The Scentual Life: Home spa with a focus on feet
- by Debra McDuffee on Apr 29th 2008 12:00PM
- Filed under in the kitchen, gifts, beauty and skin care, Scentual Life

So plan on a little you-time, invite your girlfriends over for a spa party, or create a spa day for your mom, just in time for Mother's Day (and early enough that you can get your materials together!). Or, get some pretty containers and give these "products" as gifts.
This week, we'll start with pampering the feet, and columns on the face and body (and hands) will follow in subsequent weeks.
THE FEET
Especially this time of year, feet need a lot of attention. Break those dogs out of their winter state and make them spring and summer ready.
Foot Soak
Use this soak in a foot bath, or if you have a vibrating foot spa, even better. You'll only need a small scoop, about 1-2 TB, and soak until your feet are rested and soft, about 20 minutes.
- 1 c. Epsom salts -- restores magnesium balance, detoxifies and soothes sore muscles
- 1/2 tsp. ground peppermint -- optional, but pretty!
- 1 tsp. jojoba or vegetable oil of your choice
- 25 drops essential oils
Foot Scrub
Follow up your soothing soak with a scrub. Since your feet are wonderfully hydrated, the dead skin will slough off with ease and you'll be one step closer to pretty feet.
- 1/2 c. sea salt
- 1/2 TB ground herbs -- peppermint, rosemary, lavender or any combination
- 1 TB olive oil or whatever you have on hand -- approximate, as each oil will lend a different consistency to the scrub
- 20 drops essential oils
Foot Butter
OK, you've got hydrated, soft and exfoliated feet. Keep them that way with this emollient-rich foot butter. Use this every night before bed, and wear socks. You'll wake up to the softest feet imaginable.
- 3 oz. shea butter
- 1/2 oz. virgin coconut oil -- at most health food stores
- 1/4 oz. cocoa butter
- 30-40 drops essential oils (less if you are using a lot of the minty ones)
The best containers for the butter are slightly shallow with a wide opening, so you can scoop it out easily, like a flat tin.
To scent these foot-pampering recipes, you can use any combination of:
- lavender -- for calming and relaxation
- tea tree -- antibacterial and anti-fungal for really clean feet
- peppermint -- cooling and soothing for hot, tired feet
- geranium -- to aid circulation
- cypress -- again, for circulation
- or of course, any of your favorites






