While we are so busy taking care of various aspects of our body be it through meditation, exercise, facials etc., there is one part that we often end up forgetting. Any guesses?
Fine, I’ll make it easier and drop a hint for you.
It’s where the root chakra is located. Still haven’t guessed it. (You would have known if you have read our article last week on Chakra healing)
The answer is Feet!
Yes, as simple as it sounds, we are all guilty of ignoring this energy powerhouse of our body. According to Ayurveda, the ancient field of medicine from India, feet are the part from where we derive our energies from mother earth. They are supposed to keep us grounded and forms the basis of the energy system.
And it is due to this ignorance that athlete’s foot has become so common these days.
You or someone around you developed it too? While there are a variety of medicines available, we are going to explore today how to treat athlete’s foot naturally using essential oils.
For that let’s start with the basics.
What is Athlete’s Foot?
Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection that affects the feet. It is characterized by itchy, red, and scaly patches on the skin, especially between the toes.
And don’t go by just the name, it happens to athletes and non-athletes alike.
It is caused by a fungal infection and can be incredibly painful, itchy, and irritating.
Yes, it is contagious and can be spread through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated surface.
How to Use Essential Oils on the Feet?
Essential oils are plant extracts that have been used for centuries for their therapeutic properties. They are highly concentrated and volatile, meaning they can evaporate quickly and have a strong aroma. Essential oils have antimicrobial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, which make them effective in treating athlete's foot.
Essential oils provide an all-natural way of treating athletes foot without having to resort to harsh chemicals found in traditional medications or ointments. For ex. Peppermint and tea tree oil both have powerful anti-fungal properties that make them ideal treatments for this condition when used correctly with proper dilution ratios.
Additionally, keeping the affected area clean, dry, and aired out will help promote faster healing times so you can get back on your feet sooner rather than later!
Important to note: If you are considering using essential oils to treat your athlete's foot, talk with an aromatherapist first who can provide more information about which essential oils may work best for you personally.
Once you are all clear follow these simple steps while using essential oils on feet:
Choose the right oil: Different essential oils have different properties and benefits. Choose an essential oil that is appropriate for the condition you want to address. For example, tea tree oil is a good choice for athlete's foot because of its anti-fungal properties.
Dilute Dilute Dilute!: Essential oils are highly concentrated and can cause skin irritation if used undiluted. Dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil, olive oil, or jojoba oil. Mix a few drops of essential oil with a tablespoon of carrier oil.
Clean and Massage: Clean your feet properly and pat dry. Apply the diluted essential oil to the affected area on your feet. Massage the oil into your skin using gentle circular motions. Make sure to cover the entire affected area.
Cover your feet: If you are using the essential oil before going to bed, you may want to cover your feet with a pair of socks to help the oil absorb into your skin. This will also prevent the oil from getting on your sheets.
If you are now convinced about trying the natural oils for this condition, let me throw some light on which ones to pick.
5 Best Essential Oils Athletes Foot
This is my personal favorite and I find this one to be the most effective of them all. Tea tree oil is a popular essential oil that has anti-fungal properties. It can be applied topically to the affected area to help kill the fungus that causes athlete's foot. To use tea tree oil, mix a few drops with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or olive oil and apply it to the affected area.
Does Tea Tree Oil Kill Athletes Foot?
It is beneficial in reducing the infection and further buildup.
Lavender oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the redness and inflammation associated with athlete's foot. It also has anti-fungal properties that can help fight the fungus that causes the infection.
To use lavender oil, mix a few drops with a carrier oil and apply it to the affected area.
Eucalyptus oil has anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties that can help fight the fungus that causes athlete's foot. It also has a cooling effect that can help soothe the itching and burning sensation associated with the infection.
To use eucalyptus oil, mix a few drops with a carrier oil and apply it to the affected area.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint oil has cooling and soothing properties that can help relieve the itching and burning sensation associated with athlete's foot. It also has anti-fungal properties that can help fight the fungus that causes the infection. To use peppermint oil, mix a few drops with a carrier oil and apply it to the affected area.
Oregano oil is not just used to make pizza more delicious but has anti-fungal properties that can help fight the fungus that causes athlete's foot. It also has antibacterial properties that can help prevent secondary infections. To use oregano oil, mix a few drops with a carrier oil and apply it to the affected area.
Precautions to take.
While Using Essential Oils is a natural remedy, everybody reacts differently to natural extracts, especially pets. If you are wondering about whether essential oils like lemon essential oil are safe for dogs, you can check out our last blog here.
Hence, we always recommend doing a patch test before using any oil. It is important to dilute them with a carrier oil before applying them to the skin. Essential oils are highly concentrated and can cause skin irritation if used undiluted. It is also important to perform a patch test before using any essential oil to check for any allergic reactions.
Conclusion
Essential oils can be effective in treating athlete's foot due to their antimicrobial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, it is important to use them properly and with caution. If your symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare professional.
Buy Essential Oil for athletes' foot from Aromachology Oils - one of the best Essential Oil companies in the USA.