In the complete human body feet are the mist strained and worked out part, but inspite of this are the most neglected one also.
Lack of proper care for feet result in many problems like corns and bunions, cracks, infections and ingrown nails.
BASIC FOOT CARE
The best measure you can take is to wear comfortable shoes that fit properly, with extra room in the toe area. Equally important is to wash your feet daily with soap. Rinse off the soap with lukewarm water and dry your feet thoroughly, including between the toes. Always keep your nails short but don¹t cut into skin on the sides of your nails. Don¹t apply harsh techniques to remove corns and calluses such as trimming or shaving because they can damage your feet. Change your socks every day and when you exercise. Whenever possible, air your feet by walking barefoot outside, or in the house. These simple rules not only increase your comfort level but can prevent infections, calluses and many other ailments of the foot.
Herbal Foot Bath
1. Boil 1 quart of water. Make a small pouch of any of the following herbs: lavender, sage, rosemary. Place the pouch in a large wash bowl or bucket and pour the boiling water over it.
2. Let it sit for 20 minutes.
3. Add cold water, if necessary, to reach a comfortable temperature between 100 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Soak your feet in the water for about 20 minutes. Gently rub the herbs on your feet but do not scrub.
5. Dry feet thoroughly with a clean towel.
Corns
If the shoes are to tight, pinch or do not fit properly corns appear due to the pressure put on the bony areas of the foot and also interfere with the circulation of blood ultimately leading to corns.
Remedies
1. The sap from a marigold stem, milky juice from green figs or papaya juice are all good remedies. Apply to the affected area frequently.
2. A slice of lemon can be placed on the corn and bandaged in place overnight.
Cracks On Heels
Walking barefoot on rough surfaces or excessive exposure of bare feet to the sun, wind or water causes cracks on the heels and soles apart form the aggravation of Pitta and Vata doshas, which cause dryness and roughness of the feet.
Remedies
1. Take about three tablespoons of bees wax and mix one teaspoonful sesame oil in it. Warm it a little and apply on the affected areas.
2. Use warm sesame oil or ghee on the affected areas.
3. Apply a mixture of 1 teaspoon of mango tree sap and 1 tablespoon water to the cracked skin.
Foot Odor
Smelly feet can result from perspiration, dead skin cells and bacteria. Synthetic shoes and socks increase the problem by not letting your feet breathe. The following recipe naturally deodorizes your feet.
1. Perform the herbal foot bath according to the instructions above but add 1/2 -1 teaspoon of salt to the water.
2. Mix 1 part corn starch, 3 parts M.Spa Herbalized Clay, and 3-4 drops of peppermint essential oil.
3. Make a paste by adding cold water to a small amount of the above mix. Apply paste on your feet for 20-30 minutes.
4. Wash paste off with lukewarm water and dry thoroughly.
Do this procedure every day for a month or until problem disappears, then twice a week. You can also sprinkle the powder mix in your shoes or socks during the day