The makers of Kinoki foot patches claim that applying their self-adhesive pads to your feet at bedtime will draw toxins out through the soles while you sleep. The supposed evidence of this is the color change -- and often unpleasant odor -- on the detox foot pads when you remove them the next morning. While there is no scientific evidence to support these claims, the Kinoki Patch ingredient list includes several that do have scientifically-proven medicinal properties when used in other ways -- but none have any foot detoxing abilities.
Bamboo Vinegar
One of the main ingredients in Kinoki foot pads is bamboo vinegar. According to the ITM website, bamboo vinegar is made by carbonizing bamboo at high temperatures and then collecting and liquidizing the resulting smoke and vapor. This liquid is called "vinegar" because it contains acetic acid, which is the main component of all vinegars. Bamboo vinegar is noted for its anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, and has been used in Japanese medicine for centuries to treat skin conditions like atopic dermatitis and eczema. There is no evidence that it will draw toxins out through the soles of your feet.
Chamomile
Chamomile has been used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years, both as an internal remedy and a topical cure. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, chamomile is traditionally used internally to treat anxiety as well as digestive issues like diarrhea, gas and upset stomachs. External uses include topical application for rashes and mouth ulcers caused by cancer treatments. Although chamomile is popular as a soothing tea, there is no evidence that it can help to detox your body in any way. People with allergies to chrysanthemums, daisies, marigolds or ragweed may also be allergic to chamomile.
Chitin
Kinoki foot pads are made from a chitin, which is a polysaccharide -- a long chain of linked sugars -- found in the shells of crabs, lobsters, shrimps, insects and inside of other invertebrates. It is used as a strengthening agent in fabric and paper, and also as a sizing compound to help fabrics hold their shape and repel dirt. According to the European Chitin Society, chitin is also prized for its healing abilities; though there is no evidence that chitin will draw toxins out through the skin.
Hawthorn
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, hawthorn berries have been used by American physicians to treat circulatory and respiratory disorders since the 1800s. The leaves and flowers are used in modern times to treat arrhythmia, chest pains, hardening of the arteries, heart failure and high blood pressure. There is no evidence that hawthorn contains any properties that would allow it to draw toxins out through the bottoms of your feet.
Tourmaline
Tourmaline has been prized for centuries for its beauty as well as its practical uses. Tourmaline -- like quartz -- contains piezoelectric qualities. If you apply pressure to the vertical axis of a tourmaline, it will generate an electrical charge. Tourmalines also have pyroelectric properties, according to the Gemstone Education website, which means that one end of a tourmaline has a positive charge while its opposite end carries a negative charge. In the Middle Ages, it was believed that tourmalines improved cognitive function, inspired creativity, induced calmness and repressed greed. Modern science has not found anything to support the idea that tourmaline can remove toxins from your body.
Wild Indigo Root
Wild indigo is used to treat skin conditions ranging from abrasions to wounds. According to the Applied Health website, wild indigo has anti-inflammatory properties, and well as chemicals that allow it to raise the count of white cells in your blood, which helps your body fight illness and infections. There is no scientific proof that wild indigo attracts or removes toxins, and it and can be toxic if taken internally.
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