Spring has officially arrived. Whilst we may not immediately see a change in the weather, hopefully the colder weather is gradually drawing to a close, with warmer weather just around the corner. It’s no secret that winter is extremely harsh on our skin, but it’s worse for the soles of the feet since they do not have oil glands to regulate hydration. Our feet have spent the last few months bundled into thick socks, boots and enclosed shoes, unable to breathe properly, getting too hot, too cold, and maybe even getting soaked in rain or snow showers.
Its so easy to neglect our feet when we are just bundling them up, but this can have dire consequences for their condition and subsequently their ability to fulfil their function – to carry us where we want to go, which can majorly impact on our quality of life.
Its also important to remember that our feet are often indicators regarding our general health and can determine underlaying health conditions. By often displaying the first symptoms of disease, they can provide an early warning system for the onset of diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, thyroid disorder, kidney, lung disease and more. Therefore it is imperative that are feet are in tip-top condition so that we can recognise and investigate any uncharacteristic changes or sensations.
So how are they looking right now? Dry? Cracked? If left untreated these cracks can become deeper and provide an open invitation to bacteria or infection. Perhaps they are smelling a little too fragrant, and not in a good way! Now is the time to give our feet some TLC so that they’re ready to be put out on display as the weather improves. So what can we do to get them prepared? What natural remedies can Mother Nature provide us with to empower ‘happy feet”, ready to dance with health and vitality?
Keep them clean
Before bed, ensure you clean your feet with a good quality soap, making sure not to miss between the toes, and exfoliate.
Make your own sea salt foot scrub to revive, moisturise and rejuvenate tired, sore or rough feet and heels. It’s therapeutic for body and mind:
Ingredients: 1 cup coarse sea salt, ½ cup almond or grapeseed oil, 20 drops of peppermint essential oil or 12 drops of peppermint essential oil and12 drops of lavender essential oil.
Method: Combine the almond oil and essential oils and blend well. Place the sea salt in a bowl and gradually pour in the oil mixture, stirring well to mix. Spoon into a glass jar. Add a ribbon and other decorations as required.
How to use: Place feet over a bowl of warm water and place some of the scrub over the feet, scrubbing well. Lower feet into the bowl, and sit back and relax for a few minutes. Rinse the feet well and dry.
Soak well
For added relaxation, make a foot bath a part of your nightly routine, or at the very least treat your feet to a good soak at least once a week. It will soothe your feet and help to relax tired muscles. Use warm water, not hot, as too hot water can also initiate dryness. Add some essential oils for aromatherapy benefits for the mind and body. Take care to dry the feet properly, as damp can be a breeding ground for fungal infections.
Try this regenerating blend:
2 litres hot water
4 drops tea tree essential oil – analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-itching, anti-psoriatic, antiseptic, antiviral, skin healing. Also relieves painful bunions.
4 drops lavender essential oil – analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, antiseptic, calmative, skin regenerator.
2 drops patchouli essential oil – analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antioxidant, antiseptic, deodorant, enhances blood circulation, promotes skin renewal and wound healing.
2 drops rose essential oil – analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, antiseptic, antiviral, cicatrizant (wound healing), enhances blood circulation, promotes skin regeneration, rehydrates dry skin.
Massage with natural oils
The most important thing you can do for your feet is to keep them well hydrated. Under normal circumstances your feet will benefit from daily moisturising, but during winter or when trying to get them back into condition, you will need to repeat more often. Using an oil based moisturiser will have faster and better results than something water based. It will look in moisture and make the skin more supple and reduce cracking.
Deep nourishing natural oils are able to better penetrate the skin, and have amazing benefits to boot, with antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and wound boosting properties. Massage will also increase circulation to the feet, further accelerating the healing process. To use, simply massage your chosen oil into the feet for 10-15 minutes, wipe off any excess and cover, preferably with cotton socks to lock in moisture but still allow the feet to breathe. Try some coconut, jojoba, sweet almond, argan or wheatgerm oil.
Another alternative is shea butter which is an excellent emollient and skin moisturiser.
Moisturiser should only be applied after the feet are properly dry, and should be allowed to absorb fully before the feet are covered, preferably in cotton socks which will protect against dirt and bacteria, but still allow them to breathe properly. It is important to always moisturise before bed as it’s at night that skin goes into “repair” mode and starts to regenerate.
Essential oils for enhanced healing
However you choose to treat your feet, with a store bought moisturiser, natural carrier oil, or a foot bath, you can further the healing effect by adding a few drops of essential oil to the mix. Aside from the essential oils already mentioned in our regenerating foot bath recipe, the following are also very beneficial:
Eucalyptus essential oil – analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-itching, antimicrobial, anti-psoriatic, antiseptic, antiviral, moisturising, skin healing. Revives sore and tired feet.
Frankincense essential oil – analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiseptic, calmative, moisturising. Increases skin tissue regeneration, heals wounds, cuts and inflammations and decreases skin pain. Soothes and rejuvinates.
Peppermint essential oil – analgesic, antibacterial, antiemetic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-itch, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral. Accelerates wound healing, and supports regeneration of the skin. Offers a cooling, numbing sensation, and refreshes tired and sore feet.
Follow our tips above and transition easily from winter to spring with your feet ready to be out on display.
