We are big fans of naturally boosting our immune systems when we can. One of my favorite ways to relax and boost my immune system is with a homemade foot soak. I’ll be sharing the perfect DIY foot soak recipe today. The two essential oils that I add to the foot soak are a crucial part since they have antibacterial, antiviral and immune boosting properties. Say goodbye to tired, achy feet and hello to a blissful, homemade foot soak like no other!
Disclaimer: Consult your physician before using essential oils if you are pregnant or have other medical concerns. The information presented on this site has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Nothing on this website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
This foot soak recipe was first published on June 26, 2018. I have republished it here to make it easier for my readers to find and added the benefits of a foot soak. A foot soak may seem like a small act, but its impact on your well-being can be truly profound.
The Shocking Benefits of a Foot Soak You Never Knew
Are your tired, sore feet in need of some TLC? You may be surprised to discover that the simple act of soaking your feet can do wonders for your overall well-being. Kick off your shoes, sit back, and prepare to be amazed by the shocking benefits of of this Himalayan salt foot soak recipe that will revolutionize your self-care routine.
Relieve Aches and Pains with a Foot Soak
One of the most remarkable benefits of a foot soak is its ability to relieve aches and pains. Whether you spend long hours on your feet or simply suffer from occasional foot discomfort, a foot soak can work wonders in soothing those weary muscles and joints. As you immerse your feet in warm water, the heat gently penetrates your skin, easing tension and promoting relaxation. The warm water also helps to increase blood flow to the area, providing relief from pain and reducing inflammation. When you add certain ingredients to your foot soak, such as Himalayan salt, Epsom salt or essential oils, the benefits multiply.
Epsom salt, composed of magnesium and sulfate, has been long celebrated for its pain-relieving properties. Soaking your feet in a solution of warm water and Epsom salt can help reduce inflammation, alleviate muscle cramps, and even aid in the treatment of conditions like arthritis or gout. Himalayan salt baths may also be beneficial for reducing fatigue and pain.
Additionally, incorporating essential oils into your foot soak can offer further relief from aches and pains. Oils like lavender, peppermint, or eucalyptus possess natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, making them perfect additions to your foot soak routine. Tea tree oil is antifungal and good to add if you have any concerns about fungal infections like athlete’s foot. As you soak your feet in the aromatic water, these oils are absorbed through your skin and work their magic, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Boost Circulation and Reduce Swelling
One of the key advantages to DIY foot spa recipes is the boost it gives to blood circulation. As the warm water surrounds your feet, it helps to dilate the blood vessels, allowing for better blood flow throughout your lower extremities. This increased circulation can alleviate swelling and reduce discomfort in your feet and ankles.
When you spend long hours on your feet or engage in activities that involve standing or walking for extended periods, it’s common for fluid to accumulate in your lower limbs, leading to swelling. A DIY foot soak can help counteract this by promoting the movement of blood and lymph, which assists in reducing swelling. The warm water acts as a natural diuretic, encouraging excess fluids to be released from your tissues and reducing any puffiness or bloating you may be experiencing.
Detoxify Your Body Through Your Feet
When it comes to detoxifying your body, you may think of fancy cleanses or restrictive diets. However, did you know that you can actually support your body’s natural detoxification processes through a foot soak? That’s right – those neglected appendages at the end of your legs can play a crucial role in eliminating toxins from your body. Our bodies are exposed to various toxins daily, whether it’s through the food we eat, the air we breathe, or the products we use. These toxins can build up over time and have detrimental effects on our health and well-being. Thankfully, one way to assist in flushing out these harmful substances is by soaking your feet in warm water infused with detoxifying ingredients.
During a detox foot soak, your feet absorb the water and any added ingredients, such as salt, baking soda, or essential oils. These substances work their magic by drawing out toxins through the pores in your feet, helping to eliminate them from your body. Additionally, the warm water stimulates blood flow and lymphatic circulation, aiding in the removal of waste and toxins from your tissues.
Improve Sleep Quality and Reduce Insomnia
Improved sleep quality is one of the many surprising benefits that a DIY foot soak can deliver. The calming and relaxing effects of soaking your feet in warm water can help prepare your body for a restful sleep. As you soak your feet, the warm water helps to promote relaxation and decrease muscle tension, allowing you to unwind from the stresses of the day.
For those struggling with insomnia, a foot soak can be particularly beneficial. The benefits of a foot soak go beyond just physical relaxation. As you create a serene environment for your foot soak, taking the time to slow down and be mindful, you allow your mind to shift away from the worries and anxieties that can keep you awake at night. This mental break can be incredibly soothing, providing a much-needed respite from the demands of daily life.
Homemade Foot Soak Recipe & Tutorial
All Natural Simple Ingredients & Supplies Needed for your homemade foot soak:
- Pink Himalayan Salt (Epsom Salt is a good substitute)
- Young Living Thieves Essential Oil
- Young Living Oregano Essential Oil
- Liquid Coconut Oil
- 2 TBSP of baking soda
- Small Bowl
- Spoon
For an antifungal foot soak recipe, substitute tea tree oil in place of the other two essential oils in my recipe. If you need essential oils, I am a Young Living Distributor and you can reach out to me on Instagram.
How To Make A DIY Foot Soak:
This is a quick and easy recipe to make! Take one cup of your pink Himalayan salt (this salt helps pull out toxins from the body while you soak) and add that to a medium mixing bowl. Add 2 TBSP of baking soda which will help to balance your pH levels and detox while you soak. Stir to mix well.
Pour 1 tablespoon of liquid coconut oil into a small bowl. The addition of coconut oil will help moisturize dry skin while your feet soak. Next, add your essential oils- 3 drops of Thieves essential oil and 2 drops of Oregano essential oil. Or add 5 drops of tea tree oil (total) instead of other 2 essential oils if you prefer an antifungal foot soak. Now, mix the essential oil into the carrier using a spoon — this helps safely dilute the essential oil.
Pour the oils into the dry ingredient bowl and mix everything together. Your homemade foot soak is ready to use. This amount is perfect for one use.
How To Do An At Home Foot Soak:
Use a foot bath, a large basin, or a plastic tub that will hold enough water for you to fully submerge both of your feet and go up to the ankles.
The water needs to be pretty warm so get it as hot as you can enjoy it so that the salts dissolve well and you can sweat out some toxins while you relax in the soak. The ideal temperature is between 92°F and 100°F but do what feels good to you.
Add the warm water and the foot salt mixture to the foot tub. Stir to help dissolve and mix.
Place your feet into the homemade foot soak and sit back and unwind. Allow your feet to relax in the homemade foot soak for at least 10-20 minutes. The warm water and salts will soften rough patches and calluses. The end of the foot soak is a great time to use a pumice stone to remove dead skin. Finally, rinse and pat dry your feet.
Soak feet once per week or after a particularly long day on tired feet! Many people think about boosting their immune systems in the winter when sickness and germs are going around but it’s actually quite beneficial to support your immune system throughout the year.
This homemade foot soak can also be used as a bath soak. Use the same quantity either way as your feet have tougher skin and do well with the higher concentration while your whole body has more sensitive areas that will do well with the lower concentration.
Printable Recipe Card
Ultimate Foot Soak Recipe
Notes
Consult your physician before using essential oils if you are pregnant or have other medical concerns.
Epsom Salt is a good substitute for Himalayan Salt.
Lavender or tea tree essential oils are good substitutes for Thieves or oregano essential oils.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Pink Himalayan Salt
- 2 Tbsp of baking soda
- 3 drops of Young Living Thieves Essential Oil
- 2 drops of Young Living Oregano Essential Oil
- 1 Tbsp Liquid Coconut Oil
Instructions
- Add dry ingredients to a medium bowl and mix well.
- Add all of the oils to a small bowl and mix well.
- Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients.
- Add the foot soak mixture to warmed water in foot bath basin. (The ideal temperature is between 92°F and 100°F, but do what feels good to you.)
- Stir foot soak into the water.
- Relax your feet in the bath for around 20 minutes.
- Remove your feet and give a quick rinse in fresh water to remove any minerals from your skin surface.
- Towel dry your feet.
Conclusion
By incorporating DIY foot soaks into your regular self-care routine, you can experience a myriad of benefits that go beyond just pampering your feet. From promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety to aiding in detoxification and improving sleep quality, a foot soak can truly enhance your overall well-being. It’s incredible how something as effortless as a foot soak can have such a transformative effect on your physical and mental state. Plus, it is a great way to get rid of foot odor!
Remember, self-care isn’t a luxury, but a necessity. As the saying goes, “Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” So why not indulge in this simple yet powerful practice of a DIY pedicure soak and give your feet the care they deserve?
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You may also enjoy trying this refreshing homemade peppermint foot scrub recipe before the soak to remove dry, dead skin and using this homemade foot cream recipe after for a full spa experience!
Jodi says
That sounds so relaxing! I haven’t really done homemade foot soak recipes before, but now I can see the benefit of them. This one sounds so very relaxing. I already have the Thieves and Oregano, now I just need the Epsom salt.
Sara Gray says
Rachel this was exactly what I was looking for! I’m a huge fan of both pink himalayan salt and coconut oil. I tried this one after a long week on my feet and just wanted to let you know that it was a delight – I’ll certainly be using your home foot soak recipe again.
Rahul Tribhuwan says
Very nice post about self-care. And its really true self-care isn’t luxury, but it necessity, especially when it comes to foot health! This epsom salt foot soak is such an easy way to relax and care for your feet! I love that it uses natural ingredients, and soaking for just 10 minutes makes it totally doable for me even on a busy day. I’ve heard Epsom salt is great for soothing sore muscles and I am glad to find it even helps with getting rid of foot fungus and dead skin. Thanks.
Mr Malik says
I love how simple foot soak recipes can be made right at home with just a few ingredients! Using hot water in a large bowl makes it so easy to set up, and the beneficial properties of the natural ingredients really make a difference. Thanks for sharing these DIY foot soak recipes for tired feet. This recipe was really soothing!
RCS says
I believe self-care starts from the ground up—literally! Whether you’re on your feet all day or just need a relaxing reset, your ultimate foot soak recipe is the perfect way to soothe tired soles, soften skin, and melt away stress.
This simple, rejuvenating soak combines natural ingredients that left my feet feeling refreshed, recharged, and ready to take on anything.