You may be able to remove harmful toxins from your body and enjoy a restful and stimulating foot bath at the same time with a foot detox bath. Essential oils, distilled from a number of herbs and other plants, may offer therapeutic benefits when combined as part of a detoxifying foot bath. As with any alternative natural treatment, you should consult your family doctor prior to using a foot detox bath with essential oils so as to avoid an allergic reaction or other side effects.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus essential oil may have invigorating, healthful effects as part of a foot detox. Brenda Watson and Leonard Smith, in "The Detox Strategy: Vibrant Health in 5 Easy Steps," recommend this easy-to-make foot bath. To prepare, combine 2 tbsp. baking soda, 1 tbsp. sea salt and 1 tbsp. Epsom salts and blend well. Add this mixture to the warm water of a foot bath, and then add 1 tbsp. of glycerin and 10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil as well. Place your feet in the foot bath, dampen a towel in the water and wrap your feet in the towel. Leave your towel-wrapped feet in the detox foot bath for 20 minutes. Repeat the foot bath two or three times per week as needed. Watson and Smith recommend drinking plenty of water when using this therapy so as to replace any fluid lost through perspiration.
Rose
Rose essential oil with a blend of other oils may be able to serve as an effective foot detox. Jane Scrivner, in "The Quick-Fix Hangover Detox: 99 Ways to Feel 100 Times Better," recommends this aromatic, detoxifying foot bath. To prepare, select two bowls large enough to hold both feet, then fill one with ice-cold water and one with warm water. Combine four drops of rose essential oil, two drops each of pine, peppermint and lemon essential oils and 1 tbsp. milk. Blend thoroughly and add to the bowl of warm water. Place your feet in the warm foot bath for five minutes, then place your feet in the cold water bowl for one minute. Return your feet to the warm water bowl for five more minutes. Remove your feet from the detox bath and pat dry. If needed, gently massage your feet while they are still warm so as to remove any dry skin.
Thyme
Thyme essential oil combined with other essential oils may have cleansing properties for a foot detox. Sophie Benge and Luca Invernizzi Tettoni, in "Asian Secrets of Health, Beauty and Relaxation," recommend this purifying, refreshing footbath. To prepare, combine three drops each of thyme, sage and vetiver essential oils in warm water. They suggest adding flower petals from some of your favorite flowers to the water as well. Then, soak your feet in the oil-infused warm water for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove your feet and gently pat dry with a soft towel. Benge and Tettoni also suggest following the foot bath with a gentle foot massage. You may use a rich natural oil for the massage, such as coconut, olive or avocado oil.
References
- "The Detox Strategy: Vibrant Health in 5 Easy Steps"; Brenda Watson, Leonard Smith; 2009
- "The Quick-Fix Hangover Detox: 99 Ways to Feel 100 Times Better"; Jane Scrivner; 2010
- "Asian Secrets of Health, Beauty and Relaxation"; Sophie Benge, Luca Invernizzi Tettoni; 2001
Member Comments