Homeopathic Essential Oils & Foot Health

Yes, summer is just around the corner and here are a few essential oils which can help you prepare your feet for the heat!
Caution: Essential Oils applied neat straight to the skin can create localised skin sensitivity. Therefore try adding neat oils to popular carrier oils such as; Olive, Coconut, Almond, Vitamin E or Jojoba oil.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree oil has a broad spectrum of medicinal / therapeutic uses, and can be used as an antiseptic, over cuts and scrapes.
Our feet have approximately 250,000 sweat glands and tea oil can help to fight smelly feet as it has both deodorising and anti-fungal properties, making it an excellent oil to add to your foot cream or carrier oil. We also like to use it in our Clinic to wipe over our custom orthotics. Our orthotics are covered with an antibacterial / antifungal medical grade cover and over time, we advise refreshing with a quick wipe over of either lavender or tea tree oil.
Cypress Oil
An alternative oil with wonderful properties to combat sweaty feet is Cypress oil. A quick way to use this is to add 24 drops to 4oz of water and shake each time before use.
Cypress oil has additional beneficial properties such as; strengthening blood vessels, which will improve circulation and help to deter fluid retention. Pleasantly scented, calming and soothing, it is the perfect oil to dilute in warm water for an end of day foot soak.
Peppermint Oil
Fantastic for uplifting your ‘soles’ and creates a cooling, refreshing effect. Additional benefits of this invigorating oil include promoting new cell growth, improving circulation, skin purifying, antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
Take note; this oil is very concentrated and applied neat to sensitive skin can cause a burning sensation and irritate the skin. Use a carrier oil or add a few drops to your regular foot cream.
Lavender Oil
Lavender is a relaxing and soothing antiseptic and antifungal oil. For those with sensitive skin, lavender oil can be applied to chamomile tea, instead of a carrier oil. Use diluted in a foot soak or to wipe over your custom orthotics to refresh and disinfect.
Orthotics & Oils
If you’re like me and wear custom orthotics, then you can directly apply the oils onto your pair of orthotics and rub it in with some cotton wool. It’s great for cleansing, disinifecting and makes the orthotics smell great. I love the peppermint oil for this!
If you’re unsure about mixing your own oils, there are creams available for the feet and legs that already contain the above oils. One of our favourites are Gehwol who make a range for very dry feet, normal, refreshing leg balms and deodourising balms and sprays. Alll with a variety of rosemary, eucalyptus, lavender and moisturizing ingredients to refresh, soothe and calm.
The UK Podiatrists at Dubai Podiatry Centre on Sheikh Zayed Road, led by Michelle Champlin, are always glad to offer help and advice on all foot health related issues. So if there’s anything bothering you about your feet, whether you’re worried about excessive sweat or smell or foot or heel pain, contact us today on +971 4 3435390.