Foot pain can be a result of exercise, uncomfortable shoes or tight muscles and joints. Whether the pain is in your heel, the arch of your foot or in your toes, letting it go can cause the pain to get worse, and it can be extremely uncomfortable throughout the day. If you ever experience foot pain, a relieving foot bath of epsom salt and apple cider vinegar can help soothe it!
Warm Water
Warm water has been used for centuries as a healing method in many cultures. Hot springs are considered a cure-all in several countries, due to their soothing effects. Warm water relaxes the muscles, eases stress and strain and promotes circulation for better health. It works by easing the compression of the joints, creating more space between them to ensure that they aren’t grinding together, which can easily cause pain. When using warm water to soothe and relax, it shouldn’t exceed the body’s internal temperature too much. A water temperature of under 102 degrees fahrenheit is best. If the water is too hot, it can raise the body’s blood pressure and put strain on the heart.
Epsom Salts
Epsom salts are loaded with magnesium, which helps the body to relax and detox, while allowing calcium to work effectively in the body. Epsom salts also contain sulfates. When balanced with magnesium, sulfates work in the body to:
- Improve heart health by reducing irregular heartbeats
- Prevent the hardening of arteries
- Reduce blood clots and lower blood pressure
- Improve the ability of the body to use insulin
- Flush toxins and heavy metals from the cells to ease muscle pain
- Improve nerve function by regulating electrolytes
- Relieve stress by replenishing the magnesium in the body, which is necessary for the body to produce adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain
- Reduce inflammation to relieve pain from cramped muscles
Apple Cider Vinegar
The health benefits of apple cider vinegar are numerous. On top of aiding in proper digestion, soothing a sore throat, clearing acne, whitening teeth and eliminating bad breath, it helps cut down on leg cramping. Cramping can be a sign that the body is low in potassium. Apple cider vinegar helps boost the body’s potassium levels. It’s also anti-fungal, moisturizing, and it reduces foot odor.
If you’re suffering from athlete’s foot or foot odor, putting apple cider vinegar in your foot bath will help break down fungus and get rid of unpleasant odor. It will also help to soften your feet and soothe hard, dry or cracked skin. Scrubbing your feet while in the foot bath will help to remove dead skin cells and soften roughness.
Ingredients
- Half a gallon of warm water
- Two cups of apple cider vinegar
- Half a cup of Epsom salt
Directions
- Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl or tub.
- Stick your feet in the water and keep them there until the water turns cold.
- Use the foot bath once a week to get the best results.
h/t: family life goals