Amy Branum, AHP
Despite all that they do for us, our feet tend to be highly neglected when it comes to self care. Sure, you can hide them in your shoes so others don’t know it, but let’s admit it, our feet do a lot for us. That said, we should give them a little extra TLC, as we are likely going to depend on them for many years to come.
Our feet are heavily utilized, so they build up the most calluses and dry, dead skin. Some of us also have to deal with issues like foot fungus or bacteria.
Using foot scrubs is a great way to treat your feet, remove dead skin, and reduce bacteria or fungus. Foot scrubs are also wonderful for increasing circulation in our feet and ankles, and easing tired, achy feet.
So, how are foot scrubs different from body scrubs? While you can use body scrubs on your feet, by making a scrub specifically for your feet you can both choose essential oils that target your specific foot problems and use stronger essential oils that you would not be as likely to use on other parts of your body.
For an all natural do-it-yourself foot scrub, try the following recipe and one of the two implementation methods listed below.
To make a 4oz jar, you will need:
Making the scrub:
Sugar or Salt?
There can be a few factors to determine why you would want to choose either of these. Sugar is often preferred by people who shave, as salt can sting if it gets into tiny nicks and cuts. However, salt also has the added benefits of increasing detoxification through your feet and providing additional minerals to your skin. If you’re making your foot scrub for sore, achy feet, opting for salt and soaking your feet in a foot bath is more beneficial.
Note: Any excess oil can be used as a moisturizer for the skin or hair, or saved for the next foot soak batch.
Relaxing and Soothing Blend
Use this blend to relax, soothe your nerves, and care for sore, achy feet. The lavender is relaxing and the peppermint is cooling, but also penetrates deeply into sore muscles. This is a great blend for those who are on their feet all day and need to relax and decompress.
Antibacterial/Antifungal Blend
Use this blend with tea tree oil, neem, and grapefruit when you have a bacterial over-growth, stinky feet, or a fungal over-growth.
Invigorating Blend
This blend is for those who want a little pick-me-up. It’s great to use in the morning to get things moving or to stimulate circulation for conditions like stiff joints.
Grounding & Relaxing Blend
This blend is wonderful for those who have a difficult time relaxing, experience anxiety, or need to settle down before bed.
The daily, quick and easy method
Daily foot scrubs are best after a shower or bath, once your skin has had time to soften. Follow these steps for a daily scrub:
The foot soak/foot spa method
This method takes more time, but is seen as more therapeutic. It’s great for those with sore, swollen, and achy feet or ankles at the end of the day, or for those who want to indulge in an additional 20 minutes of self care. For this method, you’ll need a container (a bucket or tub) that will allow you to soak your feet and legs up to your mid-calf. You should also have a dry towel nearby and your foot scrub.
Please Note: Some oil may remain on your feet after this process. Take precautions (wear socks or thoroughly wipe feet) to prevent slipping when standing or walking after the scrub.
* This Website is for general skin beauty, wellness, and health information only. This Website is not to be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment of any health condition or problem. The information provided on this Website should never be used to disregard, delay, or refuse treatment or advice from a physician or a qualified health provider.
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