What Is a Foot Soak?
A foot soak is a mixture of herbs, salts, moisturizers, or other ingredients that are added to a container of warm water used for soaking the feet. Soaking the feet can be very relaxing as well as cleansing. Both commercial and homemade foot soaks are popular choices.
A simple, yet effective homemade foot soak can be made from adding two or three spoonfuls of baking soda to warm water. Soaking tired feet in this foot bath can soothe and freshen them. People prone to foot odors may find that regular baking soda and water baths for the feet can help.
Foot soaks are also used to relieve conditions such as athlete's foot. Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that causes itchy feet. A homemade baking soda-based foot soak can help relieve the itchiness of athlete's foot, but medicated soaks or creams may be prescribed by a doctor.
Non-medical, scented foot soak products are sold in jars. These products usually have herbs, such as peppermint, added. Some jarred commercial foot soaks also contain moisturizing ingredients such as avocado oil. Drops of essential oils, such as lavender, vanilla, or jasmine, can add a soothing aroma to a foot bath.
Epsom or Dead Sea salt is a main therapeutic component of many foot soaks because of the mineral magnesium. Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate. Magnesium is thought to help soothe sore muscles as well as reduce inflammation and swelling. This effect is why a foot soak that contains magnesium-rich salts can make aching feet feel better. Salt from the Dead Sea in Jordan is extremely high in magnesium; many foot soaks and bath products contain salts from this region.
Many people who do the calming, stretching relaxation exercises known as yoga also partake in foot soaking. A foot soak may be done after yoga or before bed to relax the body. People who practice yoga may have foot soaks in a container in their homes or they may soak their feet in natural waters such as a lake or river.
Electric foot spa soakers are available for sale to use in the home. These machines first heat the water, then create bubbles to add a massaging feature to a foot soak. Some electric foot soakers have padded areas on which to rest the feet while they're soaking. Adding marbles or stones to the bottom of an electric foot bath can increase its massaging effects.
Written by Sheri Cyprus
