Seven Natural Remedies for Sweaty Feet
You can reduce sweaty feet with some home remedies. For example, taking simple measures such as removing your shoes, taking a shower, drying your feet well, and wearing open shoes (sandals, for example) to keep your feet cool.
When you spend hours wearing the same shoes, it’s normal for your feet to sweat. Furthermore, lack of air to the feet, heat, and humidity increase this type of discomfort, especially during the hottest months of the year.
However, in some cases, sweaty feet can be excessive. This is known as plantar hyperhidrosis. Fortunately, it’s treatable.
Hyperhidrosis in the feet
Plantar hyperhidrosis is an uncomfortable condition that can be due to different causes, internal as well as external.
- Changes in hormonal activity.
- Use of inappropriate footwear.
- Stress or anxiety.
It’s a common problem that, while it’s not serious, can lead to the appearance of fungal infections and bad odor. This occurs when moisture combines with the heat generated by your shoes, creating the perfect environment for the excessive proliferation of microorganisms.
Although you sweat all over your body, in the other areas the perspiration can evaporate more easily. However, on your feet, the sweat is trapped by your shoes.
Treatment usually consists of prescribed antiperspirants and a series of hygiene measures. Only in the most severe of cases will other treatments and medications be required.
Not all cases of sweaty feet are considered to be hyperhidrosis. In fact, this term is only applied when sweating is abnormal, excessive, and not necessarily related to any other cause, such as heat or exercise.
Home remedies for sweaty feet
Traditionally, sweaty feet have been treated with home remedies. These might be foot baths and liquids used as tonics or preparations to wash and disinfect footwear regularly.
Below, we’ll discuss some of the most popular remedies traditionally proposed to fight the problem of sweaty feet, naturally.
1. Rosemary, mint, and sage infusion
It’s said that the mixture of these three herbs can be beneficial in cases of excessively sweaty feet.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of water (500 ml).
- 1 tablespoon of sage (10 g).
- 2 tablespoons of rosemary (20 g).
- 1 tablespoon of mint leaves (10 g).
Method
- Boil the water and add the herbs.
- Leave to stand for 15 minutes and then strain.
How to use
- Pour the infusion into a tub or a washbowl and submerge your feet in it for 20 minutes.
- When you’ve finished, dry your feet well.
You might like to read this article: The Amazing Health Benefits and Uses of Rosemary
2. Black tea
Although it hasn’t been scientifically proven, it’s said that the tannic acid found in black tea helps to regulate the pH of the skin on the feet, preventing dampness and the excessive growth of fungi and bacteria.
Ingredients
- 3 black tea bags.
- 2 cups of water (500 ml).
Method
- Boil the water, add the black tea and leave to stand for 15 minutes.
- Strain and pour into a bowl.
How to use
- Submerge your feet in the infusion for 20 minutes.
- You can also apply the treatment with a spray bottle.
3. Baking soda
You can use baking soda mixed with water to disinfect and deodorize commonly used footwear, such as trainers.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons of baking soda (30 g).
- 3 cups of water (750 ml).
Method
- Heat the water, without allowing it to boil, and pour it into a bowl.
- Add the baking soda and stir it so it dissolves.
How to use
- Soak your shoes in the liquid for at least 15 minutes.
- Take the shoes out, wring them, and let them dry well in a well-ventilated space, preferably in the sun.
- You can also use this mixture to deodorize and clean your gym socks.
4. Salt and vinegar
You can make another foot bath using salt or vinegar, or both ingredients. This will help you keep them clean, reducing sweating and bad odor.
What you need
- A tub large enough for your feet to fit in.
- Enough warm water to cover your feet.
- A cup of vinegar.
- A tablespoon of salt.
Method
- Heat the water, but don’t make it too hot.
- Pour the water into the tub.
- If it feels too hot, add a little cold water.
- Add the salt and vinegar.
- Stir to dissolve.
- Soak your feet for 15 minutes.
- Dry your feet well.
- Soak them twice a week.
Note: Avoid using vinegar if you have any open wounds.
5. Corn starch and coconut oil
It’s thought that this starch and coconut oil mixture might help absorb excess moisture in shoes and socks. When applied to your feet, it may also help regulate the pH of the skin.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of corn starch (20 g).
- 5 teaspoons of coconut oil (45 g).
Method
- Combine the cornstarch with the coconut oil until you get a creamy paste.
How to use
- Rub the treatment on your feet and leave it for a few minutes.
- Rinse with plenty of water.
- Dry your feet well.
6. Baking soda and cornstarch
By combining these two ingredients, you can make a natural talcum powder that’s cheaper than those available in the shops.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon baking soda.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
Method
- Put both ingredients in a closed and dry container.
- Shake well until combined.
- Wash and dry your feet well.
- Apply baking soda/starch mixture.
- You can also use it on shoes.
7. Tea tree oil
It’s believed that the following preparation can help neutralize bad odour, restore the pH of the skin, and combat possible pathogenic agents on the feet.
Ingredients
- 3 cups of water (750 ml).
- 1 tablespoon of tea tree essential oil (15 g).
Method
- Boil the water.
- Add the tea tree oil.
- Turn off the heat and let the liquid cool.
- Place the liquid in a large bowl or container.
How to use
- Soak your feet for a few minutes.
- Dry them well and discard the liquid.
- Never apply tea tree oil (or any other essential oil) without first diluting it in water.
You might also like to read: What Do Your Feet Say about Your Health?
Other measures to control sweaty feet
In addition to using the home remedies mentioned above, there are other measures you can take to control plantar hyperhidrosis or reduce excessive sweating in your feet.
Take note of these tips:
- Wash your feet frequently to remove excess sweat.
- Dry them really well, especially between the toes.
- Change your socks daily, or even more than once a day.
- Avoid wearing socks made of synthetic fabrics.
- When you take your socks off, don’t leave them inside your shoes.
- Wear shoes made from natural materials, such as leather or canvas, or breathable fabrics.
- If possible, take out the insoles and air them out a bit. This can be done with most trainers.
- In some cases, talcum powder can help reduce sweating. Apply it inside the shoe.
- Consider wearing sandals when the hottest season arrives so that your feet can breathe.
- Don’t always wear the same shoes.
Say goodbye to sweaty feet
Do your feet feel clammy when you wear your favorite shoes? Do you notice an unpleasant smell? If so, take note of the remedies and measures mentioned here. Above all, follow your dermatologist’s instructions and try to maintain a good hygiene routine.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
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