Natural Remedies for Dry, Cracked Feet

In this economy, when we are scrimping and saving, and making cuts in our budget, luxuries like spa treatments and pedicures have to be put on the back burner. But if you are suffering from dry, cracked feet, there are several natural remedies you can do for yourself at home, without forking up the big bucks to pay a professional.

The first item you may want to purchase is a pumice stone. Pumice stones are relatively inexpensive and can be found at your local drugstore. My stone has a string around it and hangs in the shower. Pumice stones help to immediately remove the dead skin and calluses that accumulate on the heels and balls of your feet. It's essential to get your feet wet in order to soften the skin while using the stone, which is why the shower is the perfect place to give yourself a foot rub.

If you have the time, and want to pamper yourself with something grander than scraping your feet in the shower, you may want to prepare a foot bath. Karite Gold is a company that makes natural Shea Butter products. They offer an excellent recipe for a therapeutic foot bath, which is an indulgence that every budget can offer. These ingredients include natural elements such as sea salt for exfoliation and peppermint tea to soothe tired, aching feet. Go to www.karitegold.com for their suggestions. Not only will your feet thank you, but the aroma therapy the recipe provides will do wonders to relax your entire body.

After your bath or shower, be sure to dry your feet thoroughly including between the toes. Painful cracking can often occur in this area, so be sure to be conscious of keeping that area dry. I highly recommend massaging lotion into your feet that contains either aloe vera, shea butter, or peppermint. All three of these properties are extremely healing and will do wonders to soften your dry, cracked feet. Another effective product to massage into your feet is Vaseline. After applying the lotion, cover your feet with cotton socks to help expedite the soaking-in process. If you wear the socks throughout the night, you'll wake up with smooth soft soles.

There are additional remedies and preventive measures you can try in an effort to ward off dry skin, whether it be for your feet or other problematic areas. Be sure to hydrate often and drink plenty of water throughout the day. Eating a balanced diet of fruits, veggies, grains and nuts can help obtain soft skin for your entire body. Using supplements that contain calcium, zinc, and omega-3 also help to keep the skin soft.

You can also find ingredients in your kitchen that will help cure your cracked foot problem. If you prefer, bypass the lotions and try applying natural mayonnaise or mashed avocado or mashed banana directly to the affected areas. The natural oils in all three of these items can help soothe your feet in the same way as most other lotions. Leave the ingredient on your feet for about 10 minutes, then rinse off and pat your feet dry.

Above all, make sure your shoes fit you properly! If your shoes are too tight or too loose, they can cause chaffing, calluses and create the dry, cracked skin we hate. If you are working at a job that keeps you on your feet all day, properly fitting footwear is essential. Try to give yourself a foot massage after a long day on your feet. Or if you're lucky, get someone else to give you one. This will help to keep the circulation flowing and soothe the aching muscles in the foot.

Being kind to your feet is being kind to your entire body. When your feet feel good, it can affect your overall well-being. So try these at-home, inexpensive remedies for total comfort, health, and happy feet!