Footbaths have been used by herbalists and healers for hundreds of years. (Maurice Messegue was particularly celebrated for the cures he has brought about by this very simple means.)

The traditional method of preparation was to make a very strong infusion from the chosen plant, or mixture of plants, and pour this into a bowl of very hot water, but 3 or 4 drops of essential oil in a bowl of hot water is just as effective. Some aromatherapists who also practice reflexology have experimented with this method recently, and found it a very good addition to the better-known ways of using essential oils. A footbath seems to be even more effective if given after a reflexology treatment but it can be very good used alone if you are not, or do not know, a reflexologist.

Footbaths are very helpful in situations where a full aromatic bath would not be practical, or is not available, such as when treating elderly or less mobile people who may have difficulty in getting in and out of a bath The skin on the soles of the feet absorbs essential oils very fast, and makes this a good way to get the oils into the body.

AROMATHERAPY RECIPES

Here are some relaxing Footbath Recipes:

Athlete's Foot Bath

Mix together in a warm foot bath 7 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil and 4 drops of Niaouli Essential Oil, soak your feet for 15 to 30 minutes. Continue to do this daily until the condition improves.

Relaxing Footbath

Mix together in a warm foot bath 5 drops of Geranium Oil, 4 drops of Lavender Oil and 1 drop of Peppermint Oil. Soak your feet for 15 to 30 minutes and repeat as often as required.

Foot Oil

4 teaspoons vodka 1 5/8 fl oz (45 ml) olive oil 2 teaspoons avocado oil 2 teaspoons jojoba oil 2 teaspoons sweet almond oil 20 drops peppermint essential oil 10 drops tea tree oil 30 droops lavender essential oil 20 drops cypress essential oil

Put all the ingredients into a 3 1/2 fl oz (100 ml0 bottle. Shake well for several minutes. Leave for 4 days to blend. Store in a cool dark place. To use, first wash or soak feet. Dry thoroughly. Shake the bottle well and massage a little of the oil into feet until it is absorbed. To massage feet, apply oil and knead the sole of each foot. Then slowly work over the top of the foot and up the leg with a long, sweeping motion.

HERBAL RECIPES

To make a soothing bath for sore feet, first brew a strong tea of finely chopped fresh herbs to half fill a bowl large enough for both feet. Use as many of these herbs as possible: lavender, sage, pine needles, pennyroyal, rosemary and yarrow.

Have the herbal bath as hot as you can bear. Soak feet for 10 - 15 minutes. Finish by plunging your feet into a bowl of cold water. Pat your feet dry and massage with Aramotherapy foot oil.

Herbal Foot Bath

Fill a bowl or basin with warm to hot water. Add fresh herbs or any medicinal plants that you have on hand, such as Rose Petals, Mint Sprigs, Lavender Sprigs/Buds, Rosemary, Chamomile, Lemon Balm, etc. Throw in a handful of Sea Salt and/or a drizzle of your favourite essential oil if you like, relax and soak until feet are soft and you are relaxed!

See also Baths and Bath Oils.