Foot and Leg Problems

[Fae Oonagh]

Home Remedies For Foot And Leg Problems
Our feet carry a lot of weight and are probably the most abused and neglected part of our anatomy. They get cold, they get frostbitten, they get wet, they burn, they blister, they itch and they sweat.. .as we walk, jog, run, dance, climb, skate, ski, hop, skip and jump. Also, at some time or other, we're all guilty of the Cinderella Stepsister Syndrome-pushing our feet into ill-fitting shoes.

We put our poor, tired tootsies under all kinds of stress and strain. And then we wonder why our feet are "just killing us!" Well, we killed them first.

CAUTION: If you have circulation problems or diabetes, do not use any of these remedies without the approval and supervision of your health professional.

Let's get to the bottom of our troubles with some remedies for the feet...

Aching Feet

During a busy day when your "dogs are barking" and you feel like you're going to have to call it quits, cayenne pepper comes to the rescue! Sprinkle some cayenne into your socks or rub it directly on the soles of your aching feet. Now get going or you'll be late for your next appointment! .
After a long day, when your nerves are on edge, your feet hurt and you're tired-too tired to go to sleep-soak your feet in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. Then (and this is the important part) massage your feet with lemon juice.
After you've done a thorough job of massaging, rinse your feet with cool water. As always, dry your feet completely, then take five deep breaths. You and your pain-free feet should be ready and able to settle down for a good night's sleep.

Super Soaker

This remedy requires two basins or dishpans or four plastic shoe boxes. Fill one basin (or two shoe boxes) with ½ cup Epsom salts and about 1 gallon of hot (not scalding) water. Fill the other basin (or the other two shoe boxes) with ice cubes. Sit down with a watch or timer. Put your feet in the hot water for one minute and then in the ice cubes for 30 seconds.
Alternate back and forth for about 10 minutes. Your feet will feel better. This procedure also helps regulate high blood pressure and may prevent varicose veins, improve circulation and, if done on a regular basis, relieve chronic "cold feet."

Modified version: Stand in the bathtub and first let hot water run on your feet for one minute, then let ice-cold water run on your feet for 30 seconds, alternating the hot/cold water for a total of 10 minutes.

Do not exceed one minute of hot or cold water on your feet!

Add 1 cup of apple cider vinegar to a basin (or two plastic shoe boxes) filled halfway with lukewarm water. Then soak your feet for at least 15 minutes. The heat and hurt should be gone by then.
Boil or roast a large turnip until it's soft. Then mash it and spread half of it on a white cotton handkerchief. Spread the other half on another handkerchief. Apply the turnip mush to the bottoms of your bare feet, bandage them in place and sit with your feet elevated for about half an hour. This "sole food" should draw out the pain and tiredness.