The aromatic lavender has calming and healing properties. Treat your tired feet to these magical rituals featuring the star flower and trot around your next destination carefree. By Bayar Jain
SOAK TO RELAX
What you need:
- 1 cup of salt
- 3 drops lavender oil
- 3 drops peppermint oil
Method:
Add the two oils in a tub of hot water. Mix salt using a wooden ladle, and soak your feet in the tub for 20 minutes. Pat them dry.
Benefits:
The combination of the two essential oils facilitates relaxation for your feet, owing to their inherent soothing capabilities. While lavender works as an anxiolytic (an anxiety reliever), the menthol present in peppermint oil plays the role of muscle relaxant.
SCRUB TO EXFOLIATE
What you need:
- 1 cup of sugar
- ⅓ cup coconut oil
- 50 drops lavender oil
- ½ teaspoon Vitamin E oil
Method:
Start by mixing the oils and the sugar in a jar. Apply the mixture on your feet, and scrub in a circular motion. Repeat the treatment twice a week for best results.
Benefits:
The oils soothe and nourish dry skin, thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties. The non-abrasive nature of sugar allows it to be used on all kinds of skin. The fatty acids present in coconut oil possess antimicrobial properties that prevent bacteria formation. On the other hand, lavender helps unclog pores, leaving the skin soft and supple.
OIL TO HEAL DRY FEET
What you need:
- 30 ml jojoba oil
- 6 drops tea tree oil
- 6 drops lavender oil
- 2 drops frankincense oil
Method:
Mix the oils together in a bowl. To apply, soak and wash feet in lukewarm water, and massage oil onto the skin for two to three minutes. Let the skin soak the oil naturally.
Benefits:
The anti-fungal properties of lavender, along with tea tree oil’s anti-inflammatory properties, help in alleviating skin irritation. Frankincense oil facilitates skin regeneration, so it is effective in healing scars. The hydrating jojoba oil nourishes your skin and doubles as a non-greasy base for this oil concoction.
PACK FOR DEEP CLEANSE
What you need:
- 2 tablespoons fuller’s earth (multani mitti)
- 1 tablespoon rose water
- 1 orange wedge
- 2 drops lavender oil
Method:
Mix fuller’s earth and rose water in a bowl. Squeeze the juice out of the orange wedge. Add lavender oil and mix to form a paste. If required, add water to adjust consistency. Apply the paste on your feet evenly and let them dry. Wash with lukewarm water and pat them dry.
Benefits:
Fuller’s earth is a popular base for packs owing to its deep cleansing capabilities. It helps in removing deep-rooted dirt while erasing tan lines. The antioxidants present in orange juice reduce marks and improve the skin’s texture. The astringent properties of rose water clean pores and lavender oil help reduce scarring.
SPRAY TO REMOVE BACTERIA
What you need:
- 4 tablespoons rubbing alcohol
- 1 cup of water
- 10 drops almond oil
- 6 drops lavender oil
- 6 drops peppermint oil
- 6 drops tea tree oil
Method:
Add rubbing alcohol to a bowl of distilled water. Add the oils, mix, and transfer to a container. To apply, spray on damp feet and keep overnight. Alternatively, use as mist on dry feet any time during the day.
Benefits:
This spray rids your feet of bacteria and dispels odour. The anti-microbial agents and floral fragrance of the lavender oil fight bacteria build-up, while almond oil moisturises the skin. The cooling fragrance of peppermint lingers for hours, while the rubbing alcohol works as a disinfectant.
