So, I figured I try out something a little different. On Sundays (not every one, but most, and hopefully in addition to my regular post), I'm going to share something simple. A natural remedy or an easy recipe. A kitchen tip or some other easy-to-explain food or health related idea. No long drawn out stories or explanations (no promises on that though...I may not be able to help it.)
So, let's get to it.
Four Simple Foot Baths
* To make into a regular bath, simple increase the amount added.
1. Epsom Salt/Magnesium Flakes
Why:
This is my go-to bath for aching feet after a long day/week. Relieves sore/tired feet. Improves sleep. Softens skin. Replenishes magnesium levels. Draws out toxins.
How:
Add about 1/4 - 1 cup to foot bath.
2. Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
Why:
For corns/callouses and gout. Gets rid of foot/toe fungus. Softens skin. Relieves sore/tired feet. Helps foot odor. Detox.
How:
Add 1/4 cup to foot bath.
(If it burns, you can add more water or just suck it up because you probably need it the most. I'm mostly kidding. If it burns, which it likely will with fungus, you can add more water or less ACV. But always use common sense...if the burning is too much, please take your feet out and use another option for your foot bath.) I've talked about apple cider vinegar before in this post for ACV face toner.
3. Baking Soda
Why:
Neutralizes chlorine in water. Relieves sore/tired feet. Helps foot odor. Gets rid of foot fungus.
How:
Add about 1/4 cup to foot bath.
4. Bentonite Clay
Why:
Draws toxins out of the body. Gets rid of foot fungus.
How:
Add 3 tbsp to foot bath. Stir with hand or feet. Do not use metal with bentonite clay. *Do not reuse the water.
Optional Essential Oils* (just a few ideas):
Lavender - relaxing
Peppermint - invigorating, soothes aches *only add a drop or two!*
Patchouli - deodorizes
Camphor - for aches and swelling
Eucalyptus - anti-inflammatory
Tea tree - anti-fungal
*Take precautions when using essential oils. More is not better. While many oils are safe for use with children, please do your own research before using them for your child (or yourself). Read here for more on essential oil safety for kids.
How to make and use a Foot Bath
Fill a tub or large bowl with warm (as warm as you can handle) water. You should probably use a tub or basin you don't need in the kitchen. Not sure anyone would want to eat from it again. I use something like THIS. *Optional: to keep water really warm, heat a tea kettle of water. Pour hot water from tea kettle to foot bath when it cools.
Add one or more of the additions from above. For example, make a foot bath with 1/4 cup epsom salt and 1/4 cup baking soda. Add optional essential oils. I only add about 4 drops total, and only 2 drops if using peppermint. Mix essential oils in a small amount of carrier oil or in the epsom salts first for better dispersion.
Soak feet for 15-40 minutes. (I usually soak for 20-30 minutes while watching a show.) Dry feet with towel and moisturize with a natural moisturizer (such as coconut oil) if desired. Discard water.
Enjoy! Seriously, you DO deserve to relax. Now, go relax!
Where do I find this stuff?
Epsom salt and baking soda: You can find them at most stores (maybe even the baking soda is in your cabinet). I buy epsom salts in bulk at Costco. But you can probably find it a Sam's Club or even the grocery store (Walmart for sure). You can find magnesium flakes HERE.
Clay: I use Redmond Clay. I get it from Vitacost.com. (You can use my refer-a-friend link to save $10 on your first order.) Bentonite clay can also be found on Amazon, Mountain Rose Herbs, or directly from the Redmond clay website.
Apple cider vinegar: Find raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar Vitacost, Amazon, or Tropical Traditions or at a local health food store.
Essential oils: I typically get them from Mountain Rose Herbs (HERE), but also like the Aura Cacia brand found on Amazon (HERE) or Vitacost (HERE).
Find other natural, crunchy recipes and stuff HERE.
Shared at: Make Your Own Mondays
****Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or other healthcare professional. This is informational purposes only. The content is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please contact your doctor, dietitian, or other healthcare professional regarding any medical condition or treatment and before making any dietary, health, or lifestyle changes.****
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