FOOT POWDERS & SPRAYS

Foot problems are very common these days and stem from a variety of causes. One major and often overlooked cause is the use of synthetic shoe materials which do not allow the feet to 'breathe' properly, resulting in damp and sweaty feet which provide a breeding ground for bacteria.

Fortunately, help is readily available in the form of pure essential oils - the answer to infectious foot problems. The essential oils listed below can resolve a foot problem in a very short time and will keep your feet fresh, deodorized and resistant against the recurrence of athlete's foot and other skin conditions.

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR USE IN FOOTCARE FORMULAS
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For swelling and fluid retention:

• juniper berry
• cypress
• lemon
• grapefruit
• petitgrain
• bitter orange
• chamomile
• rosemary
• yarrow
• valerian

For itchy, infected skin:

• tea tree
• rosemary
• lavender
• niaouli
• cajeput
• eucalyptus
• lemon
• marjoram
• thyme
• sage

For sweaty, sticky skin:

• peppermint
• spearmint
• sweet orange
• mandarin
• lemongrass
• sandalwood
• cedarwood
• lemon
• lavender
• geranium

To fragrance and soften skin:

• neroli
• lavender
• rose geranium
• sweet orange
• mandarin
• ylang-ylang
• sandalwood
• chamomile
• patchouli
• vanilla

THERAPEUTIC FOOT POWDER
A medicinal powder that contains active elements to disinfect and heal inflammed and infected feet.

• 1/2 cup (4 oz) arrowroot powder
• 1 tbsp sea clay powder
• 20 drops tea tree Pure Essential Oil
• 10 drops white thyme Pure Essential Oil
• 10 drops Spanish sage Pure Essential Oil
• 10 drops lavender Pure Esssential Oil

Mix the powders in a bowl and whisk in the essential oils, drop by drop. Be sure to break up all the droplets of oil with the whisk. Once the powder is fully blended, spoon it into a wide-mouthed shaker jar (a cheese shaker works well) and cap tightly. Use as needed.

FRESH AND FRAGRANT FOOT POWDER
A silky floral-fragranced powder to use in the morning to keep feet cool and fresh all day long.

• 1/2 cup (4 oz) cornstarch
• 1/2 cup (4 oz) rice starch
• 1 tbsp white clay powder
• 20 drops ylang-ylang Pure Essential Oil
• 20 drops mandarin Pure Essential Oil
• 10 drops neroli Pure Essential Oil

Mix the powders in a bowl and whisk in the essential oils, drop by drop. Rotate the whisk slowly around the bowl in concentric circles to break up the oil droplets and blend them well into the powders. Once all the ingredients are completely blended, spoon into a shaker jar and cap tightly. This powder is excellent to use in the morning before putting on your shoes. It also makes a fragrant and long-lasting powder for scenting linens and upholstery, and can be sprinkled on tissues and tucked into closet drawers for freshness.

CITRUS ALOE SPRAY
A refreshing, deodorizing spray for sweaty, sticky hands or feet.

• 7 oz (210ml) distilled water
• 1 oz (30ml) aloe vera gel
• 60 drops mandarin Pure Essential Oil

Combine all ingredients and pour through a funnel into an 8 oz plastic bottle. Spray on as needed.

FRICTION RUB AND SPRAY
Many people suffer from swelling of hands, feet and ankles as a result of circulatory problems, weather fluctuations and long-distance air travel. Essential oils, herbal extracts and alcohol create a 'friction rub' which reduces fluid retention and inflammation.

• 4 oz (120ml) distilled or spring water
• 1 oz (30ml) witch hazel extract
• 1 oz (30ml) aloe vera gel
• 1 oz (30ml) unflavoured 90-proof vodka
• 1 tsp (5ml) polysorbate 20
• 20 drops juniper berry Pure Essential Oil
• 20 drops lavender Pure Essential Oil
• 20 drops chamomile Pure Essential Oil
• 20 drops grapefruit Pure Essential Oil

Pour all liquids into a glass measuring cup and whisk until blended. Use a funnel to decant the mixture into a bottle. Shake well before each use. To use, splash the liquid into the palms of both hands and briskly massage the swollen areas for several minutes until the swelling subsides. To convert the rub into a spray, attach a spray mister to the bottle and spray the affected areas. The liquid evaporated from the skin, leaving a cool, fresh feeling.