Our feet are one of the most hardworking and neglected parts of our body. We tend to forget to give them the much-needed TLC they need, hence at times, we experience different issues such as sore, aching feet, callouses, and other foot problems.
Luckily, DIY foot spas are available especially for those who don’t have time to go to the clinic or salon. It is simple and easy enough to create to give you a relaxing experience and help you recharge after a long, tiring day.
And if you have been giving yourself a good foot spa at home, then adding some essential oils will boost its efficacy in your feet and even in your body.
How Essential Oils Enhance Foot Soaks?
Foot soaks are important for your feet and toenails. That is why if you are having your regular pedicure, it starts with a nice, long, and warm foot soak.
They help in softening ingrown and removing dead skin cells from your feet. Foot soaks aid in soothing aching muscles, relieve pain from standing for a long time, hydrate the skin, get rid of swelling, help prevent the growth of bacteria under your toenails and even prevent foot odours caused by these bacteria.
And adding essential oils enhances those benefits. Here is a quick guide on what essential oils you can add on your next foot spa night:
Tea Tree Essential Oils
Tea tree oil is effective in eliminating the causes of unpleasant foot odours. It eliminates almost everything – from sweaty foot smell to those severe foot smell you can imagine. If you have cuts or scrapes on your feet, it can help in healing them quicker.
This is because tea tree oil has anti-fungal properties that aid in killing any infection that might be present in your wound.
Lavender Essential Oils
A top choice for relaxation and a natural pain reliever is the lavender essential oil. A single drop of this oil is enough to add a light floral scent that will not overwhelm you and leave your feet smelling wonderful and help soothe aching muscles and joints.
Dry, cracked feet can benefit more from lavender essential oil because of its healing properties which hasten the healing process of your skin.
Peppermint Essential Oils
Peppermint is an amazing essential oil to use on your skin and it is great to prevent foot odour. It has a deodorizing property that can also make your feet feel fresh and smell good.
Tired feet that are swollen, burning, or irritated can benefit from the soothing, cooling, and minty feeling that peppermint oil can bring to your feet and skin.
Chamomile Essential Oils
Another amazing essential oil to use for foot soaks is chamomile. It has anti-inflammatory properties, is great for foot care, and also serves as an analgesic. Rashes, inflammation, burning sensation, blisters, and irritation can be alleviated when using this oil.
Not only that, it provides a sense of calm that helps in giving your feet the time it needs to heal and get rejuvenated.
Eucalyptus Essential Oils
Eucalyptus is another helpful oil that has antibacterial and antiviral properties. It helps relieve aches and has long been used as a stimulant and muscle pain reliever.
Adding this oil to your foot spa can immediately soothe foot pain after long walks and hikes. It can also be added to your lotion and rubbed on your feet regularly to promote healthy foot health.
Rosemary Essential Oils
Rosemary is one of the favourite essential oils that are wonderful for the feet. It not only helps in improving body circulation but is also considered to help ease stress, reduce pain, inflammation of joints, and improve mood.
The woodsy fragrance of rosemary helps in keeping you calm and relaxed while you soak your feet in the footbath.
Lemongrass Essential Oils
Studies show that lemongrass contains antifungal properties which are effective against fungi that cause athlete’s foot and ringworm. In some cases, it also helps in relieving migraine and headaches when used in your foot bath.
How to infuse essential oils into your foot bath
It is easy to create your foot bath. All you need is a basin or foot spa if you have one, warm water, cool water, and a towel. Additionally, adding Epsom salts in your foot bath can enhance the effectiveness of your foot bath as well.
Here are some recommended foot baths with essential oils that you can try:
To cleanse your feet
- A cup of plain Epsom salt
- 2 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
- 2 drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil
- 2 drops of Chamomile Essential Oil
- 2 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil
Combine all ingredients in a bowl then place the mixture in a clean bottle for future use. This mixture is enough for about a whole week of foot soak.
In your foot spa, put a warm water and a tablespoon of the oil mixture, then mix well. Place your feet in the bath and let them soak for around 15-20 minutes. Pat dry with a clean towel and apply your favourite lotion.
To relieve achy feet
- ½ cup of Epsom salt
- 5-20 drops of essential oil of choice (peppermint, lavender, or rosemary)
- 6 tsp of carrier oil such as olive oil, coconut oil, or jojoba (optional)
Dissolve salt in a tub or your foot spa using hot water. In a separate bowl, mix the essential oil and carrier oil them mix it into the water. Soak your feet in the bath for about 15-20 minutes. Remove and pat dry using a clean towel. Apply your favourite lotion.
To provide better circulation
- ½ cup of freshly grated or ground ginger
- 5-20 drops of lemongrass essential oil
- 6 tsp of carrier oil
Add ginger into a bowl of boiling water. Slowly add it to a tub of cool water or your foot spa. In a separate bowl, mix the essential oil and carrier oils before adding them to your ginger water. Once done, place feet on the bath and soak for about 15-20 minutes. Pat dry and apply lotion.
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