How To Use Ginger To Care For And Relax Your Feet

The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of ginger serve to soothe pain and relieve tension. Thus, it could be used to relax the feet through localized baths.

Taking care of and relaxing your feet is essential. In fact, this part of the anatomy has earned a very important place in relaxation routines. In addition to keeping your feet aesthetically good, you are sure to be in a good state of health.

The important role that this part of the body plays in life is increasingly recognized, since they are responsible for supporting the body weight in each movement. For this reason, they tend to look for methods that allow them to relax and keep them free of problems such as fungi, bad smell and hardness.

Fortunately, there are natural solutions whose properties allow to take care of the skin, promote rest and good circulation, as well as help to relax the discomfort caused by walking.

Among those options is ginger root, a very popular spice that is part of the diet of millions of people. But, in this case, its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities are taken advantage of to keep feet rested and beautiful. Are you interested?

Benefits of ginger to care and relax the feet

The ginger root is a plant that has been used since ancient times in both natural medicine and gastronomy for its high nutritional value, its health properties and versatility. Today, many use it as a condiment, especially in Indian and vegan cuisine.

Of the many properties attributed to it, the most scientifically recognized is that it has  anti-inflammatory and analgesic action. A publication of the International Journal of Preventive Medicine points out that the anti-inflammatory property is due to a compound called gingerol, which is also what gives it its slightly spicy flavor.

Both virtues have made ginger one of the most used species in Ayurveda Medicine to complement the medical treatment of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and osteoarthritis. But it is also used to relieve pain and tension in the feet and legs.

How ginger works

Some experts, such as those who have carried out the investigation Comparison of Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Effects of Ginger Powder and Ibuprofen in Postsurgical Pain Model: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Case-Control Clinical Trial , highlight that the consumption of 500 mg of ginger two times a day would work better than a 400mg ibuprofen three times a day.

Both the consumption of ginger in dishes or in infusion and its topical application would activate the circulation and prevent the formation of thrombi, gout and other related pathologies.

On the other hand, the specialized book Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects indicates that ginger would have an antibacterial and antifungal effect that could be used against germs and fungi that cause infections.

The book Country Wisdom & Know-How: A Practical Guide to Living off the Land further adds that its continued use on the feet would help prevent so-called “athlete’s foot”, excess dead cells and cracking. And, in addition, it would decrease excess sweating and thus help to avoid unpleasant odors when wearing footwear.

How to use ginger for the benefit of the feet?

Although the consumption of ginger infusion would benefit the feet by relieving generalized inflammation and fluid retention in the body, it would also be advisable to enjoy it in a bath for a more relaxing effect.

Ginger bath to care and relax your feet

A simple concentrated infusion of ginger root could be recommended to care for and relax your feet after an intense day of work, although, in this case, you would not drink it but rather apply it topically. Take note of what you would need:

Ingredients

• 3 pieces of ginger
• 2 liters of water

Instructions

• Bring the water to a boil and add the grated ginger pieces.
• Leave them on a minimum heat for three minutes and remove them.
• Pour the liquid into a large container and, when it reaches a bearable temperature, submerge your feet.
• Let your feet soak for about 20 minutes and massage gently.
• Dry them well and repeat the process three times a week.

Caring for and relaxing your feet with ginger and juniper

Those with foot pain caused by circulatory problems, injury, and inflammation may benefit from topical application of ginger and juniper. The relaxing properties of both spices would bring relief and help to achieve a better rest.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of dried rose hip (10 g)
• 2 tablespoons of dried hibiscus (20 g)
• 1 teaspoon of cloves (5 g)
• 1 teaspoon of juniper berries (5 g)
• 3 bay leaves, crumbled
• 1 teaspoon of fresh or dried orange peel (5 g)
• 1 piece of ginger root
• 2 liters of water

Instructions

• Put all the herbs in a muslin bag and put it in a large bowl of hot water.
• Make sure the temperature of the liquid is bearable and soak your feet for 20 minutes.
• It is normal that while this time passes you feel that the whole body is warming up.
• After the therapy, dry your feet well and cover them with socks.
• For foot conditions you must repeat its use every night.

Consult your doctor if the discomfort persists

Did you know about these applications of ginger to care for and relax your feet? This plant could help you alleviate some minor discomfort in your feet caused by long work hours, sedentary lifestyle, or even vigorous exercise.

If the discomfort in the legs and feet persists after these natural practices, consult your doctor as the pain could be a symptom of a disease that needs treatment by a specialist.