The healing powers of essential oils have been known for centuries, but the popularity of using the super concentrated concoctions for health reasons has just recently begun sweeping the nation. Essential oils are said to have the ability to heal ailments from headaches to stomachaches, toothaches to muscle aches, and beyond.
Not surprisingly, essential oils can also help common foot issues like fungal infections, swelling, foot odor, pain and more. But which are the best essential oils for foot problems and pain? Check out this list of the various essential oils you can use for foot ailments, foot rubs, foot baths, foot powder and more.
Best Essential Oils For Stinky Feet
Foot odor is generally caused by bacteria that feeds on foot sweat, so the best way to banish stinky feet (called bromodosis in the medical world) is by killing the bacteria and preventing it from forming in the first place. The best bacteria-banishing essential oils include:
- bergamot oil
- cypress oil
- eucalyptus oil
- lavender oil
- rosemary oil
- sage oil
You can use any combination of the above oils for foot soaks and oil rubs to help kill smelly bacteria and keep your feet smelling fresh.
Best Essential Oils For Sweaty Feet
Having extremely sweaty feet is such an embarrassing problem, it’s often referred to as the “silent handicap.” Fortunately, there are a few essential oils that help lessen foot sweat and help reduce sweat gland size. They include:
- bergamot oil
- cypress oil
- sage oil
- rosemary oil
For best results, mix a few drops of each oil into a soothing foot soak to help reduce pore size and dry out the feet. Follow up by applying a foot powder made from a mixture of 3 tbsp of absorbent powder like cornstarch or arrowroot powder and 3 drops each of sage oil and rosemary oil.
Best Essential Oils For Swollen Feet
Feet can become swollen for a variety of reasons, including standing for long periods of time, health conditions and diet. Some oils that help decrease inflammation and swelling in the feet include:
- chamomile oil
- lavender oil
- peppermint oil
- pine oil
Mix a few drops of the above oils in any combination into a relaxing foot bath or into a soothing foot rub (mixed together with a carrier oil such as coconut oil).
Best Essential Oils For Sore, Tired Feet
We trudge along every day, barely paying attention to the amount of pressure and weight we put on our feet. Combine that with the not so comfortable shoes we jam our feet into, and you’ve got a recipe for super sore, tired feet. Fortunately, there are a few essential oils that can help sooth and relax the feet, reduce foot pain, and even help decrease overall stress with their aromatherapy effects. They include:
- eucalyptus oil
- frankincense oil
- lavender oil
- peppermint oil
- pine oil
For best results, use a few drops of the above oils in any combination in a relaxing foot bath or in a soothing oil rub for the feet (the latter of which should be mixed into a carrier oil such as coconut oil).
Best Essential Oils For Athlete’s Foot And Toenail Fungus
Fungal infections like athlete’s foot and toenail fungus (onychomycosis) can lead to very uncomfortable symptoms like itching, burning, pain and general discomfort. To help battle fungus, you can try the following antifungal essential oils:
- geranium oil
- lavender oil
- tea tree oil
Use a blend of these antifungal oils on your feet on a daily basis to help stop infections like athlete’s foot and toenail fungus.
Best Essential Oils For Diabetic Feet
Having diabetes requires a patient pay special attention to his or her feet. Decreased blood circulation and nerve sensations means tiny cuts, scrapes and wounds can easily become infected, be slow to heal, and possibly lead to limb amputation. To help reduce the risk of diabetic foot problems, try using the following essential oils to restore moisture, boost circulation, and fight against bacterial and fungal infections:
- chamomile oil
- eucalyptus oil
- olive oil
- peppermint oil
- tea tree oil
Doctors warn that foot soaks aren't healthy for diabetics, so rather than soaking your feet in an essential oil footbath, mix a few drops of any combination of these essential oils into a carrier oil such as coconut oil and apply to the feet on a daily basis to help ward off bacterial and fungal infections as well as dryness and cracking.