Detox Soak & Cleanse For Feet

Footbaths are among the oldest remedies for tired, achy feet. However, natural health professionals believe that they can provide other benefits, such as detoxification. According to the book "Natural Detoxification," medicated soaks with skin-soothing substances provide a topical way to detoxify your feet and body. However, there are no scientific studies on the foot detoxification, and it may cause side effects.

Foot Soak

A foot soak involves filling a clean basin or bathtub with hot water, preferably filtered water. According to Brenda Watson, author of "The Detox Strategy," a soak can last for 20 minutes and can be performed two to three times a week. A blanket placed over the basin or your feet in the tub helps retain the heat in the water.

Ingredients

Watson says that a number of therapeutic substances can be added to the water. One of the oldest and most well-known additions is Epsom salts, which contains magnesium and sulfur. Other ingredients commonly added to foot soaks include ginger root, oatmeal, eucalyptus and burdock. According to "Natural Detoxification," such ingredients enhance the detoxification process.

Benefits

Detoxification soaks or baths for your feet are particularly useful if you have high levels of xenobiotics, which are substances not usually found in the body, as explained in "Natural Detoxification." The book's authors, Jacqueline Krohn and Frances Taylor, indicate that hot water increases blood flow in the skin, which expedites the release of toxins. They also state that Epsom salts stimulate fluid movement in tissue and increase perspiration to purge toxins. Ginger root boosts circulation and draws toxins to the skin, while burdock root may help your body excrete uric acid. However, more studies are needed to verify these claims.

Evidence

While no formal studies support the benefits of a footbath or soak for detoxification, evidence shows it can provide other health benefits. In a study published in the journal "Cancer Nursing," researchers in Taiwan found that a warm-water footbath reduced insomnia symptoms and fatigue in patients who were receiving chemotherapy for gynecologic cancer.

Caution

Not everyone can indulge in foot detox soaks. If you have diabetes or a blood circulation disorder, consult your doctor first. Also, watch out for any adverse symptoms, such as dizziness, nausea or headaches, and remove your feet from the bath immediately if these occur.