The Best Herbs for Foot Baths

In addition to being relaxing, herbal foot baths can help reduce swelling and treat different problems, such as calluses or calluses.

Reviewed and approved by the doctor Mariel Mendoza.

Written by Yamila Papa Pintor

Last update: 29 July, 2023

Arriving home after a stressful day merits a good soak and, why not, the occasional foot bath. However, due to the hectic lifestyle we lead, we often don’t have time for it. That’s why we’d like to invite you to take a few minutes to pamper yourself with some of the best herbs for foot baths.

If you feel that your shoes have been too tight all day or that you can no longer take another step due to fatigue, we recommend that you take some time to enjoy relaxing foot baths. Here are the best herbs to get the relief you deserve.

What are the best herbs for foot baths?

Although feet are one of the most important parts of the body, the truth is that most of us tend to forget about them. However, it’s worth giving them their place and pampering them periodically, since they support all our weight and help us move from one place to another.

The main ailments or problems that occur in this area are poor circulation, swelling, and calluses or corns. But, as they are parts of our bodies that are always covered up, we often don’t pay enough attention to them or take care of their well-being.

Having tired feet when returning home after a full day of activities is a very common situation. The good news is that foot baths help reduce this discomfort and help you to feel better. Discover which are the best herbs for foot baths.

1. Peppermint

This is a very easy-to-obtain herb with stimulating and invigorating properties. Preparations made with its extract have been used to soothe itching and relieve skin irritation and inflammation, and its potent odor can neutralize foot odor from regular use of socks and shoes.

Ingredients

• 4 liters of water
• ½ cup fresh mint leaves (30 grams)
• 3 tablespoons of sugar (30 grams)

Preparation

• First, heat the water without boiling it, and pour it into a large bowl, where you can insert both feet.
• Then add the mint and sugar and stir well.
• Then, when it’s the right temperature for your feet, immerse them and leave them for 15 to 20 minutes.
• When finished, dry your feet well with a clean towel (don’t forget to dry between the toes).

2. Sage

Foot baths made with sage are perfect for relieving pain caused by footwear, long hours on your feet, or having walked a lot. Some of its species, such as Salvia mellifera, have been used to soak feet and treat patients with chronic pain.

Ingredients

• 4 liters of water
• A handful of sage leaves

Preparation

• First, in a large container that can fit both feet, place the warm water (you can heat half of it and add the rest of it cold or lukewarm).
• Then add the sage leaves and stir well.
• Immerse the feet and leave for about 20 minutes or until the water cools down completely.
• Finally, dry well before putting on socks.

3. Chamomile

Chamomile flowers have many properties and are often consumed as an infusion. However, it’s also recommended for external use. It has been used in massages to improve fatigue in patients with chronic diseases. In this case, we will use it to make foot baths and pamper our feet a little. This recipe is ideal for those who suffer from swelling.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of chamomile flowers (10 grams)
• 4 liters of water

Preparation

• First of all, prepare an infusion. To do this, boil a cup of water with chamomile flowers for 15 minutes. Then remove from the heat.
• Then pour the infusion into a large bowl and add the rest of the warm water.
• Before placing your feet, make sure the water is lukewarm.
• The next step is to immerse the feet for about 15 minutes and, after that time, make circular massages.
• Finally, dry your feet well and put on socks.

Herbal combinations for foot baths

Mint, chamomile and sage can act on their own or together in wonderful, relaxing foot baths. If we combine them with other herbs their effects will be more beneficial. Pay attention to the following recipes or herbal mixtures.

4. Sage, mistletoe, hawthorn, and rosemary

As soon as you return home with sore feet, don’t hesitate to prepare this foot bath. You can enjoy it while watching TV, reading a little, or chatting with your family. Rosemary is said to have antimicrobial effects, so it may be partially useful in controlling foot odor.

Ingredients

• Sage
• Mistletoe
• Rosemary
• Hawthorn
• 2 liters of water

Preparation

• First, in a large saucepan place the water and each of the herbs.
• Then, boil for 10 minutes and let it stand for half an hour.
• Pour into a large bowl and, when the temperature is comfortable, put your feet in.
• Leave your feet in for about 15 minutes, remove them, and dry well.

5. Hawthorn, yarrow, sweet clover, and horse chestnut

This is another good choice of herbs for foot baths that can be used to soothe and relax your feet after a tiring day. The necessary plants can be obtained in health food stores.

Ingredients

• Sage
• Yarrow
• Horse chestnut
• Sweet clover
• 2 liters of water

Preparation

• First, in a saucepan, put the water and each of the four herbs.
• Bring to a boil and allow it to brew for 10 minutes.
• Then, remove it from the heat and let it stand for 15 minutes.
• Pour into a large container and, when it’s at room temperature, place your feet inside it.
• Finally, let it act for 15 minutes, dry well, and put on socks.

Besides these, there are other combinations that can help you relieve foot fatigue. You only have to include the same amount of each herb in 2 liters of water. The mixtures can be as follows:

• Black broom flowers, hawthorn, and olive leaves
• Sage, hypericum, rosemary, and yarrow
• Chamomile and thyme
• Sage, rosemary and eucalyptus.

These herbal foot baths will help you rest and relax your feet, especially after a tiring day. Try to include the above-mentioned preparations in your care routine at least twice a week – your feet will thank you!