10 Types of Foot Baths and Which Health Problems They Can Solve

It’s not necessary to go to a spa professional to get a treatment that will give you a range of health benefits. Foot soaks can be prepared at very little expense and with ingredients that can be found in every household (they rarely require more than 5 things). These remedies can stimulate blood circulation, help heal certain diseases, and have a powerful effect on your mind and body.

A nice bonus is, when making your own foot soak, you are free to change the concentration of ingredients, and this way get more benefits and reduce the risk of skin irritation caused by the addition of chemicals.

Contrast baths for swollen feet

The different temperatures of water will work great in encouraging better blood circulation in the feet. Though, make sure the water you use is not too hot.

Take 2 buckets and fill half of the first with hot and half of the second with cold water. Soak your feet in the hot water for 10 minutes, then put them for another 10-12 minutes to the bucket of cold water. Switch back to the hot water and keep your feet there for 5 more minutes.

Aromatic citrus soak to get rid of foot odor

Not only will this bath battle bad smells and sweat, but it’s also a perfect way to soothe aching feet.

Add one lemon, one lime, and one orange (all fully sliced) to a foot bath with warm water. Follow with 4 drops of peppermint oil, 4 drops of tea tree oil, and 3 tbsp of baking soda. Soak your feet in the mixture for about half an hour.

Eucalyptus soak to relieve stress

It won’t be long after this spa inspired foot bath that you’ll find yourself feeling more relaxed and calm.

To make the soak add some soothing Epsom salts of your choice to a container full of warm water and follow with 10-12 drops of eucalyptus oil. Soak your feet for 20-30 minutes.

Herbal soak to recover after a long day at work

This home remedy will help the body function properly, especially after many hours spent walking or sitting. Among the bonuses you’ll get will be a detoxification and healthier skin. Fragrant herbs also do wonders for your mood and help you totally relax.

Make a foot bath with warm water, add 2 tbsp of Epsom or sea salt, 1 tsp of baking soda, 1 tsp of extra virgin olive oil, and whatever herbs you prefer — parsley, rosemary, or mint. You can tie the herbs inside of a cheesecloth so that your bath will stay clean.

Lavender bath to soothe sore muscles

Lavender is known to be a natural pain reliever. This bath will help soothe sore joints and bring relief to muscles, while the beautiful aroma will calm your mind.

To a bath of warm water add 1/2 cup of Epsom salts, 2 tbsp of baking soda, and 6 drops of lavender essential oil. Soak your feet in there for 15 to 30 minutes.

Lemon juice bath for yellow toenails

While this refreshing soak itself can help remove yellow stains from the nails, it’s worth knowing that directly rubbing lemon slices onto problem areas is also a good treatment in this case.

For a bath add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to the water and just soak your toes in the mixture.

Epsom salt soak to reduce inflammation

Epsom salt can have a pretty good effect in cases of pain and inflammation, moreover, this soak will be a great remedy to help you feel more relaxed and improve your concentration.

Put 2-3 tbsp of the salt into a bath of warm water. Soak your feet in the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes. Salt can make the skin dry, so it’s important to moisturize the feet well after this procedure.

Baking soda bath for dry skin

A warm soak with baking soda can be the ultimate solution if you want to remove dead skin from the feet. This remedy won’t help everyone though: baking soda can be irritating and can even dry out the skin. Those who have sensitive skin or allergies should avoid this foot spa.

To make the bath add 2-3 tbsp of baking soda to a full foot bath of warm water and soak your feet there for 10-20 minutes. Apply plenty of moisturizer after this procedure.

Multi-purpose vinegar soak

Apple cider vinegar will quickly provide relief to swollen feet and ankles and can help soothe dry, cracked feet and treat callouses. This bath can also help reduce foot odor. Vinegar has good antifungal properties, so those who have toenail fungus may also want to give it a try.

For this bath, use cool water so you don’t dry out the skin. Mix 1 part vinegar with 2 parts water and soak your feet in the mixture for 10-15 minutes. You can use essential oils to make the strong scent of your vinegar remedy more pleasant.

Cucumber bath, without the bath, to reduce stiffness

This homemade treatment works great in cases of swollen feet and stiffness. Cucumber also makes the soak super refreshing.

Cut one cucumber into thin slices. You can either put the slices on the feet and cover them with a loose bandage (remove it after 20-30 minutes) or just extract the juice of cucumber, add it to the water of the foot bath and apply the mixture to your feet — either will get you the same results.

Though foot baths can work well in a wide range of cases, it’s important to remember that these remedies can’t serve as a substitute for medicine. Moreover, those who have lung conditions, allergies, diabetes, heart conditions, low blood pressure, and some other conditions should consult a doctor before trying foot baths.

What results did you get if you’ve ever tried foot soaking? What’s your favorite recipe? We would love to know about your experience, share it with us in the comments.