Benefits of a foot soak

It was super hot here today and after a walk into town and some crazy pruning in the garden my feet and me for that matter were hot and tired.  I often find using foot scrub to exfoliate is a good way to cleanse and revive my feet, but I had a foot soak/cream combi in a packet and thought, "Why not?"  Most foot soaks suggest using warm water, but as it was so hot and I was hot too I decided to use cold tap water and added the foot soak lotion to it.  When my feet first went into the bowl it was a bit of a shock to the system, but in a nice way.  My feet soon acclimatized and I gave them a good soak.  It was so relaxing and cooling.  After I gave my feet a good rub to exfoliate and  massaged the foot cream onto my feet.  Sometimes, you just need to take time to sit down, relax and unwind.  I then thought about the benefits of a foot soak and here are some foot soaking tips that you can try.

Immersing your feet in a tub of warm water, even without anything extra in it, is a nice way to relax after a long day. A foot soak soothes your muscles, hydrates your skin and can relieve aches and pains due to standing for hours or walking in uncomfortable shoes. Plus, letting your feet sit in their own bath can help reduce swelling and prevent bacteria from settling into blisters and cuts or under toe nails.

And while a little rough skin helps protect our feet, if you’re prone to developing thick calluses, softening them in a soak makes them easier to exfoliate—precisely the reason why most pedicures begin by submerging your feet into warm water.
There are some additions, however, that can enhance your healing foot soak. Consider these options when caring for your hard-working feet:
Epsom Salt Foot Soaks
A combination of magnesium and sulfate, Epsom salt is a compound that can help flush toxins and heavy metals from your skin’s cells, reduce inflammation, increase circulation and ease muscle cramps and joint pain.
As your feet absorb the magnesium, pain-reducing ions are released, relaxing your muscles and nerves and helping them function properly by regulating your electrolyte levels. The sulfate targets any harmful substances that need to be eliminated from your body. Epsom salt can also quell foot odor, help heal fungus or ingrown nails, and soothe dry skin.
You’ll find this healing salt at most drug stores and pharmacies. In a standard size tub, dissolve one cup of Epsom salt in warm water and soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes.
Essential Oil Soaks
There are several ways to use essential oils at home, including adding a few drops to your soak. Here are some popular choices, which you can use individually or combine together for your healing foot treatment:

• Cedarwood oil is an antiseptic and anti-fungal, making it a good choice if you suffer from Athlete’s Foot.
• Cypress oil is an antiseptic and natural deodorant. Add a few drops to your soak if you have a blister or are concerned about foot odor.
• Juniper berry oil alleviates muscle aches, including those caused by arthritis.
• Lavender oil, as you may know, is a favorite for relaxation. It’s also a natural pain reliever—optimal for sore muscles and joints.
• Rosemary oil helps soothe tired muscles and has antiseptic properties.
• Wintergreen oil is considered nature’s aspirin. It helps with pain and swelling and has a cooling sensation that is particularly pleasurable on tired feet.

Consider adding a teaspoon of whole milk or vegetable oil to better incorporate the essential oil into the water. After soaking your feet for 10 to 15 minutes, dry them well to avoid an oily residue. Finish with a self-massage using lotion, locking in moisture and softening calluses. Try adding essential oils to your Epsom salt soak too.
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