The idea behind a foot detox is that you rid your body of harmful chemicals and toxins – which are the cause of some illnesses according to the Center for Disease Control (Gould, 2016). It’s similar to a warm detox bath, only it’s just for your feet. Fill a shallow metal bucket, dishpan, or just use the tub to make these five simple foot soaks that will pamper your feet and your immune system with some quality home spa indulgence. (There are no guarantees with these but they may be good to try).
The Oxygen Detox
2 C. of hydrogen peroxide
1 Tbsp. of dried ginger
Fill the tub with warm or hot water (to your preference). Add the hydrogen peroxide and ginger powder and then soak your feet for 30 minutes or longer. Feel free to add more hydrogen peroxide, sit back and just relax.
The Clay Bath
This recipe calls for bentonite clay – a special clay composed of aged volcanic ash that acts as a natural cleaner. You’ll need the following items for this foot bath:
2 Tbsp. of bentonite clay
½ C. of Epsom salt
1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
Essential oils (optional)
Dissolve your salt into your hot water (not boiling, but almost) and set it aside. Mix your clay with the apple cider vinegar and add a little bit of water if it gets too thick. Coat your feet in this mixture and let it dry (about 10 minutes), giving the water a chance to cool off a bit. Once it’s dry, add about 10 drops of essential oils to your water and then submerge your feet, soaking them until the clay dissolves. Soak them for about 15 minutes, and then use a bristle brush to gently exfoliate dead skin and any remaining clay. Rinse and pat dry.
The Simple Salt Soak
A simple Epsom salt foot soak can be a useful detox and relaxation tool. Just make sure you don’t have any open sores or ulcers on your feet. Simply dissolve two cups of Epsom salt into a gallon of warm or hot water (again, to your preference). You can add more water to fill your container and then soak your feet for 20-40 minutes for a hassle-free yet effective foot soak.
The Vinegar Soak
Just like the simple salt soak, all this requires is one cup of apple cider vinegar and a foot tub full of hot water. Soak for at least 20 minutes. Don’t rinse when you’re done, just pat your feet dry.
When Life Gives You Lemons, Soak Your Feet in Them
1 C. of lemon juice
1 Tbsp. of olive oil
¼ C. of milk
Mix your ingredients into a gallon of water and relax. The milk provides protein, the oil moisture and the lemon provides fragrance and a slew of antioxidants making for a powerful yet soothing combination.
There is a variety of easy and soothing foot soaks. Hopefully, these recipes get you started on your next blissfully self-indulgent health practice.
Sources:
Gould, D. P. (2016, August 31). Foot Detox: Healing or Hype? Retrieved March 2018, from BlackDoctor.org: https://blackdoctor.org/506483/do-foot-detoxes-really-work/
Katie. (2018, January 11). DIY Detox Foot Soak. Retrieved March 2018, from Wellness Mama: https://wellnessmama.com/25539/diy-detox-foot-soak/
Lubin, B., & Lubin, J. (2016, December 22). 5 Easy Recipes for DIY Detox Foot Baths. Retrieved March 2018, from Quick and Dirty Tips: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/health-fitness/mental-health/self-care/5-easy-recipes-for-diy-detox-foot-baths
Sarah. (2018, January 25). Need a Foot Detox? What to Do and Recipes to Try. Retrieved March 2018, from The Healthy Home Economist: https://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/foot-detox-recipes-benefits/
