The salts from the Dead Sea have long been known for their healing properties. Rich in minerals, including potassium, magnesium and zinc, these salts can help rejuvenate tired muscles and ease away aches and pains. What better way to sooth tired achy feet after a long day that a revitalizing soak and a invigorating scrub?
Foot soaks combine the minerals of the
Dead Sea salts with Epsom salts to refresh and relax tired muscles. This recipe also includes lavender essential oil and ground mint which can also help to relieve the tension in the muscles and ease pain. Add this mixture to warm water and soak for fifteen to twenty minutes.
Soothing Foot Soak
- 1/2 cup Dead Sea Salt
- 1/4 cup Epsom Salt
- 2 Tbs. Dried Mint or 1 Tbs. Fresh Mint (chopped)
- 15-20 drops Lavender essential oil
Grind mint to release the oils. This can be done by using the back of a spoon to press the mint against the side of the bowl. If the mint is freshly chopped you may omit this step. Add in salts and baking soda and mix well. Add essential oil a few drops at a time, stirring thoroughly in between until you achieve a pleasant scent.
Salt scrubs offer many of the same properties as soaks but with the additional benefit of smoothing over rough skin and leaving a light layer of moisturizing oil behind. The oil becomes infused with the herbal essential oils, which help to continue the healing process after the salts are rinsed away. Excellent for summertime when feet are more exposed to the outside elements!
Smoothing Foot Scrub
- 1 cup Dead Sea Salt (the finer ground the better)
- 1/4 cup Epsom Salt
- 1/8 cup Baking Soda
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup lightweight oil such as Apricot Kernel or Sweet Almond Oil
- 10-15 drops Mint essential oil (Spearmint or Peppermint)
- 10-15 drops Rosemary essential oil
Mix salts and soda together in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add essential oils a few drops at a time mixing well. Alternate between the mint and the rosemary until you have achieved a pleasing scent. Finally mix in the lightweight oil until you have a paste. Be careful not to make the mixture too dry or you begin to lose the moisturizing benefits. Likewise you don't want it too wet or the essential oils become diluted. The mixture should be the consistency of wet sand.
Most of the ingredients for these mixtures can be found readily. Epsom Salts are available at most drugstores and essential oils are available at natural food stores as well as some supermarkets. These blends will keep for a few months if stored in an airtight container in a cool dry place. They also make wonderful gifts for your family and friends!
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