Natural ingredients

AT YOUR HOME

You may be surprised to know how many natural foot care ingredients you can find at home or your nearby store.. Your kitchen has an array of very beneficial herbs, spices and natural ingredients that can alleviate different kinds of common feet ailments. A little awareness and knowledge can bring a great difference to your life, providing you with health and vitality. Let us glance at the assorted herbs and natural ingredients that you can find in your kitchen to treat various common foot problems.

Spearmint Oil - Spearmint oil is a well-known essential oil that has valuable antiseptic properties. This is available in most households, yet it is used to cure many microbial infections. It can also soothe and heal insect bites, fungal and bacterial infections, indigestion, colitis, muscular injuries, throat and respiratory problems. It is used as an oil as well as in the form of a cream. Hence, spearmint oil is antiseptic, curative and an excellent tonic for the skin.

Epsom Salt - Epsom salts is the term for a popular digestive preparation. This is a widely used anti-fungal and anti-bacterial home-based ingredient which is widely used to treat fungal infections of the feet. Epsom salt is composed of the crystalline mineral magnesium sulfate. It is known for its soothing and exfoliating properties. It can relax the stressed muscles of the feet and is of great help in cleansing and purifying the skin. Simply soaking your feet in a tub of warm water mixed with a generous handful of Epsom salt will calm and soothe your feet.

Almond Oil - Light and subtle in fragrance, almond oil effectively treats dryness of the skin. It is an essential oil that is used in many beauty products as well as for its nutritional benefits. Almond oil is a rich source of vitamin E that not only enriches your health but also deeply nourishes your skin, giving it a youthful appearance. Try a daily massage with almond oil to nourish and treat dry and scaly skin on your feet. However, people who are allergic to nuts should avoid its use as it may result in an allergic reaction.

Lemongrass - This simple spice is extremely useful in relieving foot stress and soothing all kinds of muscle cramps and pain from your feet. It relaxes tired feet muscles and also deeply cleanses your skin. Use some lemongrass oil or raw paste in a tub of warm water as a foot bath to soothe your nerves and relax your feet.

Rosemary Oil - Rosemary is one of the most fragrant essential oils, and has powerful anti-fungal properties. In ancient times, rosemary oil was used as an effective stimulant of blood circulation and of mental concentration. Being an anti-bacterial, this oil helps to cure strong bacterial/fungal infections and other conditions of the skin like infected eczema, sores, yeast infections, calluses, corns and others. A foot massage with this oil gives amazing relief. It can also be used in a tub of warm water with a few other medicinal essential oils.

Grape Seed Oil - This oil is mildly astringent in nature and is very useful in eliminating various fungal and bacterial infections of the skin, especially of the feet. The oil clears the blocked pores of your skin thoroughly and helps with the healing and repair of the skin layers. It also moisturizes the skin beautifully.

Garlic - A potent anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, garlic is one of the most powerful spices in your kitchen. It is a natural antifungal that rapidly cures any kind of yeast infection. It is an effective remedy for athlete's foot. Apply raw garlic paste or oil on the affected part every day for a few days, and you will see the difference very quickly. It can also be eaten to boost your immune function. Two or three cloves of garlic every day will make you much less prone to yeast infection. You can even sprinkle garlic powder inside your socks and shoes for rapid action. The downside is its pungent odor; barring this, it is a highly recommended cure for any yeast infection.

Lavender Oil - Lavender oil has been of great importance to mankind for ages. The lavender plant is an extremely valuable medicinal plant that was discovered during the Roman era. Lavender oil is known to have great healing and antiseptic qualities. The oil is also known for its breath-taking aroma. Lavender is used mainly for treating all kinds of skin conditions. It is also therapeutic in ailments like migraine, headache, burns, stomach ailments, insect bites, muscle aches and joint pains. It is especially strongly curative in athlete's foot. Lavender is also known to relieve stress and nervous strain and has a calming effect on the body. It is also stimulates the blood circulation greatly. If your feet are stressed and weary, pamper yourself with a lavender foot soak. If you have athlete's foot, massage pure lavender oil on the affected part every day. It soothes the irritation and also prevents the spread of infection to other parts of the body.

Cornstarch - Cornstarch is another wonderful kitchen ingredient that helps to remove foot odor efficiently. It acts in the same capacity as baking soda and provides the same benefits. Sprinkle as much cornstarch powder as you need inside your smelly shoes to eliminate odor. The cornstarch powder absorbs excess moisture from your shoes and deodorizes them. You can also dust some powder inside your socks to control the accumulation of perspiration from your feet.

Jojoba Oil - This essential oil is known to have superb moisturizing properties. Jojoba oil is used in many beauty preparations because of its cleansing and conditioning qualities. Moreover, this oil is completely fragrance free. It naturally blends with your skin and deeply conditions the skin, making it supple and soft. It is a great cure for dry and cracked heels.

Tea Tree Oil - This is one of the most powerful herbal essential oils with powerful anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. It is widely used as an effective home-cure for a variety of fungal/yeast infections. It is also a very powerful immunity-booster that is used to heal deep-seated infections as well. It is a great remedy for foot conditions like athlete's foot and eczema. Regular use of tea tree oil greatly benefits these foot conditions and prevents their recurrence.

Sea Salt - This salt which is rich in a variety of minerals contains many marine extracts and has remarkable skin healing properties. Sea salt is an excellent exfoliating agent and can be used for home-based pedicure treatments. It helps to gently loosen the hardened skin layers of your soles, making your feet smooth and soft. It also helps to stimulate the circulation of blood in your feet to a great extent.

Oregano Oil - Oregano oil is a strong essential oil that is used for treating all kinds of yeast infections. It is popularly used as a widely used flavoring ingredient known for its spicy aroma and taste. However, it is also a great immunity booster. Oregano oil can be used both topically and orally for curing yeast infections. The oil may be applied directly or after dilution with a bit of bland oil like olive, for delicate skin. It can also be taken internally for better results to strengthen your immunity. It has been known to completely cure yeast infections.

Yogurt - Yogurt is the most common of all these remedies, and yet one of the strongest fighters against all kinds of yeast and bacterial infections. Yogurt contains active Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria that prevent the growth of bad yeasts of all kinds in the human body. It also kills yeasts which have infected the body. Yogurt has a marked cooling and soothing effect on the body. It can be applied externally on the affected part to reduce the irritation, itching and stinging symptoms of yeast infections. If you have a yeast infection, be sure to include plenty of unsweetened yogurt in your diet.

Avocado Oil - Avocado is a rich source of vitamins A, D, and E and is known to treat dry skin conditions very effectively. Avocado oil has deep moisturizing effects on your skin, leaving it extremely soft and silky smooth. It also contains proteins, lecithin, potassium and unsaturated fatty acids that add to the beauty and health of your skin. It can be used in a tub of warm water for a foot soak, to treat cracked heels and soles, or for a foot massage. It can also be used for foot baths and home pedicures. Avocado oil is remarkable for its anti-aging properties as well.

Shea Butter - This is a highly popular beauty ingredient best known for its wonderful moisturizing properties. Shea butter contains natural latex that is used in many moisturizing lotions and creams. Regularly applying lotions or creams based on shea butter is a very effective way to treat dry and cracked feet.. It heals and deeply moisturizes dry skin including heel cracks and fissures.

Peppermint Oil - It is a very popular essential oil that is used widely to cure several ailments. Peppermint oil is known for its refreshing and cooling properties, which are useful in conditions like muscle aches, heel pains, foot pains, nausea symptoms, cough, cold, sinus and headaches. The oil is generally applied topically on the affected area, and has an amazing rejuvenating and healing effect.

Coconut Oil - Coconut oil is a very common household treatment for yeast infections. It has excellent anti-microbial properties. When this oil is applied on the infected region as many times as possible, the results will be visible in a few days. The oil has a very aromatic fragrance, both pleasant and invigorating. The flesh and the water are also extremely healthy for you. It has anti-aging properties and is an excellent skin moisturizer and conditioner. It can be combined with other essential oils to get a strong anti-fungal mix.

Cranberries - Cranberries have very strong anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Their tangy and acidic content make them an ideal choice for treating every kind of fungi infection. Cranberry juice is usually recommended for treating yeast and bacterial infections. Make unsweetened cranberry juice a daily staple, and have plenty of it if you have a yeast infection. The acid juice fights the fungus and also flushes out the body systems, preventing further fungal growth. The results will be obvious within days.

Vinegar - Vinegar is also an excellent anti-fungal. The most commonly used varieties for treating yeast infections are apple cider vinegar and white vinegar. Soaking your infected feet in a warm solution of either of these will quickly soothe the skin irritations and itching. If you wish you can also soak a cotton ball in the diluted vinegar and apply it on the affected area several times a day.

Olive Leaf - Olive leaf extract is a popular and effective treatment for fighting yeast infection. It also has anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. It effectively eliminates the bad fungi in your body and restores the good bacteria. Olive leaf extract can be easily made at home. Chopped fresh olive leaves are put into a glass container and vodka is added to extract the oil. Close the mixture tightly and store the jar in a cool dark place for a month. Then strain the leaves out. The liquid can be decanted into another fresh glass container for storage. If this extract is applied on the infected part every day, the results will be visible within a few weeks.

Calendula Leaf - Calendula leaf is another herbal remedy for fighting fungal infections. Calendula is a medicinal plant with effective anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. To obtain best results, it should be applied in its pure raw form. Calendula leaves are made into a paste and applied to the affected area. It soothes the itching and burning sensations. It can also be taken internally as calendula tea. This will boost your immune response and enable faster healing. Calendula oil, ointment or lotions are all available for use and you can pick and choose among these. It is not suitable for use in pregnancy, however. Baking Soda - Baking soda is an old remedy for foot odor, which affects a large chunk of the population. It can be dusted inside your shoes and left overnight. It will absorb moisture and eliminate the foul smell from your shoes. If you want to add some fragrance to your shoes, you can mix it with some sweet smelling herbs like sage or lavender. These herbs will contribute their efficacious anti-fungal properties to protect you from all kinds of yeast and other fungal infections.

Ginger - Another essential kitchen ingredient is ginger. Anti-bacterial and antiseptic, ginger helps to fight fungal infections and soothe foot pain and swelling as well. It is a very good natural remedy for arthritis and joint pain. You can prepare a generous quantity of ginger by grating it and then boil it in water to extract the essence. This solution can be used as a foot dip to soothe your aching feet and to stimulate circulation as well as to restore warmth to cold feet. Another way to use it is by tying up a quantity of mashed ginger in a soft cotton cloth, which is then dipped into a bowl of hot water. Pass this all over your feet just before you go to bed, and let it soak in overnight. Radish - Radish is an excellent deodorizer in your kitchen. To remove foot odor, extract as much radish juice as you need. You can store it in a spray bottle. Add a little glycerin to preserve it. This can be sprayed onto your feet after cleansing them thoroughly.

Black Tea - Black tea is a very popular cure for feet perspiration. Black tea contains tannic acid, with strong astringent properties that inhibit foot sweating. It is prepared as a foot soak by dipping around 6 tea bags in a tub of hot water. After it has cooled for a few minutes, add ice cubes to it. Let your feet soak in this cold solution for about half an hour. Repeat this procedure daily, especially during the summer time. It provides great comfort and coolness to your feet.

Water - Alternate hot and cold water bath is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress, pain and sweaty feet conditions. A little lemon juice added to the water adds its astringent property, helping to clean the pores of your skin thoroughly. Fill two tubs, one with hot water and the other with icy-cold water. Add the juice of one whole lemon to each tub. Find a comfortable seat. Dip your feet first in the hot water and then in the cold, till your feet are relaxed and pain-free. Take breaks for a minute or two in between. Once you are comfortable finish off with a last hot water dip. Dry your feet gently but thoroughly, on a clean towel. Dust them with herbal powder. This treatment relieves foot stress very well, especially during the hot summer months.

Chaparral - Chaparral is a desert plant with very powerful anti-fungal properties. This leaves of this plant are used to cure even the severest forms of fungal infections. A raw paste made from crushed chaparral leaves is applied directly on open fungal/bacterial infections on the skin. Fungal infections like athlete's foot, and skin conditions like eczema, itching and other skin irritations are effectively treated with chaparral. Chaparral can also be used for treating fungal infections in other parts of the body like the scalp or the fingernails.

Black Walnut Hull - Black Walnut hull is another useful treatment for fungal infections of the feet. Its beneficial properties include anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. It can be applied topically on the affected part. It both soothes and heals on the skin.

Thyme - Thyme is another popular herb from your kitchen that fights fungal infections very well. Thyme is not only treasured in traditional cuisine but is also used as a very important ingredient of herbal medicinal preparations. It has strong antiseptic properties and treats a variety of fungal infections. Neem - Neem is a very common yet extremely potent anti-fungal herb. Neem is found mainly in tropical countries and is widely used for its amazing antiseptic, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. It is very versatile in nature and is used in many herbal preparations. Every part of the neem tree including the leaves, stems, roots and flowers are used in a variety of ways. Neem has a very bitter taste. A paste of raw neem leaves can be applied topically to cure any fungal infection. Neem juice is great to detoxify your system. Neem application gives speedy healing results in fungal infections, eczema and inflammations of the skin. Cayenne Pepper - Cayenne pepper is a spicy ingredient in your kitchen that helps in treating cold feet symptoms effectively. When applied topically on your feet, it stimulates heat production as well as the blood circulation. If you suffer from cold feet, just dust some cayenne pepper powder inside your socks before you wear them; your feet will instantly warm up. Do remember however to change your socks daily, as using the pepper might stain your socks.

Chamomile Oil - Chamomile is a very potent painkiller with remarkable anti-inflammatory properties. It is markedly useful for treating foot problems like blisters, bunions, inflammations, burns, boils, allergies, itching and common foot wounds. Chamomile is a very mild herb that not only soothes skin discomfort and pain but also helps in regeneration of tissues, thus aiding the process of healing. It is also a good antibiotic, antiseptic, anti-bacterial and anti-depressant. Chamomile oil also moisturizes treating dry skin very well.

Eucalyptus - Eucalyptus is a herb with very strong anti-bacterial actions. It is widely used for treating various fungal and bacterial infections. The oil has a penetrating mint-like aroma, and is used in various conditions. It has a very strong warming effect on the skin and helps to relieve muscle pains, sores, arthritis, rheumatic pains, foot swelling and sprains. Spraying your bathroom and kitchen floor with eucalyptus oil disinfects these areas naturally. It is also extremely good at relieving congestion of the sinuses, and in coughs and colds. It is not advised for those who have high blood pressure, or epilepsy, because of its strong stimulant action.

Cypress - Cypress is a very useful essential oil that is derived from the cypress plant, found mainly in the Mediterranean regions. The oil has a woodsy and musky fragrance. Its uses lie in its antiseptic, astringent, antispasmodic and deodorant properties. It is used to treat excessive foot perspiration, foot odor and varicose veins. It is very soothing to the skin and helps in relieving stress and skin irritations. It is also highly therapeutic in arthritis and rheumatic pains. Use a few drops of this oil in your footbath regularly before you soak your feet. You can also use it in your bath to relax your overstrung nerves.

Clary Sage - Clary Sage essential oil is derived from the Salvia sclarea plant. Though the plant is a rare one, its oil has many medicinal properties. Clary Sage oil is pale yellow with a very sweet and nutty aroma. The therapeutic properties of this oil are due to its antiseptic, deodorant, astringent, anti-bacterial and nerve tonic properties. It soothes the nerves of the legs and feet, relieves muscle pains and cramps and effectively treats skin inflammations and blisters. Use a few drops of this oil in your footbath or massage it directly on your feet to feel the difference.

Geranium - Geranium oil is a very widely used herbal remedy for foot infections, whether bacterial or fungal. It is derived from the Pelargonium odorantissimum plant. There are more than seven hundred varieties of this plant, but only ten are used for medicinal purposes. The oil has a very strong and fresh aroma which resembles mint a little. It is widely used in aromatherapy, being an active antiseptic, deodorant, anti-inflammatory, astringent and tonic. It is a powerful stimulator of blood circulation in your feet. Its fresh aroma has very soothing and relaxing effect, releasing muscle tension and calming the nerves. Massaging your feet with this oil will help to relieve conditions like sore heels, foot swelling, bunions, blisters, edema, inflammation, burns and cuts. It is also a very good insect repellent. The refreshing aroma of this oil also greatly soothes nerves and releases tension from your muscles.

Cinnamon - Cinnamon oil is a very popular essential oil that has been in use since ancient times in Egypt, India, Ceylon and Indonesia. This exotic oil has great healing properties that include antiseptic, antibiotic, astringent and deodorizing effects. Cinnamon is used in a wide variety of herbal preparations. It is also widely used in aromatherapy. Cinnamon has a strong, musky and spicy fragrance that rejuvenates mind and body, and relieves exhaustion and stress. It is very helpful in curing arthritis and rheumatic disorders of the feet. It is also a great stimulator and is used in foot massage therapies to increase blood circulation. It treats all kinds of muscular pains and cramps of the feet. It can also be used with other essential oils for therapy purposes. Since cinnamon oil is very strong and spicy, it must be diluted before use to avoid skin irritations.

Juniper Berry - Juniper oil is used for treating contagious feet conditions like eczema, athlete's foot, inflammation and other fungal infections. Juniper is extracted from Juniperus communis, the common juniper plant. The oil is an astringent, anti-fungal, antiseptic, anti-rheumatic and tonic. Juniper oil can be used in footbaths for treating arthritis and eczema very effectively. It also has a very calming and soothing effect on the skin. Seeping deep into the pores of your skin, it releases muscular stress and tension and greatly improves blood circulation. It also relieves edema by reducing fluid retention in your feet.

Lemon Oil - Lemon oil is one of the most common and widely used essential oils. It is extracted from the Citrus limonum plant and is also popularly known as Cedro oil. Lemon has a very clean, refreshing and fresh fragrance. The therapeutic properties of lemon are due to its antimicrobial, anti-septic, disinfectant, stimulant and tonic functions. Lemon oil is of great use in relieving foot problems like arthritis, gout, rheumatic pains, boils, blisters, swelling and fungal infections. It is also a great stimulant that helps in improving the circulation of blood in the feet. A good warm footbath with a few drops of lemon essential oil aids in releasing stress from your feet, effectively soothing and cleaning your feet. It also helps to fight foot odor and heals insect bites. Lemon oil can also be used to treat minor cuts and injuries in your foot.

Benzoin Oil - Benzoin oil is good for relieving itchiness, redness, swelling, dryness and other irritations of the skin. This essential oil is extracted from the resin of the Styrax benzoin tree which is a native of the Asian islands of Java, Sumatra and Thailand. It is also popularly known as Gum Benzoin or Frankincense of Java. The oil has a very warm, woody vanilla-like aroma and is deep golden-brown in color. Benzoin oil is used as an astringent, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic. Benzoin oil is remarkably useful in foot conditions like arthritis, rheumatism, eczema, athlete's foot, heel pain and foot odor. It stimulates the nervous system and boosts the circulation of blood in the body. It soothes foot symptoms like pain and swelling, itching, redness and inflammation. It is also a great skin conditioner, and helps to heal the dry and cracked soles of your feet, making the dry skin supple and soft. The warming effect of benzoin oil is very useful for treating arthritic and rheumatic pains in the feet. It also effectively stimulates the stiff muscles resulting from neuropathy, as well as the nerves themselves. Benzoin oil is of special benefit to diabetic patients as it helps to control blood sugar levels. It also heals common wounds and cuts on the feet.

Sandalwood - Sandalwood oil is one of the most exotic essential oils. Sandalwood oil is extracted from the sandalwood tree that is found mainly in the Indian sub-continent. Sandalwood oil has been used in ancient Indian Ayurveda medicines for its great healing and therapeutic properties. The oil has an exotic and subtle woody aroma which is very soothing. The oil itself has antiseptic, anti-bacterial, astringent and deodorizing properties. The healing and soothing properties of this oil helps to relieve feet conditions like eczema, dryness, inflammation, itching and stress. The oil also has good anti-aging properties that not only cleanses the skin on your feet but also gives it a youthful glow. The strong essence of sandalwood is extremely beneficial in banishing foot odor. Massaging this oil on your feet every day will help relieve nervous strains and aches in your feet. The oil also helps to repair and diminish the ugly scars caused by blisters and eczema infections on your feet.

Neroli - Neroli essential oil, popularly known as orange blossom oil, is derived from the orange flower tree. Neroli oil is one of the most fragrant essential oils, only next to lavender, in addition to its therapeutic properties. Its aroma is both exquisitely sweet and rejuvenating. It is greatly used in aromatherapy to soothe and calm body and mind. It also has antiseptic, anti-bacterial, deodorant and anti-stress properties. Neroli oil helps to remove dry eczema scars and other types of foot scars very effectively. Its marvelous skin-regenerating properties give a glow to the skin. It is a great treatment for foot odor. Just a few drops of Neroli oil in your warm water footbath will deodorize your feet as well as soothe and refresh your skin.

Basil - Basil is a very useful herbal plant. It originated mainly in India and is still regarded as a very sacred plant in Hindu tradition. The essential oil from basil is extracted from Common Sweet Basil which grows mostly in tropical climatic regions. The oil is popularly used in aromatherapy to calm the nerves and treat migraines, headaches and sinus or bronchial problems. The basil oil is pale green with a very refreshing, sweet pepper-like aroma. It has antibacterial, antiseptic, deodorizing, analgesic, stimulant and insect repellent properties. Basil oil is highly effective in the treatment of fungal infections like eczema, athlete's foot, toenail fungus, inflammations, redness, itching, burning, gout and arthritis. It can also be taken internally to reduce the uric acid levels in the body and thus relieve gout pain. It also greatly relieves arthritic pains and stimulates blood circulation. It cures any type of external foot infection, whether fungal or resulting from insect bites.

Ylang-Ylang - The Ylang-Ylang oil is a well-known essential oil that is famous for its wonderful sweet aroma and widely used in aromatherapy. It is mainly found in the Asiatic islands of Java, Sumatra and Thailand. The therapeutic properties of this oil are antiseptic, anti-fungal, deodorant and stimulant. The Ylang-Ylang oil is immensely beneficial in curing foot pains, stressed feet and dry flaky skin. Soak your feet in warm water with a few drops of Ylang-Ylang oil to experience the deep calming effect on your feet. This oil also nourishes very dry skin on your feet, perfectly balancing the skin's pH level to make it supple and smooth again. It can also banish foot odor effectively.

Bergamot - Bergamot oil is a popular aromatherapy oil used to relieve stress. It is also used in spas to treat skin allergies and rashes effectively. Bergamot is mainly found in the regions of South-East Asia and in some parts of Europe. The greenish-yellow oil has an incredible warm and fruity citrus aroma. . The therapeutic properties of this oil are antiseptic, antibiotic, anti-bacterial, deodorant and analgesic. It helps to cure foot conditions like eczema, allergies and cold sores on the feet. Its antiseptic property helps to cure cuts and wounds of all kinds. It should be diluted before use on sensitive skin as it may otherwise be irritating. It can also be taken internally to help cure bacterial or fungal infection.

Frankincense - Frankincense oil is an exotic essential oil used in aromatherapy to calm the mind and body. Its wonderful healing properties revive the body incredibly. The oil is extracted from the resin of the Boswellia carteri tree found mainly in the Middle East. The yellowish-green oil has a spicy, camphoric aroma with a woody essence. The healing properties of this oil are anti-rheumatic, analgesic, antiseptic, astringent and stimulant. It is highly beneficial in the treatment of rheumatic pains because of the way it relieves muscular aches and pains. It can also be used for treating arthritis and all other kinds of foot pains, sores, itching, inflammation, blisters and burns. The warming effect of the oil is a great stimulant and improves blood circulation in your feet. It is also endowed with special anti-aging and deep conditioning properties that help to restore your skin's softness and suppleness. Frankincense oil can be used in diluted and undiluted form in foot baths and foot massages as well as in creams or ointments.