Lavender is the most forgiving essential oil in this index and the most versatile. It is antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, mildly analgesic, and it is one of very few essential oils gentle enough to be used neat on a small patch of skin — though diluting is still the better habit.
For feet it covers a wide range. It calms the inflammation and rawness of cracked heels. It takes the sting out of the pressure points that hammer toes and mallet toes create. It moisturises dry skin without aggravating it. And on burning feet, the anti-inflammatory action does more than a cooling sensation alone would.
The sedative quality is not incidental either. Foot pain that keeps you awake responds to something that treats the pain and helps you sleep.
