Busy schedules, kids, work, and getting a healthy supper on the table can wear a mama out. It’s easy to go a whole day without taking any time out just to recharge and relax. (I know I’m guilty!) While slipping away for an hour-long soak in the tub may not be practical some days, how about a quick stress relieving foot soak?
A foot soak takes just minutes to set up and enjoy, and can be used anywhere in the house. You can slip in a foot bath while working at the computer, watching TV, or even hanging out in the living room while the kids are running around.
This DIY stress-relieving foot soak has both soothing herbs and magnesium-rich salt to calm both body and mind.
Doesn’t it sound good? Time to get soaking!
Benefits of Soaking Your Feet
There are plenty of foot soak recipes out there (I use this detoxing foot soak recipe from time to time also), so why this one? It’s simple enough that I actually make it (even on a busy day) and its simple ingredients are potent enough that they really do the job to help me soothe and relax.
Healing Herbals
Here are some of the key herbs in this stress relieving foot soak (and why they’re used):
- Lavender – This nervine (a fancy way to say it calms the nerves) helps support the nervous system. Its anti-inflammatory properties soothe achy, painful, or swollen feet.
- Chamomile – Another relaxing nervine that’s useful for restlessness and irritability. It has anti-inflammatory properties, helps calm muscle spasms, and is a mild pain reliever.
- Rosemary – This herb is a member of the mint family and has some of the same refreshing qualities. It helps to tone and open veins, stimulate circulation, and calm nerves. It’s also a warming herb as well and the concentrated essential oil is especially good at relieving stiffness and soreness in overworked muscles.
Stress-Melting Magnesium
Most foot soak recipes contain Epsom salts, and for good reason.
Although commonly called Epsom salts, the chemical name is actually magnesium sulfate. Magnesium serves as a tonic for the nervous system and is necessary for many functions throughout the body. Magnesium even helps calm convulsions and spasms.
Unfortunately the vast majority of us are deficient in this vital mineral thanks to depleted soil conditions and sugar consumption. There are many ways to supplement magnesium, but it absorbs most efficiently through the skin, making it perfect for a foot soak.
Stress Relieving Foot Soak Recipe
This recipe makes enough for 4 relaxing foot soaks.
Ingredients:
- 2 TBSP carrier oil of choice (olive or sweet almond both work well)
- 5 drops rosemary essential oil
- 2 cups Epsom salt
- ¼ cup lavender flowers
- ¼ cup whole chamomile flowers (or 2 TBSP ground)
Instructions:
- In a bowl mix together the liquid carrier oil and rosemary essential oil. Then add the rest of the ingredients and stir well.
- Store in an airtight glass jar right in the tub or container you plan to use for soaking. I keep it right by my workstation so I remember to use it (when I’m sitting that is!).
How to Use:
- Fill a container large enough for your feet and fill with very warm water, but not burning hot. Add ½ cup of the bath salt mixture to your foot bath and stir to dissolve.
- Soak your feet for about 20 minutes, or until the water becomes cool.
- Follow up with homemade magnesium foot scrub, some sleepytime foot spray, or this salve for cracked heels for extra relaxing and moisturizing benefits!
Note:
The rosemary essential oil is most effective at stimulating circulation for tired feet, but if you don’t have the oils or want to skip them, you can just add ¼ cup of dried rosemary leaves at the beginning of the foot soak recipe along with the lavender and chamomile.
Other Ways to Treat Your Feet
- Soothing Magnesium Foot Scrub – When you need more than a soak!
- Barefoot Shoes – Let your feet function the way nature made them and reap the benefits.
- Best Non-Toxic Nail Polish Options – A non toxic pedicure is possible!
- DIY River Rock Acupressure Mat – Wake up your feet with this simple to make mat – perfect for under your desk or around the house.
Do you have a favorite way to pamper your feet at the end of a long day? Please share!
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