Home Remedy for an Herbal Foot Detox
In modern societies, people are bombarded with toxins from chemicals ingested, as well as from water and air pollution. Commercial detox programs are available for internal and external cleansing of the body. One popular method of detoxing the body is to apply pads to the feet. Foot detox pads can be either bought or made on your own using herbs.
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Herb Selection
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Many herbs have detoxifying properties. Although traditionally taken as a tea or ingested as a supplement, herbs also have benefits when applied topically. Herbs may be mixed and applied to the feet to draw out toxins during sleep or they can be steeped and used as a foot soak.
Creating a blend of beneficial herbs enhances the toxin-eliminating powers of the herbs. Consider poke root for its anti-inflammatory properties as well as immune and lymphatic cleansing. Echinacea root increases immune function, and garlic is popular for boosting immune function and for heart health properties.
Hops flowers can be added to the detox mixture for skin problems like eczema and also for soothing nervous tension. Lavender flower aids with rheumatism, neuralgia and insomnia. Peppermint leaf has antiseptic and slight anesthetic properties and also adds a pleasant aroma to homemade detox therapy.
Process
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Gather the herbs you intend to use for your detox foot pad. Break leaves and roots into small pieces for approximately a quarter cup of each herb. Place the mixture in a small pan. Add enough water to cover the herbs and heat until the mixture starts to boil. Remove from the heat, drain and allow to cool.
Creating foot pads for the herbal mixture can be done inexpensively; however, they should be resistant to leaking. A medical, self-stick gauze pad with plastic backing that is approximately a 3- to 4-inch square works well. A square of gauze backed by a piece of cellophane will also work. Use medical tape for this method so that it doesn't pull the skin when removed.
Place the herb mixture on the pad, plastic side out, and tape the pad to the arch of the foot. Carefully put on a pair of socks in case any moisture escapes from the pads. Upon awakening, remove the foot pads and throw them away.
For a simple detox foot soak, place enough very warm water into a container to cover your feet. Add 2 cups of apple cider vinegar and 2 Tbsp. of cayenne pepper. Toss in a variety of herbs. Relax and soak your feet until the water cools.
Added Ingredients
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Creating an herbal mixture with additional ingredients can enhance the detoxifying impact of a homemade foot detox. Sea salt, bentonite clay, baking soda and Epsom salts can be blended easily with herbs. Bentonite clay is especially useful for drawing out toxins.
Recommendations
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Referencing an encyclopedia of herbs is beneficial when choosing herbs for detoxification. The list of detoxifying herbs is extensive and learning about the numerous varieties will allow you to create many combinations, such as revitalizing or soothing mixtures.
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