A Holiday Feet Treat

During the rush and pull of the holiday season, one of the parts of your body that takes the biggest beating is often your feet. You’re working longer hours as business heats up for the holidays, or as you try and cram in all the projects and reports you need to finish before your vacation (so that you can actually relax!); and in your “free” time, you’re running from place to place looking for that one particular item, or crafting people’s presents. And that’s not even mentioning the parties. Office parties, family parties, personal parties - all dressed in your best, and probably not in sole-supporting sneakers. All these factors lead to tender feet, sore legs, pain in your lower back,  and ultimately fatigue… none of which really leads to a jolly holiday season. One of the easiest ways to eliminate some of that pain (and simultaneously detoxify!) is a homemade foot soak. If you can carve out just  15 -20 minutes before you go to bed this week, you’ll enter the New Year still feeling like dancing! Or at least like you can still stand. This detox foot bath will relax you while it cleanses your body of some of those seasonal toxins, and soothes your aches and pains. The recipe for this is adapted from the blog “Wellness Mama.”

Ingredients:

• One ½ gallon container (a large pickle jar or a mason jar will work well)1/4 cup sea salt
• 1/4 cup Epsom salt
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1/3 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar (if you have it… if not, it can be omitted, it just intensifies the detox aspect of the foot bath)
• Several drops of your favorite essential oil, or teaspoons of dried leaves:
  • Lavender for a calming and anxiety reducing soak
  • Rosemary for a stimulating and energizing soak
  •  Ginger for a more intense detox (with this, slice up fresh ginger and add it to the foot bath. Ginger is an anti-inflammatory, and also opens up your pores, allowing more of the toxins to come out.  A fresh ginger foot bath is particularly helpful if you’re starting to feel sick!
  •  Peppermint if you are feeling stuffy

Instructions:

• Dissolve Salt, epsom salt, and baking soda in boiling water in a quart size jar and set aside. Fill tub with warm/hot water and add apple cider vinegar if you want. Pour salt mixture in and add essential oils if using.
• Soak in bath for 30 minutes or as long as desired. Note that with any detox bath, you may feel tired or lightheaded when you get out. I don’t recommend doing this while home alone or before going somewhere in case you are tired or need help.
• This bath is great for soothing skin irritation, boosting magnesium levels and overall detoxing.