Article by BR Tabby
Our feet take a pounding, day in, day out. For our essential workers - you guys are on your feet more than ever at the moment. Add to that that winter and the cold weather tend to leave them in an uber-dry, flake-fest and well; its safe to say, we could probably all use a home rememdy for our trotters right now.
From my bubble, I've pestered the crew and found their favourite cures for all kinds of foot problems - and you can use the contents of your pantry for all of them!
1. Brown Sugar Foot Scrub
Mix together 1 tablespoon each of brown sugar, olive oil, and baking soda.
The brown sugar and baking soda work together to exfoliate dead skin cells while the olive oil softens and smoothes out any cracks.
2. Shea Butter Foot Balm
In a pot over low heat, combine ¼ cup of shea butter, 2 tablespoons coconut oil, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and ½ ounce piece of beeswax (grated). Turn off the heat and add 5-6 drops of vanilla essential oil and 5-6 drops of peppermint essential oil.
All of these skin-loving ingredients will help treat dryness on the feet while the peppermint oil will refresh.
3. Lime and Mint Foot Soak
2 cups of salt, ½ cup of baking soda, zest of 1 lime, 3 drops of peppermint essential oil, and 3 drops of lime essential oil.
Let your feet soak in the mixture for however long you feel it’s necessary before rinsing off. The salt helps soothe cramps in the feet while the baking soda helps exfoliate and get rid of harsh foot odors. The lime energizes and refreshes while the peppermint essential oil helps calm the senses and freshen up stressed feet with its cooling sensation.
4. Oatmeal Foot Mask
2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of honey, and ½ cup of olive oil in a large mixing bowl. Keep mixing until you reach a thick, mask-like consistency.
Take a few handfuls of the oatmeal foot mask and apply it all over your feet. Let it sit for 25-35 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water and towel patting dry. Your once rock hard feet will now be soft, moisturized, and renewed!
5. Salt Foot Detox
1 cup of Epsom salt, 1 cup of sea salt, and 1 cup of baking soda. Add the mixture into a bowl or tub of hot water and let your feet soak for 25 minutes.
Prep yourself for a relaxing foot detox by mixing together. Looking to turn things up a notch? Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil (peppermint, lavender, etc.) to help smoothe out dry areas of the skin. Or, if you’re really looking for a good detox, add some garlic, citrus peel, or ginger to further fuel the detoxification process.
Do you have a favourite DIY foot treatment? Sharing is caring - tell us below!
Photo/Recipe credits: 1-3: Crew recipe, images via pinterest. 4. wholeliving.com, 5. allwomenstalk.com
I read this article a few months ago, and thought I’d let all the other moms out there know this is a great activity to do with your young children on a wet weekend, my 3 yr old son and 5yr Ltd daughter love our home made spa afternoons!!