Citrus Herb Foot Soak

By Staff
Updated on October 22, 2017
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Citrus Herb Foot Soak

Are your dogs barking? Tired and achy? Sore tootsies? Have you ever thought about how truly wonderful and perfectly designed our poor feet are? They take pounds of pressure and force every day just going through the motion of  daily life. Poor circulation, yeast, fungus, ingrown nails… none of which are appealing to visualize and less appealing to have. So now that we have established that our feet are amazing and not always pretty, we can talk about how to help them be at their best. Citrus and herbs can be a wonderful indulgent but important part to your foot care.

Citrus fruits are coming into season at my market, slowly replacing the apples and pears that dominate the autumn grocery shelves. Grapefruits, lemons, limes, oranges all pack powerful punches of vitamins and antioxidants. The oils in the peels contain disinfectant properties that can help prevent the growth of yeasts as well as fight odor and sweat. These oils and their aromatic qualities are released in warm water.

Peppermint and tea tree essential oils have antimicrobial properties that work with the citrus in this foot soak to combat the growth of yeasts and fungus microbes as well as soothe tired muscles. Tea tree oil works with the citrus to have antiseptic qualities that benefit your whole foot.

Baking soda…  is the last magical ingredient in this foot soak. Adding this last ingredient helps to deodorize your feet and soothe aching tendons.  Podiatrist Suzanne M. Levine, D.P.M., in The Doctors Book of Home Remedies by the editors of Prevention Magazine writes, “Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, may balance the pH balance of the feet, reducing the odor forming from bacteria.”

So what do you need?

  • A tub, basin or bathtub for soaking your feet in.
  • 1 Lime
  • 1 Lemon
  • 1 Orange
  • Peppermint Essential Oil (5 drops)
  • Tea Tree Essential Oil (5 drops)
  • 3 Tablespoons of Baking Soda
  • Warm water – My tub uses 1/2 a gallon of water. I heat the water to a comfortable warm temperature.

Slice your fruit and add them to the basin that you are using to soak your feet. It is best to use fruit that is at room temperature. Next add in the warm water, essential oils and baking soda. Stir until the baking soda is dissolved. Finally… soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes. When you are done with your foot soak, dry your feet thoroughly and moisturize. I like to use coconut oil after this foot soak.

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