6 Homemade Foot Baths for Beautiful Feet

There’s nothing better than a nice foot bath at the end of a very hectic day. But you can’t go to the salon every time you need one, don’t worry! You can try some homemade foot baths! Made with natural ingredients to soften and remove dead skin, these foot baths will leave your feet soft and smooth. Plus, essential oils add a touch of aromatherapy for a complete pampering experience just like at your salon. So, try out some homemade foot bath recipes!

What is a foot bath?

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

Read also: How to Keep Your Feet Healthy? 7 Tips to Improve Your Foot Care Routine

Benefits of Homemade Foot Baths

Here are some of the remarkable benefits of homemade foot baths.

1. Helps relieve stress

Hot water itself is a powerful stress reliever, promoting the release of feel-good hormones. A study published in the International Journal of Science and Research suggests that soaking your feet in hot water can help older people combat fatigue without the need for medication. It’s a cheap and easy way to relieve stress, sleep problems, anxiety, and fatigue. Hot water dilates the blood vessels in your feet, increasing blood flow and delivering more oxygen and nutrients to your brain, which helps reduce fatigue.

2. Improves blood circulation

“Soaking your feet in warm water can help dilate blood vessels, increasing blood flow. This can be especially helpful for people who stand or sit for long periods of time,” says the expert. However, more research is needed to prove this claim.

3. Lowers blood pressure

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

Read also: Soak your feet in green tea water for the perfect pedicure

4. Gives smoother skin

“Dry, cracked heels and rough skin are common foot complaints. Warm water in a foot bath 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. Targeted relief

Homemade foot baths can be customized with specific ingredients to address various foot issues. Epsom salts are known for their muscle-relaxing properties, which can be helpful for tired or sore feet, according to a study published in the International Journal of Health Science and Research. Similarly, ingredients like apple cider vinegar or baking soda may help combat foot odor and fungal infections. However, more research is needed to prove this claim.

Easy Homemade Foot Bath Recipes for Smooth Feet

Here are some of the best recipes for homemade foot baths, explained by the expert.

1. Foot bath for sore feet

Ingredients:

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

Method:

• Dissolve the salt in a bathtub full of warm water.
• Mix essential and carrier oils in the tub.
• Gently immerse your feet in the tub and let them soak for 10-15 minutes.
• After soaking, apply your favorite moisturizer.

2. Exfoliating foot bath

Ingredients:

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

Method:

• Add the vinegar to a tub full of warm water.
• Add the lemon juice.
• Use the inside of the peel to gently clean your feet and toes.
• Before adding the salt to the tub, apply it to your feet using light circular movements.
• After soaking your feet, use a pumice stone, exfoliating brush, or washcloth to gently remove dead skin cells.

3. Foot bath for dry skin

Ingredients:

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

Method:

• In a small bowl, combine the honey, sea salt, and coconut milk in the boiling water.
• Slowly pour the mixture into a tub of warm water.
• Add some ground cinnamon and a few drops of rosemary essential oil to the water to create an aromatherapy experience.
• Soak your feet for 20 minutes.
• Gently and thoroughly rub your feet with warm water.
• Dry them with a cloth and moisten them.

4. Foot bath for soft skin

Ingredients:

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

Method:

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

5. Foot bath to relax

Ingredients:

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

Method:

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

6. Foot bath for smelly feet

Ingredients:

• 1 cup vinegar
• Hot water

Method:

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

Read also: Feet Smell Like Vinegar? It Could Be a Sign of Diabetes or Kidney Disease

Keep in mind!

• Perform a patch test on your forearm to check for allergies to any of the above substances.
• Before immersing your feet in the tub, make sure the water is not too hot.
• Avoid using foot baths 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 good moisturizer or oil to lock in moisture.
• You can also wear the socks overnight or for a few hours after the foot bath.
• Also, if you do not maintain proper hygiene, there is a risk of infection. It is important to wash your feet thoroughly before soaking and dry them completely afterwards.

Also, it is important to consult your doctor before integrating these foot baths into your daily routine.