Nothing feels better than a nice foot soak at the end of a very hectic day. But you can’t go to the salon every time you need it, worry not! You can try some homemade foot soaks! Made using natural ingredients to soften and buff away dead skin, these foot soaks will leave your feet feeling soft and smooth. Plus, essential oils add a touch of aromatherapy for a complete pampering experience just like your salon. So, give some homemade foot soak recipes a try!

What is foot soaking?

“Foot soaking is a self-care practice that involves immersing your feet in water to relax, soften skin, and alleviate pain. It is a simple yet effective way to pamper yourself and improve your overall foot health. By soaking your feet, you can reduce tension, ease muscle cramps, and rejuvenate your skin,” says dermatologist Dr DM Mahajan.

Also Read: How to keep your feet healthy? 7 tips to improve your foot care routine

Benefits of homemade foot soaks

Here are some of the notable benefits of homemade foot soaks.

1. Helps relieve stress

Warm water itself is a powerful stress reliever, which promotes the release of feel-good hormones. A study published in the International Journal of Science and Research suggests that soaking feet in warm water can help elderly people fight fatigue without needing medication. It is an inexpensive and easy way to ease stress, sleep problems, anxiety, and tiredness. Warm water widens blood vessels in the feet, boosting blood flow and delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the brain, which helps reduce fatigue.

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2. Improves blood circulation

“Soaking feet in warm water can help dilate blood vessels, by increasing blood flow. This can be particularly beneficial for people who stand or sit for extended periods,” says the expert. However, more research is needed to prove the claim.

3. Lowers blood pressure

Massage, warm foot soaks, and calming aromatherapy may help lower blood pressure in older people with hypertension. These complementary therapies are successful in lowering blood pressure, as found in a study published in the Indonesian Journal of Community Health Nursing.

Also Read: Soak your feet in green tea water for the best pedicure

4. Gives smoother skin

“Dry, cracked heels and rough skin are common foot woes. The warm water in a foot soak helps soften the skin while exfoliating ingredients like Epsom salts or oatmeal can remove dead skin cells. This promotes smoother, healthier-looking feet,” explains the expert.

5. Target relief

Homemade foot soaks can be customised with specific ingredients to address various foot concerns. Epsom salts are known for their muscle-relaxing properties, which can be helpful for tired or achy feet, as found in a study published in the International Journal of Health Science and Research. Similarly, ingredients like apple cider vinegar or baking soda can help combat foot odour and fungal infections. However, more research is needed to prove the claim.

Easy homemade foot soak recipes for smooth feet

Here are some of the best homemade foot soak recipes, as explained by the expert.

1. Foot soak for achy feet

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of Epsom salt
• 15–20 drops of essential oil of choice, such as peppermint, lavender, or rosemary (optional)
• 6 tablespoons of carrier oil (optional)

Method:

• Dissolve the salt in a bathtub filled with hot water.
• Combine the essential and carrier oils in the tub.
• Gently put your feet in the tub and soak for 10-15 minutes.
• Then apply your favourite moisturiser after soaking.

2. Foot soak for exfoliation

Ingredients:

• 1–3 fresh lemons
• 1–3 cups vinegar (white or apple cider)
• 3 cups of Epsom salt.

Method:

• Add vinegar to a warm tub of water.
• Squeeze in the lemon juice.
• Use the peel’s insides to gently clean your toes and feet.
• Before adding the salt to the tub, apply it on your feet in light circular strokes.
• After soaking your feet, use a pumice stone, exfoliating brush, or washcloth to gently remove any dead skin.

3. Foot soak for dry skin

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of honey
• 1 cup of sea salt
• 1 cup of coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder
• Rosemary essential oil

Method:

• In a small bowl, combine the honey, sea salt, and coconut milk in boiling water.
• Slowly pour the mixture into a tub of lukewarm water.
• Sprinkle cinnamon powder and a few drops of rosemary essential oil into the water to create an aromatherapy experience.
• Soak your feet in it for 20 minutes.
• Scrub your feet gently and thoroughly with warm water.
• Dry them with a cloth and moisturise them.

4. Foot soak for soft skin

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of coconut milk
• 2 teaspoons of aloe vera
• Olive oil (as required)
• 15–20 drops of essential eucalyptus oil

Method:

• Slowly mix coconut milk and aloe vera in a tub of lukewarm water.
• Before adding the essential and olive oils to the bath, mix them in a bowl.
• Soak your feet in the bathtub for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Wash your feet with lukewarm water.

5. Foot soak for relaxation

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of carrier oil
• 10–20 drops of essential oils of choice
• 2 cups Epsom salt
• 1/4 cup dried flowers, such as rose, chamomile, and lavender

Method:

• Mix the carrier and essential oils in a large mixing bowl.
• Add the remaining ingredients to form a mixture.
• Slowly dissolve the ingredients in a tub of hot water.
• If you have any leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight jar for up to two weeks.
• Gently soak your feet in the tub for 15-20 minutes.

6. Foot soak for smelly feet

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of vinegar
• Warm water

Method:

• Fill a tub with warm water, just enough to cover your feet comfortably.
• Add the vinegar and mix thoroughly.
• Soak your feet in the basin for around 15-20 minutes.
• Pat your feet dry completely.

Also Read: Feet smelling like vinegar? It could be sign of diabetes or kidney disease

Keep in mind!

• Perform a patch test on your forearm to check for allergies to any of the substances mentioned above.
• Before you put your feet in the tub, make sure the water is not too hot.
• Avoid using foot soaks if you have open sores, wounds, or ulcers on your feet.
• After soaking your feet, exfoliate them with a pumice stone, brush, or muslin towel. Do not remove dead skin with a razor or scraper.
• After soaking your feet, apply a decent moisturiser or oil to seal in the moisture.
• You can also wear socks overnight or for a few hours following the foot soak.
• Additionally, if proper sanitation is not maintained, there is a risk of infection. It is important to wash your feet thoroughly before soaking and dry them completely afterward.

Also, it is important to consult with your doctor before incorporating these foot soaks into your daily routine.