After a long day of work, exercise, or chasing kids around, feet can become sore and achy, maybe even swollen. I like using essential oils for sore feet.
Feet can use some tender loving care, they frequently get abused as they propel us throughout our journey. Essential oils are a great way to treat sore feet, and they can provide many other benefits as well.
Best Essential Oils for Sore Feet
If you're looking for a way to soothe your tired feet, consider using essential oils. Essential oils can be used in a variety of ways to help relieve foot pain and stiffness.
Here are a few of the best essential oils for sore feet. Put the spring back in your step with these oils:
1. Peppermint Essential Oil
- Increases circulation
- Offers a cooling, numbing sensation
- Fights fatigue both mental and physical
- Read more about diffusing Peppermint Oil
2. Lemongrass Essential Oil
- Calms and reduces inflammation
- Revitalizes tired feet
- Helps reduce swollen tissues
- Check out our spotlight on Lemongrass Oil
3. Sweet Marjoram Essential Oil
- Warming action on mind and body
- Useful for tired and sore muscles and joints
- Emotionally comforting and calming
4. Juniper Berry Essential Oil
- Reduces pain and inflammation
- Cleansing and detoxifying properties for skin
- Aids in decreasing fluid retention
- Get more details about Juniper Berry Oil
5. Rosemary Essential Oil
- Stimulates circulation generally
- Energizes and uplifts the mind and body
- Assists with aches and pains
6. Lavender Essential Oil
- Lessens pain and inflammation
- Relaxes tight muscles
- Calms and heals the skin
7. Cypress Essential Oil
- Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties help with pain
- Reduces accumulated fluids in the tissues
- Tones the circulation and strengthens connective tissue.
- Get more detail about Cypress Oil uses and recipes
8. Lemon Essential Oil
- Helps relieve fatigue
- Cooling to the body
- Refreshing and purifying
- Learn more about Lemon Essential Oil
How to Use Essential Oils on Sore Feet
The best way to use essential oils for tired feet is a foot soak, it is a refreshing way to enjoy the warm water and the Epsom salt and essential oils can ease the discomfort. See our Soothing EO Foot Bath below. We share 2 different blend but you can substitute for a different oil in the list above if desired.
The other way to enjoy essential oils for feet is by applying them topically. They must be diluted first, whether in a carrier oil, aloe vera gel, or an unscented lotion. Rub on feet.
Soothing Essential Oil Foot Bath
Nothing is quite so refreshing as a foot soak. This is a great way to get relief from foot pain and enjoy some relaxation.
Foot soaks are easy to do, just blend all the ingredients together in one of the recipes below and place into a basin of warm-hot water. Swirl to blend in the mixture and place feet in. Let soak for 15 minutes or until water becomes too cool.
Foot Bath Blend #1 |
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Foot Bath Blend #2 |
Good for swollen, sore feet
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Sore Feet Massage Oil
Spoil your feet with an essential oil massage oil. Applying essential oils to feet topically is another effective way to ease achy feet. You can use an oil from the list above and add 3 drops to 1 tablespoon, massage the oil onto achy feet.
I like to add sock on after I apply oils to my feet. It is also nice to lay in bed with feet elevated on 2 pillows.
Sore Feet Oil Blend #1 |
Directions: Place container of coconut oil with lid securely on in a warm bath to melt. Add essential oils into empty glass jar. Once coconut oil melted, pour into glass jar and blend well. Allow to cool back to a solid. Scoop out a small amount with spatula and rub into feet. 2% dilution. |
Sore Feet Essential Oil Blend #2 |
Directions: Add essential oils into roller bottle, top off with jojoba oil. Roll on to feet. 5% dilution. |
Cooling Peppermint Gel
Tired and achy feet will love this peppermint foot gel. Peppermint oil mainly consists of the chemical component called menthol. Menthol is a well known topical analgesic (relieves pain).
It offers a cooling and numbing sensation when used in low concentrations on the skin.
Menthol is also good for helping reduce itching (antipuretic properties) and odor. Peppermint is stimulating so you will not want to use this gel right before bedtime.
Lavender and Sweet Marjoram are good alternatives to peppermint if it is close too bedtime (it is a stimulant).
Aloe vera gel is healing and moisturizing to skin.
Cooling Peppermint Foot Gel Recipe |
Directions: Place aloe vera gel to jar, add peppermint oil to gel and blend well. Apply to feet as needed. 2% dilution. |
How to Massage Feet for Pain Relief
To perform a foot massage for pain relief, start by using your thumbs to apply firm pressure in a circular motion on the arch of the foot. This can help to relieve tension and improve circulation.
Next, use your knuckles to gently knead the bottom of the foot, focusing on any areas that feel especially tight or painful. You can also use your fingers to gently stretch and massage the toes, applying pressure to each one individually.
Finally, finish the massage by gently pulling and twisting each toe to help release any remaining tension.
Remember to always check in with the person receiving the massage to ensure that they are comfortable with the pressure being applied. This foot massage can be a soothing and effective way to alleviate pain and promote relaxation in the feet and the entire body.
Final Thoughts on Sore Feet Essential Oils
Incorporating essential oils into your self-care routine for sore feet is a natural and effective way to alleviate discomfort and promote overall foot health. By combining the soothing properties of oils like peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus, you can create custom blends that provide targeted relief for specific issues.
Whether you struggle with plantar fasciitis, tired muscles, or dry/cracked skin, there is an essential oil remedy waiting to help you feel better. Experiment with different combinations and techniques to find what works best for you, and enjoy the rejuvenating benefits of essential oils for your sore feet.