After a long day, many of us want nothing more than to be able to put our feet up and relax. Spending the day on your feet can leave them feeling sore, overheated, and even swollen, regardless of the activity or work you were doing!
Luckily, there’s a simple fix for sore and swollen feet, and it’s a great way to relax and unwind too—a foot soak! More specifically, a foot soak with Epsom salt, a source of magnesium and other minerals that can be absorbed through the skin to help reduce pain and inflammation.
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But why stop there? Adding baking soda to your foot soak can provide additional exfoliation as well as odor control. And as the cherry on top, add a little peppermint essential oil for its anti-inflammatory properties and the refreshing cooling effect it provides.
With these three simple ingredients, you can make your own all-natural foot soak that’s a treat for your feet! Here’s how it’s done.
How To Make A Soothing Homemade Foot Soak
Ingredients:
1 cup Epsom salt
2 cups baking soda
25 drops peppermint essential oil
Directions:
Add the Epsom salt, baking soda, and essential oils to a large bowl or jar. Stir until the salt mixture is well combined, then store it in an airtight container.
How To Use Your Homemade Foot Soak
Start by filling your foot bath with hot water. (If you’re like me and don’t actually own a foot bath, a plastic dish tub works just as well!)
Measure out 1/4 cup of the foot soak mixture and add it to the water, then give it a stir to help the salt crystals dissolve.
Pull up a comfy chair and soak your feet in the water for around 20 minutes or so. (Keep in mind that it takes at least 15 minutes to get all the benefits of the soak ingredients, so relax and take your time!)
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When you’re finished soaking, rinse and dry your feet with a clean towel and apply a rich moisturizing lotion or cream. Perform this foot soak once a week, or as often as needed for softer, happier feet!
Bonus Tips From OGT Readers
- Savvy OGT readers have offered up some brilliant tips that will take your foot soak to the next level:
- “Add marbles into your foot bath and roll your feet over them for a massage. Works great!” – Jamie
- “Try putting some basil and rosemary essential oils in as well. The basil is warming, and the rosemary is anti-viral/anti-fungal!” – Charon
How do you like to unwind after a long day?
