Do you find that you come home after a long day and your feet regularly feel dead? Whether it’s from standing all day, running for miles, or walking around the mall, sore feet that ache are no fun. You may resort to foot creams and give yourself a foot rub, but how much relief does that provide? It’s time to board the essential oils train because they may help you get back up and moving quickly.
There are several ways to help relieve foot pain with essential oils. If you want to pamper your feet, you may want to make a soothing essential oil foot bath. You soak your feet in warm water, Epsom salt, and about 10-20 drops of your favorite healing essential oil. Soak your feet for about 20 minutes while you relax. Consider listening to an audiobook or podcast that puts you in your happy place. By the end of the 20 minutes, you should notice a sense of relief and reduction in swelling.
If you don’t have the time to soak your feet in an essential oil foot bath, consider applying essential oils topically to your soles. The important thing to remember is to dilute the essential oils in a carrier oil of your choice. You may need to dilute differently, depending on which essential oil you use, as some are more potent than others. Generally, though, you mix three to four drops of an essential oil with a tablespoon of carrier oil and massage that mixture into your feet. The following essential oils should help soothe your feet if they ever feel achy or sore.
Lavender Essential Oil
Commonly used in aromatherapy to calm the mind, lavender essential oil promotes feelings of relaxation. It may help relieve joint and muscle pain, in addition to calming some inflammatory skin conditions. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties are responsible for the pain-relieving properties, especially for tight muscles. Some research indicates that it works to ease pain by increasing circulation to the area where you apply it.
Cypress Essential Oil
Cypress essential oil is made from the stems, young twigs, and needles of the cypress evergreen tree. The primary constituents of this essential oil are alpha-pinene and limonene, which work to stimulate blood flow. When you apply it topically on the skin, it provides the area with an energizing lift. Additionally, researchers identified that the antispasmodic properties in cypress essential oil may help alleviate muscle pulls and foot cramping.
Peppermint Essential Oil
According to several studies, peppermint essential oil works to relieve pain in two ways. First, it provides a calming, cooling sensation that can be somewhat tingly. That works to provide quick relief, but it also exhibits powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can quickly reduce swelling after topical application. The antimicrobial properties in peppermint essential oil may alleviate pain associated with athlete’s foot. Plus, the minty aroma helps to keep your feet smelling fresh.
Marjoram Essential Oil
Like cypress essential oil, marjoram essential oil exhibits antispasmodic properties, making it great for your sore, tired foot muscles. Marjoram belongs to the mint family and is related to basil, thyme, oregano, and sage. It is a great essential oil that you can apply after exercise to accelerate muscle recovery. The analgesic properties in the essential oil may also help alleviate mild pain. Lastly, marjoram is similar to lavender in that it helps promote a sense of calm and relaxation, relieving stress and allowing the body to release tension.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus essential oil is commonly used to help promote decongestion and relieve stress. It also works to promote relaxation, which is why it is infused into steam rooms. Similar to peppermint essential oil, eucalyptus has a cooling effect that may help alleviate muscle pain. The anti-inflammatory properties may also relieve the pain of tired feet. Because it is an analgesic, eucalyptus may help numb the area after topical application, providing you with some much-need relief.
