In the aromatherapy world, one of the administration methods we use for essential oils is baths.  Baths are nice, but they have some downfalls.  It takes a while to fill up a bathtub.  It uses a lot of water.  Whatever you’re putting in the bath is more readily diluted, so you need more.  And it’s kind of a “production” to take a bath.  For all of these reasons, as a rule I prefer foot baths.

A foot bath can provide a lot of the same relaxation as a full bath.  It doesn’t require a lot of water.  It isn’t necessary to use as much of the healing substances you put in the water to arrive at the same concentration.  It isn’t necessary to undress, dry off, and redress.  And it’s even possible to get other things done while enjoying a foot bath.  (I know for some people that would defeat the purpose, but I get bored in a bath, so I like to have a little something to occupy my attention.  Even if it’s just a book, which I worry less about getting wet than in a regular bath.)

Preparing the Foot Bath

We’re blessed to have an old-fashioned enamel basin that works great for this purpose.  Whatever you have, though, that  you can fill up deep enough to accommodate your feet up to about the ankles (without sloshing over) — and still carry — is fine.

I usually start by laying out a bath towel in front of wherever I’ll be sitting.  I fill the basin with water as hot as our tap will run.  (This is usually slightly uncomfortably hot, but not hot enough to scald.  So it’s a tad warmer than my preference at first, but doesn’t get overly cool too quickly.)  I then place the basin on the towel and stir in my “mix-ins.”

Having the towel on the floor helps protect against minor splatters, and provides a place to put my dripping feet when I’m finished.

What to Put in It

I mentioned essential oils, and those are nice, but they’re also optional.  My favorite thing to add is epsom salts.  Epsom salts are a form of magnesium; this magnesium is absorbed through the skin when placed in a bath and helps contribute to the soothing effect of the bath.  (It’s also good for us.)  I use about 1/4 cup.  Personally, I kind of like it when a little bit of the salts stay undissolved in the bottom of the basin, because these large granules provide some texture that feels nice on the bottoms of my feet.

After mixing in the epsom salts so they can begin to dissolve (another benefit of the really hot water) you can also add a couple drops of essential oil(s) if you like.  Be sure to check your choices for contraindications: you don’t want to use anything contraindicated for skin contact (especially together with heat), anything inappropriate for any health conditions you might have, or anything inappropriate while pregnant and nursing if those are relevant.  Also make sure if there are very small children around that you aren’t using oils that are respiratory irritants for young children.

Oils such as lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) or sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) are known for being soothing.  You can also choose an oil or oil blend for a particular health complaint.  I like to use an adrenal-supportive blend, myself, made with orange and clary sage (Salvia sclarea).

Country Falcon Enamel 36cm Wash Basin365 Everyday Value, Epsom Salt, 4 PoundPlant Therapy Top 6 Essential Oils: Eucalyptus, Lavender, Orange, Peppermint, Lemon and Tea Tree. 10mL ea.

Enjoying the Foot Bath

Once the basin is in place on the bath towel and your “mix-ins” of choice are mixed in, simply sit down, remove your socks and shoes and roll up your pant legs if needed, and put your feet in to enjoy the bath.  I like to keep my feet in from the moment it’s cool enough to stand, until it’s starting to get cool, in general.  You can simply sit and enjoy the bath, or you can read a book, browse Facebook, eat your dinner, or whatever works for you.  As long as you don’t need to use your feet or be mobile, you’re all right.  (Well, and I wouldn’t recommend using any kind of electronic device that might result in electrocution.  We want relaxed, not dead.)

Then you can simply lift out your feet, dry them on the towel, and be all set to go dump the excess water.

Nothing on this site should be construed as medical advice, and no content here has been evaluated or approved by the FDA.