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Have you ever experienced a foot soak? A good foot soak offers some much-needed therapy to tired, achy feet and overall relaxation. Healthy, soothed feet can make a difference in your day.

Depending on what you do day to day, your feet can get rather beat up, sometimes forming calluses and rough, dry skin. And, just in case you didn’t know, there are over 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments in each foot alone!

Each foot is constructed of 28 bones and 30 joints, in addition to all those muscles. This support system is useful in balance and mobility. So, with all that going on in just one foot, it’s not hard to understand that a little TLC can go a long way.

Taking a foot soak for sore feet or dry feet, followed by a foot scrub, will keep your feet soft and pampered while taking away the stresses of the day. Some natural health practitioners prescribe them, claiming they help reduce the risk of toenail fungus as well as help to relieve a bone spur.

So, what can you soak your feet in to soften them? If you want to make a natural difference in how your feet look and feel, try my homemade foot soak. (You can also try my DIY detox foot bath.) What’s great is that you can customize the ingredients to suit your needs without the chemicals found in most off-the-shelf versions.

How to Make a Foot Soak

In a large jar with a tight-fitting lid, place the Epsom salt, sea salt and baking soda. I love Epsom salt since it is a great pain reliever and is a magnesium-rich detoxifier. In addition to treating sore muscles, it helps relieve dry skin.

Sea salt is a great source of minerals to alkalinize and relax the body. And baking soda is naturally soothing for the feet, helping remove bacteria and odor.

Next, add the essential oils. Peppermint essential oil is so refreshing and soothes aching muscles while also helping to release them by easing tension and tightness. Adding to the fight against bacteria is tea tree oil. Tea tree oil also provides relief to the feet by helping to treat wounds. Sweet orange essential oil has a lovely scent but also nourishes the skin of the feet with its high vitamin C content, while improving circulation and helping prevent infection.

And last, but not least, is olive leaf extract. Olive leaf extract contains antifungal properties — another great source for relieving the feet and preventing infection.

To use, place a quarter-cup of the mixture in warm (not hot) water in a foot basin. Stir, then soak the feet for around 20 minutes. Place a towel or absorbent pad underneath the tub or bowl you choose for your DIY foot soak to help keep the area clear of any excess water.

Next, exfoliate with my DIY Foot Scrub. Then gently rinse and pat dry. Finish by applying a moisturizer, such as my Lavender & Coconut Oil Moisturizer for Dry Skin.

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