Do you have tired, aching and cracked feet due to the rough summer months? Do you go barefoot or wear sandals most of the time? You’ve probably noticed that your feet are looking a little neglected and rough around the edges.
Our poor feet! They really take a beating in the summer months of long days hiking, jobs that require long periods of standing, weddings spent in high heels, flip-flops on sandy beaches and hours trapped in running shoes. Or if you’re like me, your feet are trapped in Western boots most of the day from riding horses all summer.
Here are some of the ingredients and benefits your feet will be soaking up when you use this foot lotion:
Because your skin is the largest organ in your body, you can apply nutrients to your skin and they will be absorbed and used in a beneficial way. Using cocoa butter on your skin is a good, all-natural moisturizer that is loaded with antioxidants. Cocoa butter is great for people with sensitive skin and may also help with eczema and other skin problems.
Shea butter
Did you know that shea butter is derived from the shea tree? Because of its thick and rich formula, it is great for dry and cracked hands and lips. Not only will it help treat your summer heel issues but it will also help keep your feet in great shape during the winter months as well.
Vitamin E oil
Vitamin EÂ is a great moisturizer that can help keep your skin feeling healthy and soft. It can also prevent your skin from becoming dehydrated.
Peppermint essential oil
Peppermint essential oil has been used for centuries for its health and beauty benefits. Peppermint oil was even discovered in some Egyptian pyramids! Even long ago they knew what an important oil peppermint was.
This oil is great for chronic muscle and joint pain. It’s a strong anti-inflammatory, and also fights bacteria and fungus, which may cause skin conditions such as eczema and rashes.
Lemongrass essential oil
Lemongrass oil has a light smell that is a bit like lemons but with a more earthy tone. It can have a very soothing and relaxing effect but can also be stimulating and balancing as well.
It has been known to help fight fungus and can help when you are suffering from inflammation. This oil has also been used aromatically to help alleviate muscle pain, help to fight bacteria, get rid of insects and rid the body of aches and pains.
Melaleuca
Tea tree oil is good for a number of skin issues. This oil is very helpful to have in your collection of natural remedies for easy access in case any number of problems arise.
You can help treat antiviral issues, and it also helps with skin conditions because it has antibacterial properties. When applied to the skin, it can have a numbing effect on scrapes or scratches. I use this essential oil to help treat bug bites, cuts, scrapes, ringworm, thrush, nail fungus, athlete’s foot and cold sores.
Lavender
Lavender has some of the same benefits that melaleuca has. It’s also an antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic as well. Research shows lavender has the ability to help reduce pain, promote relaxation, help lower high blood pressure, help treat sinus and throat infections and help get rid of congestion.
Lavender is also used for burns. It helps to cool the skin and aid in healing. It can also help with the healing process for abscesses, infections, insect bites, fungal infections and other skin issues. I love adding lavender to this mix because of all the wonderful benefits I receive.
Natural Whipped Foot Lotion
Ingredients
- 1 tsp beeswax
- 2 tbsp cocoa butter
- 4 tbsp shea butter
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 2 tsp vitamin E oil
- 20 drops peppermint essential oil
- 20 drops lemongrass essential oil
- 10 drops melaleuca essential oil
- 10 drops lavender
Equipment
- Glass bowl
- Electric mixer to whip up the lotion
- Glass jar with a lid for storage
Instructions
1. In small glass bowl, combine all the ingredients except the essential oils. Microwave for small amounts of time until all oils are melted together. Start with 10 seconds at a time.
2. Stir ingredients until combined really well. Let it rest for at least five minutes.
3. Now add essential oils and stir. Let the mixture come to a solid. To make this process go a little faster, put it in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
4. Once solid, use your electric mixer to whip the lotion. Gradually increase your speed to high and whip for three to four minutes until light and fluffy.Â
5. When finished, put it in a container.
6. For best results, add a generous amount of lotion to your feet at bedtime and put some socks on. If you use this for a couple of weeks, you should see and feel a huge difference. Your feet will be so grateful!
— Leilani Hampton