Feet Week....

Feet are the unsung heros who carry us, more or less uncomplainingly, on our journey through life. We usually give them attention only if the ache or grow corns. We abuse our feet with ill-fitting shoes, synthetic shoes, stockings, tights or socks, by cutting toes nails incorrectly, weighing too much and standing for too long. Let's give a thought and a cheer to the feet and promise them a bit of loving care.

ATHLETE'S FOOT

Athlete's foot or tines is caused by infectious fungi that are rife in gymnasiums and swimming pools. The skin is itchy and flaky and the areas between the toes become spongy and white.
~ Wear cotton or woolen socks and non-synthetic shoes.
~ Dry the feet very thoroughly after washing.
~ Wash the socks and towels separately using a few drops of tea tree oil in the final rinse to prevent the infection spreading to others.

Treatment of Athlete's Foot
Add four drops or mauka essential oil, and four drops lavender essential oil, to one teaspoon vegetable oil. Add to a bowl of warm water large enough for the feet. Stir to disperse the oils, and soak the feet for five minutes. dry gently but well, particularly between the toes. Dust with Herb Oil Foot Powder, which is antiviral, and a deodorant.

Herbal Oil Foot Powder

• 1cup Cornstarch (cornflour)
• 6drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
• 6drops Lavender Essential Oil
• 6drops Cypress Essential Oil
• 6drops Rosemary Essential Oil

To make and use:

1. Drip the oils very slowly into the cornstarch, while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Store in a labeled jar with a well-fitting lid.
2. Using a fresh piece of absorbent cotton each time, dust the feet thoroughly, particularly between the toes and sprinkle in socks.
3. Sprinkle this powder inside the socks and shoes if you suffer from sweaty or smelly feet.

BUNIONS & CORNS

Bunions are a swelling, thickening, and deformity of the joint of the big toe nearest to the foot. Pain and discomfort is created by the chafing caused by shoes.

Massage Blend for Bunions

• 4 teaspoons Calendula Infused Oil
• 4 teaspoons French Marigold Infused Oil
• 15 drops Chamomile Essential Oil
• 15 drops Carrot Seed Essential Oil

To make and use:

1. Mix all the ingredients together in a small, labeled bottle, and shake to blend.
2. Leave for four days before using, so the oils have time to synergize or combine well.
3. Gently massage the whole foot with the blend paying special attention to the bunion itself. Repeat twice daily.

Treatment for Corns
It is possible to buy a hard black pumice-like treatment called a "chirpody sponge". If the corn is not too painful, it may be removed by following the instructions on the packet. After treatment, apply Calendula infused oil to the area, and either bandage, or use a non-stick dressing.
If the corn is too painful for the abrasive treatment, massage it with Calendula infused oil morning and night, cover with a dressing and when soft enough, lift out the core. Shoes are almost invariably the cause of corns, so find the culprits and bin them!



SWOLLEN ANKLES & FEET

Feet can swell for many reasons, and most of these are not serious conditions and are easily treated. If your feet and legs swell often, it may be an indication of either a heart of kidney problem, and you should seek professional help.
Not serious causes include standing for long periods of time, arthritis, rheumatism, varicose veins, constipation, hot weather, long flights.
Elevating the feet, avoiding sitting or standing without movement for lengthy periods, and addressing the problem of constipation, can all help to avoid or cure this condition. Ice-cold compresses containing lavender, cypress, and lavender essential oils, laid on the ankles and feet will reduce the selling, while the below massage blend will reduce the feeling of "fullness" and discomfort.

Massage Blend For Swollen Feet & Ankles

• 1 teaspoon Grape Seed Oil
• 2 drops Cypress Essential Oil
• 1 drop Eucalyptus Oil
• 1 drop Lavender Oil

To make and use:

1. Mix all the ingredients together in a small, labeled bottle, and shake to blend.
2. Leave for four days before using, so the oils have time to synergize or combine well.
3. Float the oil blend on a little warm water in a bowl. Massage firmly into the feet, ankles and calves of the legs, using sweeping movements.
4. Draw the knuckles of the hand firmly across the soles of the feet from the big toe to the heel.
5. Repeat several times.

ACHING FEET 

After being on your feet all day, they deserve some special attention. Try soaking them in a warm bath first, then use my Foot-Ease Oil as a massage oil to complete the treatment.


Foot-Ease Oil Recipe

• 4 tsp sweet almond oil
• 2 tsp avocado oil
• 1 tsp wheat germ oil
• 2 tsp jojoba oil
• 10 drops rosemary essential oil
• 5 drops benzoin essential oil
• 1 tsp vodka

To make and use:

1. Mix all the ingredients together in a labeled bottle, and shake to blend.
2. Leave for four days before using, so the oils have time to synergize or combine well.
3. Shake well before use. Store in the refrigerator.

Oils used in recipe:
Rosemary oil in baths and massage oils are used to ease the pain of aching muscles, arthritis, bruises, gout, rheumatism and sport injuries such as sprains and strains. Rosemary is a strong astringent, it kills bacteria and prevents or destroys fungal infections, making it a good oil to treat athlete's foot.
Benzoin oil helps destroy bacterial and fungal infections of the skin and reduces inflammation. It is helpful for arthritis, poor circulation, and rheumatism when used in massage oils.

I hope you enjoyed Feet Week :-)

Demeka

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