Foot Baths

Stress-Relieving Foot Soaks

herbal salt foot soak

After a long day, a foot bath is the perfect way to relax and pamper yourself. Our feet work hard and often get neglected—imagine life without them! Give your feet some TLC with a rejuvenating soak that soothes sore muscles, softens skin, and promotes foot health. It’s a simple yet indulgent way to unwind and feel refreshed.

Benefits of Foot Soaks

• Reduces stress and anxiety

• Improves circulation

• Relieves foot pain and fatigue

• Softens and hydrates skin

• Enhances overall well-being

Ingredients and Supplies Needed

You do not need anything fancy to pamper yourself! Basic ingredients that most of us have around the house, or easily found at most stores:

• Baking Soda - Soothes and smooths skin, neutralizes odors, aids with fungal infections, relaxes muscles, and reduces inflammation

• Epsom Salt - Rich in magnesium, it relieves muscle aches, softens dry skin, reduces odor, and helps with ingrown toenails

• Sea Salt or Himalayan Salt - Mineral-rich salts cleanse and rejuvenate skin, promoting relaxation and improved circulation

• Apple Cider Vinegar (optional) - Its antibacterial and antifungal properties help fight athlete’s foot and prevent odor

• Oil (optional) - Oils such as jojoba or sweet almond oil moisturizes skin and acts as a carrier for essential oils

• Essential Oils (optional) - Add aroma and therapeutic benefits (see suggestions below)

• Dried Herbs (optional) - Enhance relaxation and skin care (see suggestions below)

• Vessel - Any container large enough for your feet, such as a plastic tub or large pot

• Towels - Place one under your soaking vessel to catch spills and have another ready to dry your feet afterward

Beneficial Essential Oils for Foot Baths

Essential oils are a delightful addition to any foot soak. Just 1-3 drops are enough to enhance your experience. Here are some excellent options:

• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) - Promotes relaxation and reduces stress, reduces pain and inflammation, and has antimicrobial properties

• Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) - Offers antimicrobial and antifungal benefits, and can reduce inflammation

• Lemon (Citrus limon) - Uplifts the mood and refreshes tired feet

• Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) - Invigorates and supports circulation, reduces pain, and reduces inflammation

• Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) - Provides a cooling, refreshing sensation, while also reducing pain and inflammation

• Black Spruce (Picea mariana) - Warms and soothes sore muscles, boosts the mood, and decreases inflammation

• Juniper Berry (Juniperus communis) - Cleanses and rejuvenates tired feet, reduces pain and inflammation, and supports circulation

• Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) - Improves circulation, and reduces pain and swelling

• Sweet Marjoram (Origanum majorana) - Eases muscle tension and inflammation, and promotes relaxation

Beneficial Herbs for Foot Baths

Dried herbs can elevate your foot soak. You can add the herbs directly to the water, put them in a muslin bag for easier clean up, make a tea and add that to the foot bath, or infuse a carrier oil with the herbs and then add that to the water. Here are some great choices:

• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) - Calming and soothing, relieves stress and pain, and its vulnerary properties promote healing of a variety of skin damage, wounds or infections

• Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla, M. recutita) - Reduces inflammation and tension, and promotes relaxation

• Hops (Humulus lupulus) - Relieves tension, soothes the skin, promotes relaxation

• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) - Offers antimicrobial and deodorizing properties, warming effects help reduce inflammation

• Calendula (Calendula officinalis) - Another vulnerary, calendula nourishes and heals damaged skin, and reduces itchiness and inflammation

• Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) - Stimulates circulation and refreshes tired feet, reduces pain, and cleanses the skin

• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) - Soothes irritated skin, reduces inflammation, improves blood flow, and has antimicrobial properties to help with wound healing

• Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) - Refreshes and cools the skin, and relieves pain

• Rose Petals (Rosa spp.) - Adds a touch of luxury, and softens and heals the skin

Make Ahead Foot Soak Options & Recipes

Herbal Soaking Salts

Create a pre-mixed jar of soaking salts for easy use by combining the salts, baking soda and herbs into a lidded jar:

• 1/2 cup Epsom salt

• 1/2 cup Himalayan salt

• 1/4 cup baking soda

• 1 Tbsp dried lavender buds

• 1 Tbsp rose petals

Label the jar and store it in a cool, dry place. When ready to use, add 1-2 tablespoons of the mix to warm water. You can also add apple cider vinegar or oils as desired.

Herbal Foot Tea Blend

Blend dried herbs and store in an airtight container, such as:

• 2 parts calendula

• 1 part lavender

• 1/4 part hops

Use 1 tablespoon per soak. Add directly to water, use a tea bag, or brew the blend and pour it into the basin.

Infused Oils for Foot Soaks

Create an infused oil by filling a mason jar about half full with dried herbs, then topping off with oil and allowing to macerate/infuse for about 4 weeks:

• dried rosemary

• dried peppermint

• sweet almond oil or preferred carrier oil

After infusing, strain, and label.

Use 1-3 tsp of infused oil per soak, optionally adding 1-3 drops of essential oils.

Essential Oil Blends

Prepare your favorite blends ahead of time using a small (5ml) amber glass bottle:

• Relaxing Blend: 3 parts lavender, 2 parts black spruce, 1 part juniper berry

• Refreshing Blend: 1 part lemon, 1 part tea tree

Use 1-3 drops of your blend per foot soak, diluted in 1-3 tsp of carrier oil.

Alternatively, pre-blend essential oils into a bottle of carrier oil, such as:

• 1 oz jojoba oil

• 3 drops sweet marjoram

• 2 drops cypress

DIY Foot Soaking Kits for Gifting

Assemble a thoughtful kit with:

• A cute jar of pre-mixed herbal salts

• A small bottle of essential oils blended into a carrier oil

• A cute jar of herbal tea blend with a muslin bag

• Include an instruction card for an easy, luxurious experience.

Vials filled with herbal soaking salts

Tips for the Perfect Foot Soak

• Soak feet for 15 minutes or until water cools.

• Moisturize afterward.

• Limit soaks to 1-2 times per week.

Take time to care for your feet—they work hard for you! A simple foot soak can provide immense relaxation and health benefits, making it a lovely addition to your routine.

With these simple recipes, you can refresh tired feet and enjoy a moment of comfort.

Try one of the recipes above and see how a foot soak can make a difference for you. Have you tried a foot soak? Share your favorite combinations or tips in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!