroid Activator)

One should never wear rings on all fingers. Wear no rings on ring finger if kidney problems.

There are products that will address all problems. Some I have listed but as there are too many possibites for some problems. It would be best for you to contact me so I can tailor your products.

Go to my personal NATURE'S SUNSHINE site for your Personal "Health Analysis".

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Contact: Karen Olerich, Herb Specialist and Natural Health Consultant

Phone: (719) 495-4930

E-mail: Karen