Lavender Green Tea Foot Soak

Summertime feet.  They’re supposed to be pretty and sandal-ready but sometimes they just aren’t.  Perhaps you’ve tried pedicures, pumice stones, or foot balms to care for them…but have you ever tried a foot soak?  I didn’t think much of foot soaks until I indulged in one for the very first time a few weeks ago, after my feet were totally spent from having moved into a new place.  A bucket of hot water and some salts might not seem like a big deal, but when your feet are sore and aching like you’ve just hiked through the Mojave Desert nothing could be better.

The secret to this foot soak is epsom salt, also known as magnesium sulfate.  Epsom salts come in cartons or large bags which can be found in any drug store for just a few dollars.  The salts are commonly used as a home remedy to treat aches or sprains, and are also known for being an excellent skin softener and exfoliant.

Another ingredient added to this foot soak is some common everyday green tea.  When applied topically, steeped green tea is thought to have antibacterial properties and can also to help to reduce swelling…perfect for reviving tired, less-than-fresh feet.  Here, lavender essential oil and buds not only give a hit of soothing aromatherapy, but also add a flowery pop of purple color to the soak.  The calming fragrance of this herbal will leave you feeling like you’re being primped and pampered at some exclusive spa.

This easy-to-make foot soak is perfect for expectant moms, atheletes, or for anyone who simply has horribly aching feet.  The salts can be easily packed into jars or sachets for easy gift giving, and also make luxurious yet inexpensive party favors.  Try this Lavender Green Tea Foot Soak as a simple pleasure at the end of a long day.  It’s sure to leave you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and wondering why you hadn’t made a stop at the drug store for some epsom salts many summers ago.

Lavender Green Tea Foot Soak

What You’ll Need:

large mixing bowl

spoon

1 cup epsom salt

2 tea bags or 2 tsp loose green tea (please, don’t use the fancy stuff!)

2 tsp fresh or dried lavender buds

1/2 tsp lavender essential oil

1 cup capacity jar, sachet, or other sealed container

foot tub or bucket

8 quarts warm water (I like the water to be very warm/almost hot)

Step-By-Step:

1.)  Mix all the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl.  Place the mixture in a sealed container until ready to use.

2.)  When ready for the foot soak, place the fragrant salt into a large foot tub and add 8 quarts of very warm water.

3.)  Soak feet for 20 minutes or until feet feel soft, refreshed, and squeaky-clean.