After a winter under wraps (unless you live in a warm climate), your feet might not be as spring-ready as you would like. However, there are still a few weeks left to get your feet into shape for the spring and summer months ahead – with some aromatherapy help. Essential oils, carrier oils, and hydrosols are all beneficial to the health of your feet.

Essential Oils for Feet

Feet benefit from various types of essential oils, depending upon specific problems. In all cases, combine essential oils with a base product (such as a foot scrub, foot soak, oil, or lotion). Here are a few suggestions for essential oils for feet:

• peppermint (Mentha x piperita) – cooling, invigorating, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, antiseptic

• spearmint (Mentha spicata) – see peppermint. A less “harsh” oil for babies, children, and pregnant women.

• rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)- anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, stimulating, antiseptic

• lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – analgesic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic

• lemon (Citrus x limon) – refreshing, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-infectious

• lime (Citrus aurantifolia) – see lemon

• fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) – anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, analgesic, anti-bacterial

• tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) – antiseptic, anti-infectious, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic.

Cautions: Note the individual cautions of essential oils before using; consult a certified aromatherapist for further advice.

Carrier Oils for Feet

Carrier oils are great for moisturizing feet and for keeping them healthy. Just be careful when you apply oils as the oils can make your feet slippy and susceptible to falls. Combine carrier oils with essential oils, add to lotion or cream bases, or use simply on their own. Carrier oils for feet include:

• jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) – an all-round oil suitable for all skin types

• apricot kernel (Prunus armeniaca) – a nourishing, emollient oil for sensitive, dry, and mature skin

• hazelnut (Corylus avellana) – for oily skin

• olive (Olea europaea) – for itchy skin

• sunflower (Helianthus annuus) – a softening and moisturizing oil for the skin

• sweet almond (Prunis dulcis) – for dry, itchy, inflamed skin.

Hydrosols for Feet

Hydrosols can be cooling, refreshing, and therapeutic to feet, giving them a much needed boost to carry on through the day – or to wind down with a cooling mist at night. Use hydrosols on their own in a spray bottle, combine with essential oils, or add to lotions and cream bases. Suitable hydrosols for feet include:

• cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) – anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious, antiseptic; calming and soothing

• helichrysum (Helichrysum angustifolium) – anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, and soothing

• lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and soothing

• melissa (Melissa officinalis) – analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and relaxing

• tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) – anti-fungal, antiseptic

• witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) – analgesic, anti-fungal, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory.

Learn More About Aromatherapy with Sedona Aromatherapie

If you are interested in learning more about essential oils, carrier oils, and hydrosols consider taking the Sedona Aromatherapie Certification in Professional Aromatherapy course!

References:

• Falsetto, Sharon, 2014, Authentic Aromatherapy, US: Skyhorse Publishing

• Lawless, Julia, 1995, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, UK: Thorsons

• Sedona Aromatherapie Certification in Professional Aromatherapy, Sedona, Arizona

• Author is a UK-certified aromatherapist, published author and editor in aromatherapy, an approved education provider for the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA), an aromatherapy business owner, and Chief Editor for the NAHA Aromatherapy Journal.