Your feet work as the foundation for the rest of your body. If heels become cracked or dry it can not only become painful, but can increase the risk of further injury. Additionally, even cracks that do not cause pain can still potentially allow bacteria to enter the body. The feet have large pores, and can easily absorb essential oil. In reflexology, the bottom of the feet is seen as the area where all nerve endings meet, making it the perfect place to massage. This helps to increase body circulation.
Foot massages can help ease stress, pain, muscle ache, and more. Using essential oils for foot pain also allows for the added benefit of aromatherapy. When you are choosing the best essential oil for bottom of feet there are many considerations to take into place. Here is a list of ten oils to get you started, each offering different benefits.
Best Essential Oil for Bottom of Feet: Top 10 Recommended Oils
1. Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil is one of the best essential oils for sore feet. In addition to its fresh, minty aroma, it also acts as an analgesic, cooling the area and temporarily masking pain. If you’ve been on your feet all day, using peppermint oil can help to reduce tension and swelling, while also energizing the body. You should never apply raw oils directly to the skin, so keep reading to learn how to apply essential oils to your feet in a variety of different ways.
2. Helichrysum Essential Oil
While research into essential oils is limited, studies indicate that helichrysum oil may be able to reduce pain and swelling due to muscle and joint inflammation. This makes it a top contender to be the best essential oil for bottom of feet. There is also research indicating it to be an effective antibacterial agent. Try adding a few drops of helichrysum essential oil to massage oil, and rub into the bottoms of your feet for relief.
3. Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus essential oil is one of the most widely used natural oils. It might even be the best essential oil for bottom of feet. Massaging eucalyptus into the crucial pressure points of the bottom of your feet helps to increase blood circulation. Not only does it contain eucalyptol, with its trademark scent and cooling properties, eucalyptus also contains antifungal and antibacterial properties. For the best results, you can dilute eucalyptus essential oil and apply it topically to the bottom of your feet before going to sleep.
4. Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary essential oil is one of our favorite essential oils for feet, as it not only helps to improve body circulation, but is also reputed to help ease stress, reduce pain and the inflammation of joints, and improve mood. Not to mention, the smell of rosemary is woodsy and fragrant, bringing to mind the holidays. The feet are one of the most absorbent areas of the body, meaning the effect of the oils will take place faster than through other methods.
5. Rose Geranium Essential Oil
In spite of the name, this plant is actually a geranium, not a rose. However, its leaves smell strongly of the latter, which is where it gets its name from. This oil is both a powerful antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory. The bottom of your feet carry a lot of weight, both literally and figuratively. A lot of tension can be built up in the feet, and rose geranium oil shows indications of being able to help relieve symptoms of stress and anxiety. This oil also works great as a moisturizer, particularly through the winter months, and its sweet, floral aroma is a great addition to base lotions and massage oils.
6. Lavender Essential Oil
Many people use lavender oil on bottom of feet to help relieve stress and tension. Lavender oil is famous in the aromatherapy world for its calming effect, and its ability to reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. Applying lavender oil to the feet is one of the quickest ways to achieve the benefits of aromatherapy. Lavender is also one of the best essential oils for bottom of feet to use before bed, as it can help promote a sound and restful night’s sleep.
7. Lemongrass Essential Oil
Studies indicate that lemongrass contains antifungal properties, which are particularly effective against fungi such as athlete’s foot and ringworm. This makes it one of our favorites on the list of best essential oils for bottom of feet. There is also some anecdotal evidence that indicates that lemongrass oil may be an effective way to treat migraines and headaches. In reflexology, foot massages are also used to treat migraines, making lemongrass oil a double-edged sword.
8. Sweet Marjoram Essential Oil
Marjoram comes from a herb native to the Mediterranean and is a cousin of oregano. Marjoram oil is a warming oil and can help soothe and relieve pain when diluted and applied topically. Many people also use marjoram oil as a relaxation aid before going to bed. Studies show participants who partook in aromatherapy massage with marjoram had improved and better sleeping patterns than their counterparts.
9. Cypress Essential Oil
Cypress natural oil is on our list of the best essential oils for bottom of feet due to its pleasant woodsy aroma, and potential ability to help ease muscle pain. It is a great choice for those who are looking for essential oils for foot pain. This is because anecdotal evidence indicates that cypress oil may act as an antispasmodic, helping to loosen tension and cramping.
10. Lemon Essential Oil
The antibacterial and antifungal properties of lemon essential oil can help to keep skin free from the bacteria that causes athlete’s foot, as well as certain types of candida that can cause thrush Furthermore, the cheerful scent of lemon is a great mood booster, and it can help to increase feelings of mental alertness.
How to Use the Best Essential Oil for Bottom of Feet?
If you are wondering how to apply essential oils to feet, you have a few different methods to choose from:
- Massage: Take 6-10 drops of essential oil with 1 oz. of carrier oil. Combine to create a safe, diluted blend. Pour some into palms, rub them together, and massage them into the skin.
- Soak: Take one cup of Epsom salt and mix it with 8-10 drops of essential oil in a bucket or basin. Fill it with warm water and test the temperature. Immerse your feet in it for 15-20 minutes.
- Compress: Fill a bowl or bucket with warm water. Add 4-5 drops of essential oil in it and stir well. Submerge a soft washcloth, then wring it out and apply it to the bottom of the feet. You can use the compress for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
Conclusion
Using essential oils for sore feet may be able to provide some relief, particularly if your pain is resulting from inflammation or muscle tension. Our list of the best essential oils for bottom of feet is a good place to start if you are trying to choose which oil is best for your needs. Other oils such as bergamot, oregano, tea tree, and frankincense are also great essential oils for feet. Always remember to dilute first, with a carrier oil, massage oil, base lotion, salts, or even hot water. This will help prevent any skin irritation occurring from the strength of the oils.
