They’re there; they aren’t particularly attractive; they only serve to get us around.  Most of us don’t give much thought to our feet.  That is until they start to give us problems.  Americans spend tens of millions of dollars each year on foot care products.  But there are many items you may have around the house that will help to take good care of your feet.

Essentials for Feet

There are some rudimentary essentials for keeping our feet healthy.  A good diet is important – one low in junk foods and rich in nutrients.  Consider a diet balanced in carbohydrates, proteins and fats.  Stay away from processed foods and “junk” foods.  And maintaining a proper weight for your frame will put less stress on the bottom of you skeleton too.

Proper Footwear

Proper footwear is a necessity.  This is not the place to “cut back” on your clothing budget.  Good shoes are needed for protection as well as support for your feet.  Add these to plenty of water, regular exposure to fresh air, proper exercise, and safe amounts of sunlight and you can have the healthiest feet around.

Helps for Hurting Feet

There are some “helps” though for those of us whose feet need some tender, loving care.  For example, if your feet are “burning” (and you’re not standing on hot asphalt!) you may have contracted the ever-present “athlete’s foot”.  Herbals that help this condition are Una De Gato (Cat’s Claw), tea tree oil applied externally, or grapefruit seed extract as a wash (ensure it is diluted!).   Internally, ensuring that you have a healthy colony of friendly bacteria (bifodophilus), sufficient vitamins A and C, and the mineral zinc will also be helpful.

Another cause of “burning” feet is chemical toxicity.  Did you step in a chemical spill at work, or spill toxic materials on your feet?  If so, herbs like juniper, parsley, uva ursi, dandelion, and chamomile will help flush the kidneys, capsicum will improve circulation to move the toxins, and milk thistle combinations will help detoxify the liver (our body’s main filter!).

For sore, achy feet try this foot relaxer.  Soak your feet in a basin of warm water to which you’ve added some shower gel and six drops of tea tree oil.  After 15 minutes or so dry your feet and massage them with two tablespoons of olive oil mixed with a tablespoon of sugar.  The sugar will act as an exfoliant.  Then re-soak the feet, dry them well and elevate them for a few minutes.  What a wonderful way to pamper yourself!

Another soak that I have found very relaxing when my feet were particularly tired or overworked is to bring a pan of water to a boil.  Then place two tablespoons of dried yarrow in a tea infuser or cheesecloth and steep it for five to ten minutes.  Add five drops of tea tree oil, five drops of eucalyptus oil and five drops of lavender oil.  Allow this to cool until it is comfortable to the touch, pour it in a basin with glass marbles in the bottom, and soak your feet in it for 15 to 20 minutes.  While you soak them, roll the marbles under your feet slowly.  It’s almost as good as a massage done with your fingertips.

Daily Foot Care

Most of us simply neglect our feet.  Simple things go a long way toward keeping them healthy.  Wash them thoroughly when you bathe.  Ensure they are completely dry.  Massage them vigorously and often with a nice oil and let them breathe a bit.  Use dry socks and change them whenever they get damp.  Alternate your shoes daily so that they get a chance to dry completely.  And take advantage of opportunities to get off your feet and, when feasible, elevate them.  They’ll say thanks in a most comfortable way.  Enjoy good health and God’s richest blessings.  Gen.1:29.

–  Randy Lee, ND, Owner, The Health Patch, 1024 S. Douglas Blvd, MWC 73130, phone/fax: 736-1030, e-mail: [email protected].