Where to Put Essential Oils on Your Feet

Once diluted, essential oils can be used topically. They can be rubbed on the temples, the back of the neck, behind the ears, on your abdomen, wrists, chest, or any specific area needing treatment. So, why would you want to put them on your feet? There are a lot of reasons it’s a good idea, but where do you put essential oils on your feet?

Why You Should Consider Using Essential Oils on Your Feet

Applying oils to your feet can be just one tool in your arsenal. If you are suffering from specific aches or pains, you can apply the oils to the body part that is giving you the trouble. If you are dealing with a cold or a cough, applying oils to your feet can be an effective way to fight back. There are a few reasons why it is effective to put essential oils on your feet. Here are a few of them:

• Less Sensitivity.If you look at the soles of your feet, its skin is tougher than what’s covering the rest of the body. This basically means it’s not as likely to be as sensitive to having a reaction. You may even be able to use some of the “hotter” oils like oregano or rosemary (still diluted) on the feet without any issues.
• More Porous. The feet have more pores than any of the other skin. When you apply essential oils to your feet, they are absorbed more quickly and efficiently than when they are applied to any other areas. This is good news especially for those oils that have larger molecules. Applying them to the soles of your feet can mean a faster way to get them in your body and working on your behalf.
• No Sebaceous Glands.Even though your skin has sebaceous glands that secrete oil naturally, the skin on the soles of your feet do not. Essential oils can penetrate the natural layer of oils on your skin, but most believe they are absorbed easier from the skin on the sole of your feet since they don’t have to go through a layer of oil. However, your feet do have sweat glands. But, the sweat that is secreted through these types of glands are so small they evaporate quickly.
• Grounding Effect. Oils rubbed on the bottoms of your feet can provide a grounding effect. Ask a yoga or reflexology practitioner. Essential oils don’t have anything specific to do with how or why reflexology works, but they certainly can be beneficial when combined with the practice. Experts have explained that every nerve in the body is somehow connected to the soles of your feet. Massage combined with oils is the perfect combination for grounding.

What are the best essential oils to put on the feet?

Using essential oils is unique for each individual, so there’s not a one-size-fits-all. You may want to experiment with different ones to see which ones work best for you. Since the various oils provide different health benefits you want to find the right combination that works to achieve the health goal you desire.  With that being said, there are a few go-to oils that are versatile, potent, easy to use and work for a variety of purposes. Here are a few of those go-to oils.

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender EO is almost good for everything. It’s a well-rounded oil that is beneficial for supporting relaxation, reducing inflammation, speed up the healing process, alleviate pain, soothing insect bites, and helping minor cuts and burns heal.

Oregano Essential Oil

Oregano EO can cause some skin sensitivity, but if it is diluted with a carrier oil like olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil it usually won’t cause any issues. It’s a broad-based oil which can be beneficial due to its antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-parasitic properties. When it is used correctly, it can help with fungal infections, joint pain, sprains, warts, and cysts.

Peppermint Essential Oil

If you are looking for an essential oil with a wide range of health benefits, peppermint EO is that and more. It can soothe sore muscles and provides a relaxing effect. Before using it, dilute it with a carrier oil to prevent skin irritation.

Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon essential oil is a great go-to oil as it has a broad range of health benefits. Its properties include anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and in general anti-illness effects. It’s also useful for reducing anxiety.

How and Where to Put Essential Oils on Your Feet

It’s quite simple to put essential oils on your feet. Just dilute it with a carrier oil and rub it on the soles of your feet. If you are looking for help with a specific condition or problem, check out reflexology. Rubbing specific parts of the foot can elicit a response from a particular organ or body part.

If it’s your feet you are having trouble with, there are some specific oils that can help alleviate foot pain and discomfort. Here are some of the oils that can help soothe sore, achy feet. Here are some tips on how to use for some relief.

Soothing Foot Bath with Essential Oils

If your feet are swollen and painful try a foot bath. You’ll need a tub or other container large enough to fit your feet in. Fill it with warm water and add some Epsom salts and 10 to 12 drops of your favorite essential oil. Soak your feet for 20 to 30 minutes. This should reduce the swelling and pain.

Topical Relief with Essential Oils

Mix your favorite anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving oils with a carrier oil and gently massage it into your feet. Do this in the morning to help prevent your feet from swelling during the day. Reapply it as needed to help reduce pain.

Sugar Scrub with Essential Oils

A sugar scrub and essential oil mixture can be made to help relieve sore, achy feet. Mix a half cup of raw sugar with ½ cup of your choice of carrier oil and add 10 drops of a favorite essential oil. Use the mixture to scrub your feet for five to 10 minutes then rinse them off. This can help increase circulation to reduce swelling and relieve blisters, corns, callouses, and cracked skin.