Our feet take us where we want to go and carry all our weight. Cooking, cleaning, doing the laundry, taking the garbage out, and going to the grocery are just a few of the daily chores we do that need us to be standing on our feet. After a long day of work or doing house chores, the best way to reward your feet for a job well done is by having a nice and warm Epsom Salt Foot Soak.
Standing or walking for long can lead to foot fatigue and this can cause aching, cramping, swelling, and pain. It can also lead to other foot problems like calluses, swollen and sore toes, and stinky feet.
Epsom salt baths are known to relax the body while enjoying the benefits of magnesium. However, a bath can be pretty time consuming to do every night so a nightly Epsom salt foot bath is highly recommended. You get the same benefits and the convenience of just using a basin makes it easy to do anytime and anywhere.
Why Epsom Salt? Magnesium sulfate or Epsom salt is a pure magnesium and sulfate mineral compound which is totally different from the table salt which is a mineral primarily composed of sodium chloride. Magnesium is involved in more than 300 enzyme systems that control diverse bodily functions. A study showed that there’s a possibility that the skin can absorb magnesium and enter the circulatory system. With the gastrointestinal tract being bypassed in this process, more magnesium serum goes directly to the bloodstream.
Epsom salt has been long used as a natural healing agent for many ailments and pains. Although there’s no solid scientific evidence of the many benefits of Epsom salt, staunch supporters claim that Epsom salt foot soaks not just make you calm and relaxed, it can also ease pain and promote healing.
Here are some Epsom salt foot soak recipes you can try:
Regular Epsom Salt Foot Soak
1 Large Basin that can fit your feet and have enough room for soaking
¼ cup Epsom Salt
Warm Water (just warm enough for a good soak)
Place the Epsom salt in the basin and add the warm water. Let the Epsom salt dissolve in the water then soak your feet for 30-45 minutes. Read a book, or watch TV. Find a comfortable position and soak all your tiredness away.
Epsom Salt & Vinegar
1 cup Epsom Salt
1 cup Vinegar
Warm Water
Combine vinegar and Epsom salt in the warm water. Soak for 30-45 minutes. Vinegar is also a good healing agent.
Minty Citrus Epsom Salt Foot Soak
2 cups Epsom Salt
Zest of 1 Lime
Zest of 1 Orange
½ cup Baking Soda
4 drops Citrus Essential Oil
4 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Stir and mix well. Place in a dry jar with cover and store in the fridge to keep its freshness. Use an ample amount when soaking. This mix will leave your feet feeling cool, soft, smooth, fresh, and smelling nice.
Lavender & Epsom Salt Foot Soak
1 cup Epsom Salt
5 drops Lavender Essential Oil
Warm Water
Large Basin
Place all ingredients in the basin and soak for 30-45 minutes. Lavender is known for its calming effect. This essential oil promotes relaxation and is believed to aid in the treatment of insomnia, depression, anxiety, and many more.
You can also use other essential oils such as:
Geranium Essential Oil - enhances emotional balance, relieve pain, and enhance your mood.
Tea Tree Essential Oil - boosts relaxation and improves sleep.
Cedarwood Oil - an all-natural antiseptic that helps fight fungal and bacterial infections, relieves arthritic pain, and alleviates eczema symptoms.
Cypress Oil - relieves muscle pain and is a natural deodorizing agent. Great for foot odors.
Thyme Oil - has anti-microbial properties.
Do you have other Epsom Salt Foot Soak recipes not listed here? You can share them with us in the comments below!