Pop quiz, lover boys and belles: what do you get for that special someone whose feet are dog-tired…because they’ve been running through your mind all day?
If Acts of Service is your (or their) love language, create an at-home foot spa moment from whole ingredients with naturally therapeutic benefits. Paired with a candle-lit foot rub in front of the fire (or a fire streaming TV show) and you have a swoon-worthy core memory in the making. We’re talking the Notebook meets the hand flex-level of intimate, capital “R” Romance.
Making these recipes from scratch, and specifically for your paramour in mind, connects you intimately with the experience. It’s telegraphing to your partner that you see them, you care for them in all ways, and their comfort and pleasure are your priority. And this rings especially true for all you baddies flying solo this year: it should always be a priority to make a big deal out of you.
Materials
From top left: Oversized refillable tea bags for the bath, Foot Spa Basin (Earth Therapeutics), and warm water
👣 While any old shallow tub big enough to stand in will work just fine, a specially designed foot spa basin (like this one) is contoured for feet with arch support and massaging ridges for aching soles
🌼 Another way to elevate the experience is to use oversized mesh tea bags to keep fresh herbs from floating about
🌡️ Lastly, warm water between 92°F and 100°F
Ingredients
From top left: Dead Sea Salt Mineral Bath (Earth Therapeutics), baking soda, rosemary, mint, lavender, lemon, ginger, apple cider vinegar, and cinnamon
You probably already have most, if not all, of the whole ingredients to create aromatic, therapeutic foot soaks. Once you’re familiar with the basics of each ingredient – what they do, how they work – build your own little apothecary and have fun mixing and matching. While there’s a bit of wizardry in alchemy, there’s no wrong way to do it. We promise you won’t accidentally open a portal to another dimension. Probably.
Dead Sea Salt or Epsom Salt
Dead Sea Salt contains high concentrations of magnesium, along with sodium, potassium, and calcium. It helps improve skin health, hydration, and reduces inflammation and swelling. In addition to its mineral content, Dead Sea Salt is also known for its therapeutic and relaxing effects, perfect for at-home spa rituals.
Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)
This humble ingredient does a lot. It neutralizes foot odor, softens rough, callused skin, and helps restore your skin’s pH balance making it less prone to infections and odor-causing bacteria. It also soothes irritations and reduces swelling while removing impurities and toxins from your skin’s surface.
Rosemary
Rosemary is both an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial which means it can reduce swelling and ease foot pain while also helping to prevent skin infections. Rosemary can also help improve circulation, soothe skin irritations, and leave feet refreshed and revitalized.
Mint
The menthol in mint has a soothing, cooling effect on the skin, comforting inflamed feet while getting the circulation going. Its fresh, invigorating scent can boost energy and improve mood. Mint is antimicrobial as well, helping to prevent skin infections while providing relief from discomfort.
Lavender
Lavender’s calming scent has verified stress-relieving effects: this is known. But did you know it’s also a powerful antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory? Add to a foot soak to prevent skin infections, keep feet clean and healthy, and soothe irritation and swelling. Plus, it’s a great scorpion deterrent.
Lemon
Lemon is a natural astringent which means it’s great for brightening and toning the appearance of dull skin. The sunny scent is a refreshing mood-elevator and its antibacterial properties neutralize odor-causing bacteria. Lemon also helps improve circulation and reduce swelling.
Ginger
Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and another great mood booster. Ginger is also a “warming” ingredient which is great for improving circulation and easing foot pain.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is another popular antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory ingredient. ACV, a natural astringent, helps to balance the pH of skin, making it ideal for those with sensitive or dry skin.
Cinnamon
Another powerful anti-fungal, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory. Like ginger, cinnamon has a warming effect which helps blood flow and overall circulation. The homey aroma conjures delightful memories, boosting mood and invigorating energy.
Cast a Spell
Using the above ingredients, you can create wonderfully therapeutic foot baths. Need a little inspo to get started? We created these easy recipes that come together tout de suite so you can spend more time and energy creating magical moments with your boo.
Simply combine the listed ingredients in a foot spa basin, add warm water, and soak feet for around 20 minutes.
A Year in Provence
Lavender and Dead Sea Salt Soak
2 cups Dead Sea Salt
1/4 cup baking soda
10-15 drops lavender essential oil
It’s Always Sunny Foot Tea
Lemon and Ginger Foot Soak
1 cup Dead Sea Salt
1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger (pro-tip: freeze your ginger for easier grating)
Cider House Rules
Apple Cider Vinegar Foot Bath
1 cup Dead Sea Salt
1 cup baking soda
1 cup apple cider vinegar
10 drops lavender essential oil
Cinnamon Roll
Cinnamon and Salt Soak
1 cup Dead Sea Salt
1 cup baking soda
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Practically Magic
Rosemary and Lavender Foot Bath
1 cup Dead Sea Salt
1 cup baking soda
1/4 cup fresh rosemary
10 drops lavender
10 drops peppermint essential oil
