Without a doubt your feet are one of the most important parts of your body. You need them to move, stand and get around on a daily basis. But like me, you may take them for granted.
I will brush my teeth, floss, wash my hair and look after my body pretty well. But I must admit, my poor feet get pretty neglected. They also have to walk on some pretty harsh ground at times and even work on hard surfaces like tiles.
Wearing the right shoes will definitely help. And if you suffer from back pain, sore knees or misaligned hips, start with your footwear.
Recently my feet have been kind of ‘grumbling’ at me a bit. They’ve been aching and tired so I decided it was time to give them a bit of pampering. Letting my sore feet soak for a while at the end of the day has been a godsend. Doing this only a couple of times a week has made a BIG difference and my feet are no longer grumbling.
DIY foot soaks are easy to do and enjoy in the comfort of your own home. Plus there is no special equipment needed. Ideally, you should try and enjoy a foot soak for sore feet for at least 20 minutes. If you can carve out a bit longer, do it! Even better if you can relax with a book/magazine and a cup (or glass) of your favorite beverage.
Below is a guide on how to do a homemade foot soak for tired aching feet. It is pretty flexible so I encourage you to experiment and come up with what works for you.
Things You’ll Need for Your Homemade Foot Soak
1. Basin
The first thing to consider is what to soak sore feet in. You can get by with a small wash tub, basin, plastic container or a large bucket. Whatever you have on hand that will suit.
An alternative is an electronic foot spa machine. These are a particularly good idea if homemade foot soaks become a regular thing for you.
These machines are great. They vibrate and massage your tootsies while the bubbles increase relaxation and circulation.
2. Warm Water
A key ingredient for any good foot soak for sore feet is warm water. It will help them to relax and also bring out the fragrance and therapeutic properties of the rest of the ingredients.
You can boil up the kettle to get a head start or use nice warm water from the tap. Be sure to test the temperature of the water first before emerging your feet!
3. Epsom Salts
Epsom Salts are available at most pharmacy sections of any grocery store or drug store. You can also buy them in bulk.
These salts are both relaxing and therapeutic. They work by drawing out toxins and impurities from your system.
Epsom salts contain magnesium which becomes absorbed through your skin. It makes a great addition for your regular bubble bath too as it is awesome for soaking away aches and pains.
4. Herbs and Spices
Choosing fragrant herbs will help make the experience even more enjoyable and relaxing. Some herbs can help combat foot odor or chronic sweaty feet.
Great choices include:
- Cinnamon bark/quills – improves circulation
- Mint leaves – fights foot odor
- Chamomile – soothes skin
- Sage – deodorizes sweaty feet
- Orange or Lemon Peel – energize and deodorize
- Rosemary – improves circulation
- Lavender – soothes skin
- Thyme – for fungal infections
But remember, you are not limited to these. Feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices. This is the best way to find what is good to soak sore feet in for enjoyable, and different results.
5. Essential Oils
Adding a few drops of essential oil will take your foot bath to another level. Use a single oil or a blend of favorites, whatever takes your fancy.
Peppermint, Sweet Orange, Bergamot and Eucalyptus can be very invigorating. These are great choices if you have worked all day and need an extra boost to keep going!
If you are looking to soothe tired feet, try Lavender, Geranium, Juniper and Spearmint oils.
The best way to make and essential oil foot soak for sore feet is to add them to the Espom Salts first and mix through. This ensures they disperse through the water when added rather than floating on top.
6. Towel
Don’t forget your towel! Seems obvious, but trust me, it is an easy thing to overlook. Put it right beside you before putting your feet in the water.
Nothing quite wrecks a relaxing foot soak than having to walk through the house to get a towel.
7. Lotion
Follow up with some natural foot lotion. Take the time to massage it into your feet and show them the ultimate gratitude.
Now you know how to soak sore feet. Treating your feet to a homemade foot soak for tired feet is that easy. I hope you make the time to let do it soon and it becomes a part of your regular home pampering schedule.
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