1. Foot Soak to Improve Blood Circulation
Our feet are among the most neglected areas of our body, and with the sedentary lifestyle many of lead combined with wearing tight shoes for hours on end, it isn't surprising that blood stagnation and poor circulation are the most common in the feet. To give your feet some extra attention and love they need and improve blood circulation in the feet, try this invigorating foot bath that combines the warming power of ginger with the aromatherapeutic and anti-inflammatory benefits of essential oils.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup ground or freshly grated ginger
- 5-20 drops bergamot or lemon essential oil
- 6 tsp base oil (e.g. grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, liquid coconut oil)
Directions:
1. In a small glass or bowl, combine the essential oils.
2. In a separate bowl, carefully combine the ginger with some boiling water to activate the herb.
3. Finally, combine all the ingredients in a tub or bowl filled with warm water just enough to covers your ankles. Make sure to test the temperature before getting into the water so that it's not too hot or cold. If so, adjust the temperature simply by adding more water.
2. Foot Soak for Sore Feet
Epsom salts are among the most powerful ingredients to use on feet that feel, sore, achy, and a bit swollen after a long and tiresome day. This is because Epsom salts are high in magnesium that gets absorbed through your skin and works to relax and relieve the tension in your feet. Meanwhile, the tea tree or rosemary essential oils will act as antibacterial agents to clean and disinfect your feet.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup Epsom salt
- 6 tsp base oil (e.g. grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, liquid coconut oil)
- 5-20 drops of rosemary or tea tree essential oil
Directions:
1. In a bowl, combine the oils.
2. Fill the tub or a large bowl with warm water (92-100°F or 33-37°C) just enough to cover your ankles and dissolve the Epsom salts in the water.
3. Pour the oil mixture into the water. Make sure to test the temperature before getting into the water so that it's not too hot or cold.
3. Relaxing Lavender Foot Soak for Bed
It often happens that we're so stressed and simultaneously tired that it's difficult to relax and fall asleep at night. If you experience a similar concern (I surely do), we highly recommend this milky, relaxing, and oh so soothing lavender bath soak to try just before bed. Best of all, this soothing foot bath will also make your feet soft like a baby's without feeling oily.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup Epsom salt
- ¼ cup coconut milk
- 5-10 drops of lavender essential oil
Directions:
1. Into a large bowl or the bottom of a tub filled with warm (92-100°F or 33-37°C) water just enough to cover your ankles, add the Epsom salts and wait for them to dissolve.
2. Then, add in the coconut milk and drop the lavender essential oil directly into the water. Make sure to test the temperature before getting into the water so that it's not too hot or cold. Relax and enjoy.
4. Moisturizing Soak for Dry and Cracked Heels
This recipe might surprise you, as one of the key ingredients in this concoction is Listerine - yes, the same stuff you use to as mouthwash. Listerine has an ingredient called Methyl salicylate that has antiseptic, gentle exfoliating and conditioning properties, as well as a weak analgesic effect, all of which are quite useful in a bath soak. Many people swear by this ingredient and say that it can prevent fungal and other infections of the feet, as well as soften the dry and hard areas of the feet. If you want to try it out, follow this recipe.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup Epsom salt
- ½ cup Listerine
- 5-10 drops of essential oil of your choice (optional)
Directions:
1. In a large bowl with warm water (about 1 gallon or 3.7 liters), dissolve the Epsom salts.
2. Add in the Listerine to the water, along with the optional essential oil of your choice. Soak your feet for at least 20-30, adding more warm water if it gets too cold.
5. Detoxifying Foot Soak
If your feet need a deep cleaning and detox, be it after a long and busy week or in preparation for the sandal season, this powerful foot soak is what you would benefit from the most. It cleans, it softens your skin, and removes dry patches, lessens calluses, and detoxifies. You can repeat this soak once a week until you get the desired results, just make sure to always moisturize your feet after you use this foot soak.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup Epsom salt
- 2 tbsp bentonite clay
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Directions:
1. As in the previous recipes, start with dissolving the Epsom salt in plenty of warm water in a tub or bowl.
2. After that, add the lemon juice and dissolve the bentonite clay in water, swirling to avoid clumps. As previously, make sure the water is the right temperature, and when you're ready, start soaking your feet in the mixture.
3. When you're done, rinse with warm water, pat dry with a towel, and apply moisturizer.
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