I had so many wonderful comments and questions from my recent post about Epsom Salts bathing.
We may be re-starting a new healthy trend! Several questions arose about soothing foot baths. There are unlimited ways to fashion healing foot baths + foot 'soaks'. Whichever way you make them, they can be a super positive healing + calming ritual for every member of the family!
How to make your own Soothing Foot Baths
It's easy. For basic foot baths:
Pour warm or hot water into a small tub or 'foot bath' and add feet!
My favourite soothing foot baths are simple ~ this wonderful self caring treat need not take a lot of time to prepare and there are lots of ways to make this simple habit, a very healing habit.
1. Water + Epsom salts and/or herbs
Pour warm or hot water into a small tub or 'foot bath'
Add 1 cup of Epsom salts.
The water should be deep enough to cover the ankles. Best case scenario?
The water comes to mid-calf.
2. Water + herbs (fresh herbs or herbal tea)
Pour warm or hot water into a small tub or 'foot bath'
Add 2 cups of strained herbal tea**
Assorted herbs + flowers can be added for layers of delight + healing properties.
Enjoy!
What a wonderful evening ritual (or morning, for that matter!)
Don't forget the towel! Enjoy.
3, Healing Foot Soak Spa Experience
Put the herbs in the basin you are going to use for your foot bath experience.
Boil water and, while still warm, pour over the herbs.
Add a cup of Epsom salts and the ¼ cup olive oil (or your preference)
Mix with a wooden spoon.
Allow the water to cool enough to be very warm but still comfortable.
That's it ~ Ready to enjoy ! Soak feet for as long as desired.
(remember the towel ~ too many times, I've forgotten that small but important step; a towel on hand just makes for a more relaxing experience)
** Use what you have to create your own personal foot baths!
My favourites are Calendula, Chamomile, Garlic, Ginger, Lavender, Lemon Balm, any Mints, Roses, Rosemary, Sage + Thyme. There are MANY more options.. These are my 'go to' herbs at home for my own foot baths.
Package up some of these ideas and you have a delightful warming + thoughtful gift for busy friends and family! QUICK to pull together + always appreciated!
I make this all winter with dried herbs . Make a tea with one or more herbs and strain. Then add a ½ cup of dried flowers, such as chamomile, calendula, elderflower, roses, lavender or yarrow for another level of decadence!
Add a 3-4 drops of your favourite essential oil.
I like to use lavender or other relaxing essential oils. Use sparingly.
Foot baths can help with a wide range of ailments such as flu, headaches, insomnia, fatigue, poor circulation; even varicose veins can improve. Experiment with hydrotherapy ! A cold foot bath can relieve headache and insomnia. Alternating hot and cold water helps improve circulation. Try soaking in hot water for two minutes, then cold water for one minute. Repeat a few times.
Soothing Foot Baths + GARLIC's healing power
Blend up to six cloves in a pint of hot water.
Allow to sit for an hour, essentially making a garlic infusion.
Put hot water into a tub and add the garlic 'tea' mixture.
Soak the feet for at least 15 minutes, or as long as possible.
Top up the hot water when when necessary to keep the bath very warm.
This special bath is an excellent tonic, good treatment for fatigue and is known for helping fungal infections of the feet.
Why stop at garlic? Excellent warming foot baths can be created using hot mustard powder, horseradish and ginger -- either fresh grated ginger or powdered ginger if fresh is unavailable. Use the guidelines above and substitute a couple of tablespoons of mustard powder, or 6-7 'coins' of ginger root or ¼ cup of fresh grated horseradish for the garlic.
These baths are packed with healing powers and can be a big part of your winter immune health plan!
What's YOUR favourite foot bath?? Please leave a comment!
Foot baths are a wonderful healing gift! ENJOY!! Soothe your busy feet.
It's a good thing + a calming nourishing self care ritual!
Want to learn more about HOW to increase you and your family's health?
Want to learn some DIY herbal remedies ?
Check out my ebook "Cold + Flu Season ~ Are YOU Ready?"
Here's to our health. Here's to peace of mind.! Carol xo
Renee D Kohley
I would have never thought of the garlic foot bath but it makes SO much sense! I am doing this!
go to website
Valuable info. Lucky me I found your web site by accident, and I'm stunned why this
twist of fate did not took place earlier! I bookmarked it.
carollittle
welcome!
Jody Wetmore
I'm so busy I forget to take care of me to! Especially my feet. They work harder than any other part of my body. Thank you for this post! I'm on my way to the store now <3