Feet Naturally — natural steps, better health
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Essential oil

Chamomile Oil

The calmest thing here

Chamomile Oil — still life

Chamomile is what you reach for when skin is angry. Its active compounds, chamazulene and bisabolol, are anti-inflammatory in a gentle, settling way rather than a numbing one, and chamomile is mild enough to be the standard remedy for babies' skin.

That gentleness is exactly why the book pairs it with ankle sprains and corns. A sprain is inflammation and bruising in tissue that is already sore, and the skin over a corn is chronically irritated. Neither wants a strong oil; both want calming.

There are two kinds. Roman chamomile is better for muscle and joint pain; German chamomile is a deeper blue and stronger on skin inflammation. Either works.

How to use it

  1. 1

    Sprain compress

    Four drops in a bowl of cool water, a cloth soaked and wrung out, held on the swollen ankle for fifteen minutes with the foot raised above hip height.

  2. 2

    Corn relief

    Three drops in a tablespoon of carrier oil, worked into the skin around a corn after soaking. Reduces the irritation while you deal with the pressure that caused it.

  3. 3

    Bedtime soak

    Five drops in a warm basin. Genuinely relaxing, which matters when foot pain is keeping you from sleeping.

Before you use it

  • Avoid if you react to ragweed, daisies or marigolds — chamomile shares that family.
  • Avoid in the first trimester of pregnancy.
  • Dilute, even though it is mild.

Treats

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From the book

Feet Naturally

The original book this guide is built from — 30 common foot problems and the natural remedies for them.

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This is natural-care information for general guidance only — it is not medical advice. For severe, worsening, or diabetic foot problems, please see a doctor.