When I talk about foot baths/soaks, I’m sure many of you would immediately think of your feet in a hot water basin, sipping hot tea or apple cider during a cold, rainy or snowy evening. Sure that sounds so cozy, but some self-care like this shouldn’t be limited to a particular season!
I do foot soaks more in the spring and summer time actually! Especially since I’d be wearing more open-toe shoes, I don’t want dry, cracked heels peeping through. Even if you have some foot issues like swelling, achy feet from wearing heels, gout or chronic, cold feet, foot soaks can really be beneficial to aid in relief for these conditions.
Essential oils are the star components of foot soaks, as their properties do most of the work, and depending on what you’re aiming for, there are definitely essential oils that would work better than others.
What you’ll need;
Large basin or even plastic shoe boxes (1 large meant for boots or 2 regular to submerge each foot individually
Essential oils of your choice depending on the purpose of the soak
1/2 cup Epsom salt
2 tbsp castile soap for emulsifying
Feel free to throw in any flower petals or leaves of herbs and eucalyptus!
1. Fill your basin with hot or cooler water (whichever you’re in the mood for, and what’s appropriate for the weather!)
2. Dissolve the Epsom salt in water
3. Combine essential oils and castile soap for proper emulsification, then swirl that in the water to disperse
For painfully sore and swollen feet, use cooler water and essential oils such as;
Peppermint, Rosemary, German Chamomile, Eucalyptus
If you suffer from Gout, use essential oils like;
Basil, Benzoin, Juniper Berry
An infection in the toenail or any nail/cuticle trauma can have some relief by the essential oils below;
Tea Tree, Rosemary, Lavender, Geranium
If you suffer from chronic, cold feet, essential oils that increase circulation are:
Lemongrass, Rosemary (really so widespread!), Bitter Orange, Helichrysum
After soaking, follow with a coffee ground scrub and moisturize with your favourite oil!
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