Extended durations of walking, running or standing can cause sore and swollen feet. Here are four natural ways you can do at home to pamper and treat your aching feet.
Cold Water Method
Cold-water foot bath is one excellent treatment for a foot or ankle injury or swollen feet. Have some ice cubes close by as well for extra soothing.
Topical Ointment Method
Use ointment or arnica gel that is homeopathic for treating any sprains, sore or overworked muscle. It works wonders for swelling, bruises and stiffness induced by physical trauma. Respected for its healing properties, arnica montana comes in homeopathic preparations in the form of homeopathic pellets and/or tincture, which are available in most major health food stores. They have been found to be effective and safe. The gel and ointment are for external use only on unbroken skin. If you are a traveler, never leave home without it. Arnica ointment must be the last to be put on following an essential oil massage blend. Arnica massage oil is also quite useful for relief of an overworked back or for massaging sore feet.
Bath tub method
The tub method of foot bath is the easiest to do since you don't have to haul out a dish basin. Blend your foot bath oils early on and carry them with you especially when you travel. The tub method works best inside your hotel room.
Dish Basin Method
You will need a vessel that will allow your feet to fit well and holds plenty of water to cover the feet up to the ankles. An enamel wash basin or a plastic dish basin is preferable since it is deep enough to prevent the water from splashing over the sides when being carried, or from overflowing when you put your feet in. Using essential oils on automatic foot baths that vibrate and massage the feet may work as well but might deteriorate the parts when it comes in contact with the oils. Check you machine’s manual.
A good thing about dish basin is the ease of cleaning and portability — you can read and relax on the couch or sit in front of the TV, while soaking sore feet. Keeping a kettle of water heating on the stove is good so you will be able to keep warming up the foot bath as necessary. Keep in mind to put a towel next to your soaking area so you have it prepared to cover your relaxed toes when you are done.
Start out the bath by cleaning your feet prior to setting them into the basin to soak. Essential oils must be added to the basin just before plunging your feet. A total of 8 to 10 drops of essential oil is adequate and the combinations are virtually endless. Use varying combinations of peppermint, bergamot, rosemary, lavender, lemon, tea tree, patchouli, rose geranium, eucalyptus and clary sage. Much like on a tub bath, you must be sure the oils are well blended with the water prior to soaking.
