Peppermint oil, an essential oil obtained from the Mentha piperita plant, has mild anesthetic properties that make it ideal for treating aching, swollen and painful feet. Many commercial foot lotions contain peppermint oil for this reason. The oil also increases circulation to the feet, which helps relieve painful congestion. According to Stephanie Tourles, author of "Natural Food Care," using peppermint foot lotion daily soothes and invigorates tired, aching feet. Although you can purchase foot lotion at your local bath and body shop, you can also make your own inexpensive version at home that produces the same results.
Step 1
Bring 1/3 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan. Turn off the heat, add the dried peppermint, cover the pan, and allow the mixture to steep for about 15 minutes.
Step 2
Combine the almond oil and beeswax in a separate small saucepan while the peppermint is steeping. Warm the mixture over very low heat, stirring occasionally, until the beeswax melts completely. Turn off the heat.
Step 3
Strain the peppermint tea, and discard the spent herbs. Return the liquid back to the pan, add the borax, and stir it until it is completely dissolved.
Step 4
Stir the oil mixture vigorously with a wire whisk. While whisking, slowly drizzle the peppermint tea mixture into the oil.
Step 5
Add the peppermint essential oil, and continue whisking until you achieve a lotion-like consistency, after about six to eight minutes.
Step 6
Transfer the foot lotion into a plastic squeeze bottle and store it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight for up to 30 days. Massage the lotion into the lower legs and feet anytime they need revitalizing.
Tips and Warnings
- The peppermint tea mixture and the oil and wax mixture should be about the same temperature when you combine them, or the foot lotion may fail to emulsify. To encourage the foot lotion to set faster, place the oil and wax pan in a large bowl of ice while whisking in the peppermint tea. Store the lotion in the refrigerator during the summer months for an extra chilling sensation, if desired.
Things You'll Need
- Small saucepans
- 1 tbsp. dried peppermint
- 1/2 cup almond oil
- 1 tbsp. grated beeswax
- 1/2 tsp. borax
- Wire whisk
- 1/2 tsp. peppermint essential oil
- Plastic squeeze bottle
- Label
References
- Dermaxime: Peppermint Oil as Used in Preparations to Treat Aching Feet
- "Natural Foot Care"; Stephanie L. Tourles; 1998
- "The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy"; Valerie Ann Worwood; 1991
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