Naturally Healthy Feet

People too often neglect their feet. Yet, it is the feet that support the entire body. Problems with the feet can lead to pain in the legs and back. When feet are neglected, shoved into shoes that are do not fit properly or constructed of man-made materials, they can become injured and diseased. Taking care of the feet properly can have an overall positive effect on the health of the entire body.

The best way to keep feet healthy is through natural means in the safety and comfort of your own home. Begin by choosing socks that are made of cotton instead of nylon. Choose quality shoes that fit properly and do not allow moisture to remain on the feet.

Shoes that fit too tightly can cause bunions, which can lead to bursitis. To prevent bunions, make sure shoes fit properly and use bunion pads when necessary. Treat inflammation with aspirin. Alternately apply ice and heat at approximately 20 minute intervals. If you suffer from chronic bunions, supplement your diet with magnesium, calcium and a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar each day. A homeopathic remedy of arsenicum album in 6X potency may provide relief. If bunions persist, consult a chiropractor.

If you receive professional pedicures, you may be exposing your feet to viral, bacterial and fungal infections. If you visit the wrong salon, you can get athlete’s foot, nail fungus, staph, warts and Hepatitis. This can occur when contaminated tools puncture the skin. One preventative is to always insist the pedicurists use your own personal tools.

Remove callouses from your feet carefully and gently by using a fine pumice. Afterwards apply lotion and put on a pair of cotton socks. If you suffer from diabetes, you should not attempt to remove callouses and never endanger your feet by exposing them to risk of injury of any kind.

Vinegar is an effective way to treat athlete’s foot fungus and toenail fungus and is a very good remedy for feet that suffer from offensive odors. Add 1 parts of either white vinegar or apple cider vinegar to a gallon of warm water and soak for twenty minutes. Add a few drops of sage oil to this solution; it is a natural antiperspirant. Thoroughly dry and powder your feet afterwards after soaking them.

If, for any reason, you are plagued by infections of the feet, this antibacterial, antiviral, this anti-fungal foot bath may be the answer to your problems. Even if you are simply suffering from tired, aching feet from overwork. Treat yourself to this revivifying foot bath:

Fill a small tub, comfortable enough to place both feet in, with warm water.

Add 1/4 cup of Epsom salts.

Add five drops of each of the following essential oils:

• Tea tree oil
• Lavender
• Thyme
• Eucalyptus

Dissolve the Epsom salts and disperse the essential oils in the water. Remember to dry your feet thoroughly before putting on socks or shoes.

Reduce swelling by applying slices of fresh tomato and wrapping your feet loosely in a bandage or cloth. Applying tomatoes in this way can bring swelling from injury or overuse down in a short time.

Fallen arches are more than a cosmetic problem. This condition can cause back pain and other chronic conditions. Fallen arches usually caused by damage to the tendons in the feet. The problem can be corrected by exercising the feet. Gently stretch and rotate them.

It is helpful to the overall health and well-being of a person to have a gentle foot massage. Trade massages with a friend or spouse. When you are alone, massage your own feet by crossing your legs and gently pressing on the bottoms of your feet with your thumbs. Rotate your feet clockwise and then counter-clockwise. End by gently tugging on each toes. Sometimes gently massaging the feet in this way can relieve tension headaches.

Be mindful of your feet and treat them kindly. In return, they will support you in everything you do.