Cold Feet

Cold feet result from the poor circulation of blood in the body. It is common in those who are anemic or have weakened immunity. Cold feet are not a serious medical problem, but can be troublesome. They cause not only discomfort but painful chilblains and prickly bumps on the skin. Exposure to cold and heightened cold sensitivity can give rise to similar symptoms in other peripheral parts of the body like the nose, fingers and ears.

This condition can be treated naturally at home and does not require any medication unless accompanied by other serious health complications. There are many natural home remedies for treating cold feet which, carefully applied, can prove to be of immense benefit in relieving the condition.

Some Common Causes of Cold Feet

• Cold feet can be caused by undue exposure to cold temperatures. Sudden temperature changes can also trigger this condition.
• It can also be caused by the poor circulation of blood in the body or severe anemic conditions.
• Serious health conditions like cardiovascular disease, hypothyroidism, diabetic neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, hormonal change and genetic conditions may also cause cold feet.
• Raynaud's syndrome is another physical condition that can cause cold feet. This condition is characterized by vaso-spastic attacks, or periods of constriction of the blood vessels mainly affecting the feet and hands. The resulting numbness, paleness and coldness of the fingers and toes is uncomfortable or even painful. Women are more affected than men. Emotional stress, exposure to cold, or smoking, can cause the condition to deteriorate. Some anti-migraine or anti-hypertensive medications can trigger cold feet, because they act to constrict the blood vessels and so reduce circulation.

Cold feet can also happen without any obvious physical problem.

Symptoms of Cold Feet

• The affected person has a disturbing and uncomfortable sensation of coldness in the hands and feet, which also look pale and feel numb. During an attack, your feet may turn bluish-green or become pale white.
• Other symptoms that may accompany cold feet are swelling, itching, burning and pain in the feet.
• Blisters may also occur, and may cause itching and discomfort.

Natural Home Remedies for Cold Feet

Massage - Massaging is one of the most effective natural remedies for cold feet. This is because massaging stimulates the blood vessel and capillaries, and so increases the blood flow to your feet as well as creating warmth. Using eucalyptus oil, ginger oil, jojoba oil or wheat germ oil is even better. Eucalyptus in particular is known to provide almost instant heat, warming up the cold skin. A mixture of ginger, jojoba and wheat germ oil has similar properties. After a thorough massage with one of these, let your feet soak for some time in warm water and pat dry.

Therapeutic Oil Mix - Another effective essential oil mixture is a combination of warm almond oil, rosemary oil and black pepper oil. This should be worked well into the foot skin by massaging. It has a wonderful heating effect in cases of cold feet.

Hot Footbath - Another simple but effective remedy for cold feet is to soak your feet in a tub of warm water to which a few drops of peppermint oil, tea tree oil, ginger oil, cypress oil or any essential oil you like. There's nothing like a warm foot bath to soothe the skin, warm up the feet and calm your nerves.

Epsom Salt - This very common and popular ingredient of beauty products is also excellent for cold feet. Mix some Epsom salt in a tub of warm water and let your feet soak in the warmth. However, be sure not to use very hot water which strips your skin of its own natural oils and may also give you chilblains.

Foot Exercise - Foot exercises are the last word in improving foot circulation. This leads to warm feet - naturally. A couple of effective exercises for cold feet are:

• Standing on the tiptoe for some time and then landing on your heels is a great way to relieve cold feet.
• Activities like walking, cycling, hiking, running and dancing are great feet warming activities.

Foot Pack - If you have cold feet, you could make a foot pack using the following ingredients. Combine 2 cups of warm water, one teaspoon of olive oil, a half teaspoon of orange essential oil, a half cup of honey, a cup of freshly minced ginger, powdered oats, cinnamon powder and cayenne pepper powder. Mix the ingredients into a thick paste and apply liberally on both feet. After half an hour, wash off with lukewarm water. Your feet will feel warm and comfortable.

Cayenne Pepper - This is an ingredient which greatly stimulates blood flow to your feet. Dust a little cayenne pepper powder into your socks before you wear them, to experience instant foot warming. The inherent heat of this spice increases the blood circulation. You should be aware that prolonged use of this could stain your socks and shoes.

Diet for Curing Cold Feet - Incorporate foods which generate warmth and induce blood flow into your diet. Thus you should have plenty of beans, sprouted legumes, Brussels sprouts, pumpkins, avocado and spinach. All these are rich in anti-oxidants and Vitamin E, and so help to promote a good circulation of blood.

Also, drink plenty of water, fresh fruit juices and vegetable juices. Apples, oranges, apricots, grapes, plums, and cherries are rich sources of vitamin C and other healthy nutrients. Include a lot of heat-producing spices like anise, black pepper, caraway, cloves, cinnamon, ginger and chilies in your diet to keep yourself naturally warm and healthy.