Yesterday's recipes made me think that it was time to discuss foot care again. While our feet may not show age like the hands do, they do work hard supporting our body weight, pounding the pavement, basking in the sand at the beach, and walking in ridiculous shoes. Sometimes they have circulation issues, sometimes they are cold and wet, other times they are overheated and sweaty. But, unless they are swollen and achy, or perhapse stinking, they are generallyi ignored.
Our hard-working feet should never be ignored, but should be cared for routinely, just as other skin is cared for on a daily basis. Just a few simple steps will ensure the health of the feet, the body's support.
As with all other skin care, good health begins on the inside. Simply making efforts to eat right, drink plenty of water, and to get adequate sleep will go a long way to maintaining good skin health and good foot health too!
Common sense is important too. Things like, making sure that you wear properly fitting shoes, and that you wear shoes that are appropriate for the activity, will impact your foot health tremendously. It is not healthy to cram your feet into those tight-fitting, pointy toed shoes, no matter how hot they look with that new dress. Don't sacrifice your health for fashion!
And here is something that you may not know, the best time to buy a pair of new shoes is in the middle of the day. This is usually when your feet have swollen slightly, so buying shoes at this time will help to ensure that you get a comfortable fit. And here are a few more tips that will contribute to good foot health.
-Make sure to dry the skin/area in between your toes completely after bathing or swimming. Moisture can lead to yeast infection/athletes foot, so it is important to eliminate any possibility of that.
-Inspect your feet and take appropriate care of any small cuts or nicks. Some diseases, age, and some skin conditions [may] impact the feeling in your feet. It is imperative that you take care of small cuts before they become large infections, so visually check your feet on a daily basis at minimum.
-Keep toe nails and cuticles away from soaps, detergents, and hot water as much as possible, and avoid frequent use of nail polish remover, as it dries out the nail bed and leads to splitting.
-Massage and moisturize your feet as often as possible, but at least on a daily basis. The feet are subject to issues of poor circulation, massaging not only feels good, but stimulates and increases the blood circulation.
-Give yourself, or get a pedicure at least once a week to maintain good foot and nail care.
-Do not use a sharp object to remove dirt from under the nails, instead, use a nail brush with baking soda as a cleanser. If your nails are dull and /or yellowed you can brighten them with white vinegar!
-Never cut the cuticles or use cuticle removers on them, instead, soak the toes in warm water to soften the cuticles, then gently push them back, using a soft, moist towel, or by gently applying pressure with an orange stick.
-Keep your toe nails trimmed, making sure that you always cut straight across to prevent hang nails.
-Soak the feet in a warm foot bath for 20 minutes before exfoliating the skin.
-A couple of drops of peppermint essential oil in a foot bath will help to stimulate blood circulation in the feet.
-Treat your feet with the same care and consideration that you treat your face and your other skin, after all, your feet work hard for you every day, and they deserve a bit of pampering!
Showing posts with label foot care. Show all posts
Showing posts with label foot care. Show all posts
Make it Yourself Monday- Foot Scrub
Here is another wonderfully unique gift that you can easily make for a Christmas gift. It is a foot rub. One of those things that you rarely buy for yourself, but are so nice to pamper yourself with when you get one!
You will need;
3 ounces of Sea Salts, (preferably Dead Sea salts, but European or dendritic will work as well- fine or medium grained)
1 ounce jojoba oil
1 ounce sweet almond oil
1/8 teaspoon vitamin E oil
2 Tablespoon jojoba beads (optional)
and your container of choice (I like a nice colored jar, because tins usually rust with just a little bit of time)
2 drops peppermint essential oil*
2 drops lavender essential oil*
1 pod vanilla bean, cleaned out and then chopped (optional)
*or other essential oil blend of choice
Simply mix everything together and place into your container of choice. This gift would be great in a set. Just combine one of the foot soaks, this rub, and a nice lotion or balm (Brambleberry has a nice recipe here), and you have the perfect foot care gift set! Make sure to include a nice instruction card along with it, explaining that you soak, then use this rub to exfoliate (just take a hand full of the salt mixture and rub it on your feet, not forgetting the ankles, in a circular motion, starting at the top and working down toward the toes. Be sure to apply a gentle, even pressure. When finished, rinse with warm water, pat dry, then moisturize with the lotion or balm. You could even include some tips from this post on exfoliating!
There you have it, a useful AND thoughtful gift, handmade by you! What could be better?
What's Up Wednesday - Stomp Out Some Good Summer Foot Care Recipes
Aside from attending my Grandson's first birthday party where, after several days in the high 90's, it stormed and poured down rain on a shelter house full of guests, the only thing I have been up to is the same old, same old. Making soap, visiting forums, and writing about eo's for the book. The only twist, this week I used a couple of plastic containers [that used to hold instant drink mixes] to make some guest size soaps. It was a small batch to try out a sample fragrance, pinenut and blossoms, and I used annatto seed and spirulina for the coloring. Other than having to cut the container to unmold, as I was too impatient to try and wait it out, they came out quite nicely. The fragrance will probably be a limited edition because I don't see me purchasing it, but these sample /guest size soaps are kind of cute, and what a great way to recycle!
This is the finished soap
From these containers
This is the finished soap
From these containers
As a follow up to yesterdays post. I wanted to provide you with some recipes. The first one is not only great for your feet, but is a perfect way to utilize some of your fresh lavender. Don't have any? You can purchase it from several on line sources, or local growers!
LAVENDER WASH
You will need 1/2 cup of dried lavender flowers, 1/2 cup of fresh sage that is finely chopped, 2 cups of water, and 8 drops of lavender essential oil. In a pan, add the lavender and sage to the water, cover and simmer over a low heat for 20 minutes. When time is up, strain the infusion through a cheesecloth, toss the solids, and allow the liquid to cool. Once cooled, add the essential oil and then pat onto your feet (this is great for the hands too). You can repeat as frequently as you like. This recipe is great for relieving tired, swollen, achy, red feet.
You can also easily turn the lavender wash into a foot soak, or substituting any other herbs or herbs of your choice, and enjoy as you soak your cares away. Simply take 2 cups of fresh herbs or 1 cup of dried herbs and steep in 2 gallons of boiling water for 20 minutes. Strain the liquid and toss the plant material when time is up. Allow to cool slightly, then place into a foot tub and soak your feet for 20 minutes, then pat dry.
Foot soaks are easy to prepare and ideal for sore, tired and/or swollen feet. Try using one of the following, or a combination of your favorites; comfrey, elderberry, pine, rosemary, chamomile or sage.
To pull the impurities from the skin, restore minerals (directly into the skin), and gently exfoliate at the same time, try the Green Clay Foot Mask Since clay is also an effective heat conductor, this treatment is very soothing and effective as a muscle relaxing treatment for tired, aching feet. To get the most out of the treatment, make sure to use the green clay. The green clay is rich in magnesium and silica, highly absorbent, and makes a good deodorant. To prepare, just mix 1/2 cup of the powdered green clay with 1/2 cup of distilled water. You can lesson the water if you want, you just need to make a thick paste. Then coat your feet with the clay and allow it to dry, then rinse with warm water, and pat dry. Don't forget to then moisturize those piggies!
Teaching Tuesdays - Stomp Out Some Good Summer Foot Care
While our feet may not show age like the hands do, they support our body weight, pound the pavement, bask in the sand at the beach, walk in ridiculous shoes, have circulation issues, and are often covered with socks and heavy shoes. Unless they are aching or smelling, feet are generally ignored.
Well, we should not ignore our hard-working feet, and with a few simple steps, we can care for them and ensure their health, just as much as we care for the rest of our skin!
Of course, as with all other skin care, good health begins on the inside. So make sure that you are eating right, getting plenty of sleep, and plenty of water to drink.
Of course, common sense works well too, so make sure that your shoes fit well, and that you wear the appropriate shoes for the activities of the day.
It is best to purchase new shoes in the middle of the day, when your feet have had time to swell slightly. This will help to ensure that you get a comfortable fitting shoe.
Additionally, here are a few more tips that you may not have given much thought to.
Make sure to completely dry in between your toes after bathing or swimming. Moisture can lead to yeast infection/athletes foot, so we want to eliminate any possibility of that.
Inspect your feet and take appropriate care of any small cuts or nicks. Some diseases, age, and even some skin conditions may impact the feeling in your feet. It is imperative that you take care of small cuts before they become large infections.
Keep the toe nails and cuticles away from soaps, detergents, and hot water as much as possible. Avoid the frequent use of nail polish remover, it dries out the nail bed and leads to splitting.
Massage and moisturize as often as possible, but daily at minimum. The feet are always subject to issues of poor circulation, massaging not only feels good, but stimulates and increases the circulation.
Give yourself or get a pedicure once a week or more frequently if you can swing it.
Do not use a sharp object to remove dirt from under the nails, use a nail brush with baking soda as a cleanser. If your nails are dull and /or yellowed. brighten them with white vinegar!
Never cut the cuticles (or use cuticle removers), instead, soak your nails in warm water to soften the cuticles, then gently push them back, using a soft, moist towel, or by gently applying pressure with an orange stick.
Keep your nails trimmed, and make sure that you cut straight across when you cut, to prevent hang nails.
Soak feet for 20 minutes in a warm footbath before exfoliating.
A couple of drops of peppermint essential oil will help to stimulate the circulation of the feet.
Come back tomorrow for some great recipes to aide in your foot care!
Well, we should not ignore our hard-working feet, and with a few simple steps, we can care for them and ensure their health, just as much as we care for the rest of our skin!
Of course, as with all other skin care, good health begins on the inside. So make sure that you are eating right, getting plenty of sleep, and plenty of water to drink.
Of course, common sense works well too, so make sure that your shoes fit well, and that you wear the appropriate shoes for the activities of the day.
It is best to purchase new shoes in the middle of the day, when your feet have had time to swell slightly. This will help to ensure that you get a comfortable fitting shoe.
Additionally, here are a few more tips that you may not have given much thought to.
Make sure to completely dry in between your toes after bathing or swimming. Moisture can lead to yeast infection/athletes foot, so we want to eliminate any possibility of that.
Inspect your feet and take appropriate care of any small cuts or nicks. Some diseases, age, and even some skin conditions may impact the feeling in your feet. It is imperative that you take care of small cuts before they become large infections.
Keep the toe nails and cuticles away from soaps, detergents, and hot water as much as possible. Avoid the frequent use of nail polish remover, it dries out the nail bed and leads to splitting.
Massage and moisturize as often as possible, but daily at minimum. The feet are always subject to issues of poor circulation, massaging not only feels good, but stimulates and increases the circulation.
Give yourself or get a pedicure once a week or more frequently if you can swing it.
Do not use a sharp object to remove dirt from under the nails, use a nail brush with baking soda as a cleanser. If your nails are dull and /or yellowed. brighten them with white vinegar!
Never cut the cuticles (or use cuticle removers), instead, soak your nails in warm water to soften the cuticles, then gently push them back, using a soft, moist towel, or by gently applying pressure with an orange stick.
Keep your nails trimmed, and make sure that you cut straight across when you cut, to prevent hang nails.
Soak feet for 20 minutes in a warm footbath before exfoliating.
A couple of drops of peppermint essential oil will help to stimulate the circulation of the feet.
Come back tomorrow for some great recipes to aide in your foot care!
Putting Your Foot Down and Looking Good While Doing It!
Although your feet are often protected with socks and shoes, they still take take a lot of abuse. They often carry excess weight, pound pavement, walk on uneven surfaces, are shoved into high heels or ill-fitting shoes, and sweat throughout long work days, not to mention play days and nights. While your feet may not age as quickly as the hands do, they take nearly as much abuse, and are often forgotten about when providing daily skin care and maintenance.
Here are some TIPS for FOOT CARE;
*I know that it seems silly to say, but don't wear shoes that are too loose or too tight. Loose shoes may cause blisters, while shoes that are too tight reduce blood circulation, effectively starving the skin of your feet .
*Buying shoes in the middle of the day will help to ensure the proper fit, as feet tend to swell as the day goes on.
*Wear cotton socks to enable breathing of the skin, instead of nylon which traps heat and moisture.
*I know that I put this under all skin part tips, drink plenty of fluids to maintain proper hydration
*Don't forget your feet! Each time you put lotion on your hands, also put it on your feet. Whenever you perform a hand treatment, treat your feet too.
*Soak your feet in a warm water bath for 20 minutes before exfoliating.
*Encourage circulation and stimulation by adding 3 drops of peppermint essential oil to the soaking bath.
*Exfoliate your feet, just as you do your other skin.
*As with your other skin, moisturize after exfoliation.
FOOT MASK-
Mix 1/2 cup of green (powdered) clay with 1/2 cup of distilled water. Stir it into a thick paste, then coat the feet with it, then allow to dry. Once dry, rinse off with warm, soapy water, pat dry and moisturize. The clay will pull impurities from the skin and exfoliate while restoring minerals directly into the skin. Clay also serves to conduct heat, which in turn, serves to sooth tired, achy muscles and feet. Not to mention, green clay is is rich in magnesium and silica, is highly absorbant, and is a good deodorizer.
HERBAL SOAKS-
Ste
ep 2 cups of fresh herbs (or 1 cup of dried) in two gallons of boiling water for 20 minutes. Then pour through a strainer, throwing out the solids and pouring the liquid into a basin large enough to accomodate your feet. Allow the water to cool enough to put your feet in without burning them. Soak for about 20 minutes, then pat dry. Then don't forget to moisturize.
Different herbs are good for different things. You can use one or more of the following herbs to create a great foot soak. Try; comfrey, elderberry, lavender, pine, rosemary, sage or horsetail.
If you want to use another, be sure to look at the medicinal uses for herbs in order to help you choose an appropriate one. Also check to make sure that the chosen herb is appropriate for use with any medical condition you may have. Speak to your physician or pharmacist prior to use if you have any conditions or take any medications.
FOOT COOLER & DEODORIZER-
Add 1/4 cup distilled water, 1/4 cup witch hazel, 3 drops lemon fragrance oil, 3 drops grapefruit fragrance oil, 2 drops wintergreen essential oil, and 2 drops peppermint essential oil. Stir well, then place in a spray bottle and store in the refrigerator. Remember to shake well before using. This mixture deodorizer as it works against bacteria. It helps to cool down and refresh hot, sweaty feet (it also works well when spraryed on sore leg muscles). This is an excellent spray for athletes, especially runners. This spray will remain fresh for approx. 3 weeks when refrigerated, less if kept on the counter.
*REMEMBER; when using new ingredients, especially essential oils, try on a small area of skin first to test for potential reaction. If redness or swelling occur, discontinue use. I do not suggest or represent any information as anything but educational. The information may be inaccurate or incomplete. It is NOT meant to prescribe or diagnose and should not replace medical advice or attention. If you have any questions seek a physicians help and guidance.
Here are some TIPS for FOOT CARE;
*I know that it seems silly to say, but don't wear shoes that are too loose or too tight. Loose shoes may cause blisters, while shoes that are too tight reduce blood circulation, effectively starving the skin of your feet .
*Buying shoes in the middle of the day will help to ensure the proper fit, as feet tend to swell as the day goes on.
*Wear cotton socks to enable breathing of the skin, instead of nylon which traps heat and moisture.
*I know that I put this under all skin part tips, drink plenty of fluids to maintain proper hydration
*Don't forget your feet! Each time you put lotion on your hands, also put it on your feet. Whenever you perform a hand treatment, treat your feet too.
*Soak your feet in a warm water bath for 20 minutes before exfoliating.
*Encourage circulation and stimulation by adding 3 drops of peppermint essential oil to the soaking bath.
*Exfoliate your feet, just as you do your other skin.
*As with your other skin, moisturize after exfoliation.
*RECIPES*
Ground walnuts act as an exfoliator. They provide enough friction to remove surface (dead) skin cells, while replenishing the skin's moisture.EASY NATURAL EXFOLIATION-
The easiest, and probably the most enjoyable exfoliator, is a natural method. Take a long walk on a beach! While a great relaxation method for the mind, walking in sand provides a natural exfoliation method for the skin of the foot, while the friction caused by walking creates a great foot massage.
PUMICE FOOT SCRUB-
Mix 1/2 cup of dry cornmeal with 2 Tbs. of avocado oil. Spread this mixture all over the feet, then rub it in, in small circular movements, with a pumice stone. Make sure to rub over the heels and any callused areas. When finished, rinse with warm water and pat dry. This recipe exfoliates and smooths rough, dry skin.
SUGAR FOOT (and Hand) SCRUB-
Mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 Tbs. apricot kernal oil, and the juice from 1/2 of a lemon. Once mixed, immediately rub over feet and hands. Rinse off with warm water, pat dry and then moisturize. This recipe is not as abrasive as some of the others, but it offers stimulation of the skin, while also providing it with a natural lubricant, moisturizer, and rejuvenator.
NAIL-HARDENING SCRUB (for hands and feet)-
Take 1/2 cup of shelled walnuts and grind into a course powder. Add 1 Tbs. olive oil, 1 TBS. caster oil, and 1 tsp. honey. Stir until you make a thick paste. Take the paste and vigorously rub into the skin. Once finished, rinse with warm water, pat dry and moisturize. Repeat this treatment twice weekly for optimal benefits.
Castor oil is particularly beneficial for hair, nails, and lips. When combined with olive oil, i
t enhances the nails' flexibility and makes them less prone to chipping and breakage.
Honey is a natural antiseptic and bacteria inhibitor.
The easiest, and probably the most enjoyable exfoliator, is a natural method. Take a long walk on a beach! While a great relaxation method for the mind, walking in sand provides a natural exfoliation method for the skin of the foot, while the friction caused by walking creates a great foot massage.
PUMICE FOOT SCRUB-
Mix 1/2 cup of dry cornmeal with 2 Tbs. of avocado oil. Spread this mixture all over the feet, then rub it in, in small circular movements, with a pumice stone. Make sure to rub over the heels and any callused areas. When finished, rinse with warm water and pat dry. This recipe exfoliates and smooths rough, dry skin.
SUGAR FOOT (and Hand) SCRUB-
Mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 Tbs. apricot kernal oil, and the juice from 1/2 of a lemon. Once mixed, immediately rub over feet and hands. Rinse off with warm water, pat dry and then moisturize. This recipe is not as abrasive as some of the others, but it offers stimulation of the skin, while also providing it with a natural lubricant, moisturizer, and rejuvenator.
NAIL-HARDENING SCRUB (for hands and feet)-
Take 1/2 cup of shelled walnuts and grind into a course powder. Add 1 Tbs. olive oil, 1 TBS. caster oil, and 1 tsp. honey. Stir until you make a thick paste. Take the paste and vigorously rub into the skin. Once finished, rinse with warm water, pat dry and moisturize. Repeat this treatment twice weekly for optimal benefits.
Castor oil is particularly beneficial for hair, nails, and lips. When combined with olive oil, i
t enhances the nails' flexibility and makes them less prone to chipping and breakage.Honey is a natural antiseptic and bacteria inhibitor.
FOOT MASK-
Mix 1/2 cup of green (powdered) clay with 1/2 cup of distilled water. Stir it into a thick paste, then coat the feet with it, then allow to dry. Once dry, rinse off with warm, soapy water, pat dry and moisturize. The clay will pull impurities from the skin and exfoliate while restoring minerals directly into the skin. Clay also serves to conduct heat, which in turn, serves to sooth tired, achy muscles and feet. Not to mention, green clay is is rich in magnesium and silica, is highly absorbant, and is a good deodorizer.
HERBAL SOAKS-
Ste
ep 2 cups of fresh herbs (or 1 cup of dried) in two gallons of boiling water for 20 minutes. Then pour through a strainer, throwing out the solids and pouring the liquid into a basin large enough to accomodate your feet. Allow the water to cool enough to put your feet in without burning them. Soak for about 20 minutes, then pat dry. Then don't forget to moisturize.Different herbs are good for different things. You can use one or more of the following herbs to create a great foot soak. Try; comfrey, elderberry, lavender, pine, rosemary, sage or horsetail.
If you want to use another, be sure to look at the medicinal uses for herbs in order to help you choose an appropriate one. Also check to make sure that the chosen herb is appropriate for use with any medical condition you may have. Speak to your physician or pharmacist prior to use if you have any conditions or take any medications.
FOOT COOLER & DEODORIZER-
Add 1/4 cup distilled water, 1/4 cup witch hazel, 3 drops lemon fragrance oil, 3 drops grapefruit fragrance oil, 2 drops wintergreen essential oil, and 2 drops peppermint essential oil. Stir well, then place in a spray bottle and store in the refrigerator. Remember to shake well before using. This mixture deodorizer as it works against bacteria. It helps to cool down and refresh hot, sweaty feet (it also works well when spraryed on sore leg muscles). This is an excellent spray for athletes, especially runners. This spray will remain fresh for approx. 3 weeks when refrigerated, less if kept on the counter.
*REMEMBER; when using new ingredients, especially essential oils, try on a small area of skin first to test for potential reaction. If redness or swelling occur, discontinue use. I do not suggest or represent any information as anything but educational. The information may be inaccurate or incomplete. It is NOT meant to prescribe or diagnose and should not replace medical advice or attention. If you have any questions seek a physicians help and guidance.
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