At present, it’s an overcast day in Autumn. I’m on day 24 of my cycle, which means I’m starting to turn within and being called to do some self-care and deep listening. I’ve been on my feet a lot this week. In the garden, tending to the home, chasing children, filling pot holes on our dirt road… the usual. It’s really quite astounding how much we take our feet for granted, the trunk and roots on which we stand. To add to this my sweetheart Alex is getting foot surgery today for the second time. He damaged a tendon while building last year and it’s still needing work. A stark reminder as to how much we rely on our dear precious feet.

Looking after our feet isn’t just about pampering, it’s also important for the prevention of knees, hip, and lower back pain. It’s also good for mental health. A bit of foot love, whether that be a massage, soak or scrub can be great for calming the mind, insomnia and anxiety.

Then there are the fungal infections, tinea, athlete’s foot, ingrown toenails and all the smelly painful things. Our feet send us messages about how things are rolling for us, as they are difficult things to ignore.

I am barefoot a lot of the time, but as we live in the middle of the bush, boots are a necessity when we adventure out into the forest or are working on the farm. Walking barefoot really is one of the best gifts we can give to our feet when we can manage it, but it’s not always practical.

Since starting our Tea tree farm about 5 years now, I’ve loved to explore all the wonderful uses for Tea tree oil and I’m happy to report that it’s a wonder for the feet.

Clinical studies have sited that Tea tree oil can have a significant effect on

Athlete’s foot, nail fungus and other foot related fungal infections and also has anti-inflammatory properties, so it’s perfect for soothing tired or swollen feet.

Whether it’s to treat a condition or just treat yourself, the process is the same. Here’s a few ways to use it.

• Add 3-4 drops to a bowl or large bucket of warm water for a quick, soothing foot soak.
• Add 3-4 drops to a bath and immerse your whole body for a multitude of benefits (including yoni care!)
• Add neat to cuts, sores, warts or fungal affected areas. You can also dilute with water, hydrosol or add to a carrier oil like coconut oil. (Always check your skin prior to use for sensitivity).
• Give yourself a full soak, scrub & soothing treatment. See below.

• Epsom Salt
• Coconut or Jojoba Oil (or any other carrier oil)
• Certified Organic Tea Tree Oil (5-6 drops)
• Pumice Stone
• Hot Water & Tub
• Flower petals (or soothing herbs from the garden)
• Coffee grounds or sugar 

Method

• Fill a small tub with warm to hand hot water
• Mix 1 teaspoon of coconut oil (or other carrier oil) to ¼ cup of Epsom salt and 4-5 drops of certified organic Tea Tree Oil. Combine together in a bowl or your palm.
• Add the mixture, along with flower petals or herbs to the water and allow to dissolve.
• Close your eyes, put on some soothing music and have a chill.
• Once you’re ready, use your pumice stone to file down all the thick layers of skin. This can be done while your feet are still a bit wet. Dried or cracked areas will now be nice and soft.
• When you’re done, rinse your feet and pat them dry.
• Mix ¼ cup of coffee grounds or sugar, 2 tablespoons coconut oil & 5-6 drops of certified organic Tea Tree Oil in a bowl or small container.
• Add some to your feet to further exfoliate. Once finished, thoroughly rinse your feet and pat dry.
• Shape toenails at this point if you wish. Add colour with a natural nail polish or keep it fresh and natural.

Enjoy!

I'd love to hear how you look after your feet or if you use tea tree for other things in your life!