Health expert Dr Eric Berg DC, has shared two ways to make your eyelashes grow longer and thicker – and they both involve taking a certain mineral and using oil

A health expert has revealed two simple ways to boost your eyelashes, making them appear thicker and glossier. Dr Eric Berg DC, a specialist in keto and intermittent fasting, suggests using a specific mineral and oil combo for the best results.

In a YouTube video, he explained: “Eyelashes are made of protein. But, you need trace minerals to make amino acids, which then turn into proteins.” He continued: “When you’re missing certain trace minerals, devastating things can happen to your body.

“When people lose their eyelashes or have thin eyelashes, it comes down to a deficiency of a specific type of prostaglandin.” The doctor recommended: “Things that will help fix this deficiency: Ricinoleic acid and zinc.”

How taking zinc can help and why:

He further explained how zinc, a trace mineral, is crucial: “If you take a zinc supplement, it’s best to get it from a quality supplement that contains a blend of all of the trace minerals,” he said. Zinc supplements are readily available at most pharmacies, reports Surrey Live.

Four benefits of zinc for hair growth:

• Protein synthesis: Zinc is vital for protein synthesis, which is essential for healthy hair growth.
• Collagen and creatine: Zinc is involved in forming collagen and creatine, which are also essential for healthy hair growth.
• Androgen production: Zinc helps regulate androgen production, which impacts hair growth.
• Eyelash regrowth: Zinc plays a key role in eyelash regrowth.

For instance, Holland and Barrett offer a tub of 240 zinc tablets for £6.39, equating to just 3p per pill. Boots also sells 180 tablets of zinc for £8.20, meaning each pill costs only 5p.

For those looking to reap the maximum benefits from zinc, timing is everything. Experts suggest taking the mineral either one hour before a meal or two hours after you’ve eaten.

Given that the average Brit sits down for breakfast at 8am, the best times to take zinc would be at the crack of dawn at 7am or a bit later at 10am. This rule isn’t just for the morning meal though; it applies to lunch and dinner too, depending on your schedule, as long as you stick to the one-hour-before or two-hours-after eating guideline.

Victoria-Jain Hamilton, a registered nutritionist and founder of The Autoimmunity Nutritionist, added: “Supplements are most effective if they are taken at least one hour before or two hours after meals.

“However, if your supplement is causing stomach upset, it can be taken with a meal. If possible, avoid simultaneously taking zinc and copper, iron, or phosphorus supplements. If supplementing with these other minerals, space the doses apart to reap their full benefits.”

The NHS lays out a general guide for zinc intake, recommending 9.5mg a day for men aged 19 to 64 years and 7mg a day for women. Below are some of the most zinc-rich foods:

• 100g of lamb mince contains 4.6mg of zinc
• 100g of raw spinach contains 0.9mg of zinc
• 100g of cooked prawns contain 1g of zinc
• 100g of Greek-style yoghurt contains 0.5mg of zinc
• 100g of plain cashews contains 5.9mg of zinc
• 100g of brown and green lentils contains 1.4mg of zinc

The NHS warns against exceeding 25mg of zinc supplements daily unless under a doctor’s orders, as too much can lead to nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, and headaches. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and protein can also promote eyelash growth.

How using castor oil can help and why:

Dr Berg has highlighted the benefits of ricinoleic acid for eyelash regrowth, noting: “Ricinoleic acid is in castor oil.” He also said: “Just make sure the castor oil you buy is organic and cold-processed or unrefined.”

It is important to note that although castor oil does not make eyelashes grow faster, it can make eyelashes appear thicker and glossier by moisturising them daily and reducing the risk of breakage. Here are some tips for using castor oil on your eyelashes:

• Patch test: Before applying castor oil to your eyelashes, test it on a small area of skin to check for allergies.

• Avoid eyes: Avoid getting castor oil in your eyes, and stop using it if it irritates.

• Clean lashes: Ensure your eyelashes are clean and makeup-free before applying castor oil.

• Apply with a cotton swab or clean brush: Dip into the castor oil and gently apply it along your lash line.

• Wash off: In the morning, rinse off the castor oil with water or makeup remover.

If you have an eye condition, consult your doctor before using castor oil on your eyelashes. Dr Berg concludes with a reminder: “It’s important to understand symptoms like this and instead of covering them up, try to find the root cause.”