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We use our feet pretty much ALL day! They are essential in helping us get where we need to go, and we often forget to show them proper care in return. Until there is a problem. As most of us know, when your feet hurt, you are miserable. Preventative care is one of the most important, and often overlooked, parts of foot care.

Those with Diabetes can suffer from damage to their nerve endings, which can affect their extremities, causing numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in their legs, hands, and feet. Because of this, diabetic feet sweat less frequently or not at all, leading to dryness. As a result, it is important to ensure that feet are properly moisturized without encouraging bacterial and fungal growth. It is important to avoid products that contain petroleum, mineral oil, or waxes that can clog the pores and prevent the skin from breathing.

Some of the best oils for foot care, along with their benefits, are listed below:

• Tea Tree Oil: Deodorizing and anti-fungal
• Lavender Oil: Wound healing, Pain reduction and calming
• Peppermint Oil: Purification of the skin, Improving circulation, Boosting energy and Encouraging new cell growth, soothing/cooling
• Olive Oil: Pain reduction, wound healing and contains vitamins/minerals
• German Camomile Oil: Anti-inflammatory, calming and encourages relaxation
• Eucalyptus Oil: Anti-bacterial, anti-viral, reduces aches/pains, natural decongestant and boosts immunity (avoid this if you are pregnant, have high blood pressure or suffer from epilepsy)

Invigorating Foot Soak

To help cleanse feet for the prevention of foot ulcers, infections, and inflammations:

• 1 cup of Dead Sea salts or Epsom salts
• 2 drops lavender oil (Lavendula angustifolia)
• 2 drops tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)
• 2 drops eucalyptus oil (Eucalyptus globulus)
• 2 drops chamomile oil (Matricaria recutita)
• Mix oils and store in a dark glass jar

To create the soak: pour boiling water into a large bowl, and let it cool down to a comfortable temperature. Stir in 1 tablespoon of the cleansing foot soak mixture, and soak feet for up to 15 minutes.

Freshening Foot Powder

Foot powder helps to keep feet cool, absorbs foot sweat and reduces foot odor. This is especially important in summer when shoes can get very sweaty and create a breeding ground for bacteria.

• 3 Tbsp of powder (baking soda, arrowroot or white clay)
• 3 drops tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)
• 3 drops rosemary oil (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Add oils to the powder, stir until the oil is thoroughly mixed in, then dust onto feet before putting on your socks.

Soothing Foot Oil

This anti-microbial blend can help to reduce inflammation when gently massaged onto itchy, irritated, cracked, and peeling feet.

• 6 drops camomile oil (Matricaria recutita)
• 6 drops tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)
• 4 drops lavender oil (Lavendula angustifolia)
• 30 mL olive oil (Olea europaea)

Mix the essential oils with olive oil, and store the mixture in a dark glass bottle. Gently rub the oil blend onto your feet before putting on your socks, or going to bed.

Yours in Good Health,
Trina Kincey ~ Integrative Health Coach ~ Owner of Get Real Wellness, LLC | not affiliated with Von Wellx Germany

DISCLAIMER:  The information contained on this site is not provided by medical professionals and is provided for informational purposes only.  The information on this site is not meant to substitute consulting with your podiatrist, doctor or other health care professional. The information available on or through this site is in no way intended to diagnose, influence treatment or cure any foot or other health problems nor is it a substitute for the services or advice of a podiatrist, physician, or health professional.  You should always consult a physician licensed in your state in all matters relating to your health.