Cashiers, food service workers, mail carriers, and nurse aides are just a few of the people who tend to spend hours per day on their feet as their jobs require extended periods of standing. Consequently, many experience the discomfort of having sore feet. The wearing of high quality tennis and nursing shoes does not completely guard against the very uncomfortable effects that consecutive hours of standing can have on the feet.

It’s therefore advisable to implement some type of regiment to combat the conditions of tired and sore feet. Very simple herbal home foot spas have produced measurable improvement for many sufferers of podiatric afflictions. The visible improvement has been seen not only in the case of sore and tired feet, but also in cases of corns and callouses.

Herbal foot spa breaks require very little equipment and preparation. A pan or bucket large enough to accommodate both feet and enough water to cover them is essential. Additionally, an infusion or a decoction of the herb of choice is needed. 

Chamomile tea has been relied upon by many to bring relief to feet, especially in the cases of corns and callouses because it softens the skin. Chamomile, also spelled “Camomile” is freely available in the average grocery store, in the section where coffee and teas are sold. The flowers are the part of the plant normally used. They are delicate, therefore, an infusion instead of a decoction is made. 

An infusion is generally prepared by pouring approximately one cup (8 ounces) of boiling water over a heaping teaspoon of the dried or fresh herb. The tea should then be allowed to steep for at least 3 minutes in order to extract the volatile oils and medicinal properties out of the material.

It’s highly recommended to prepare at least 2 cups of chamomile flower infusion to add to the water for the foot spa. However, each individual should increase the number of cups used or the strength of the infusion until the desired results are obtained. Very warm water should be used and it should completely cover the feet. Hot water should be gradually added as the water cools during the spa which should last from twenty to thirty minutes to reap the greatest benefit.

Another advantage with the chamomile foot spa break is that this herb not only helps to soften corns and callouses, but also has a very pleasant aroma which is somewhat similar to that of fresh apples. 

Immediately after the herbal foot spa break, the feet should be thoroughly dried and a natural emollient such as olive oil, liberally applied. Light, instead of virgin/extra virgin olive oil may be preferred due to its lighter texture and the fact that it’s practically odorless. Olive oil is similar to the natural oils secreted by the sebaceous glands and when applied after a bath, or soak in this case, sinks deeper into the skin since the pores are open.

The herbal foot spa break is an economical, safe, all-natural, and easy way to pamper one’s tired and sore feet.