This time of year takes a toll on the feet. Between the dry skin, wearing snow boots and heavy socks, and trying to walk with a heavier gait through the snow, the feet often end up dry, chapped, and tired. That’s why I love to soak my feet in the winter, and this foot soak is one of my favorites. The cinnamon is a warming spice that can increase circulation to the feet and lower legs. Cinnamon can also help improve blood flow to the hand. The Epsom salts, which is magnesium, is great for improving vascular tone and decreasing muscle contractions in the legs. Since it’s absorbed through the skin, it can also help with pain relief and even constipation. The essential oils in this recipe help relax the body, decrease pain, and improve circulation. When used before bedtime, it can even improve you quality of sleep.
For those of you new to this series, Sarah Munro, the heroine in ONE DARK WISH, the second book in the Deadly Force series, is an 18th century historian who inherited a collection of colonial-era herbal and homeopathic remedies. And, in this blog space, I’ve been sharing her recipes with you all. I’m adding this recipe to this collection because all of these ingredients are known for their warming and relaxing properties which is something we all need this season. All of these ingredients are available on Amazon as well as specialty food stores.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Epsom Salts
- 1 Tablespoon fractionated coconut oil
- 4 drops Ho Wood essential oil
- 4 drops Clary Sage essential oil
- 1 teaspoon ground Ceylon cinnamon
- Glass jar with tight-fitting lid
- Enough water to fill a bath or basin

Directions for Herbal Foot Soak
- NOTES: This recipe is safe for children over 4, as well as cats and dogs, but if you have a sensitivity to any of the ingredients (especially the cinnamon) remove your feet and wash with cold water.
- In a glass bowl, stir together the fractionated coconut oil, Ho Wood oil, and Clary Sage oil. Stir in Epsom salt and transfer to a glass jar with a tight-sealing lid.
- USAGE: Fill a foot bath (or a bathtub) with warm water and add a 1/4 cup of the herbal salts. Then sprinkle in the cinnamon. Stir well, place your feet (or body) in the bath, and relax until the water cools and you’re ready to get out.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER ABOUT WILD PLANTS, FORAGING, AND MAKING HERBAL REMEDIES:
I am not a medical professional and nothing written on this blog is medical advice. None of my statements have been evaluated by the FDA (I am legally required to give you this disclaimer).
It is important to do your due diligence before foraging, harvesting, and/or consuming any type of medicinal plant.
- If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor about any potential drug interactions.
- If you are allergic to anything, make sure whatever you are foraging is not in the same family. Example: While dandelions are typically considered safe, those who are allergic to ragweed, latex, daisies, or any other plants in the same or similar families, may not be able to consume dandelion.
Always research potential side effects, dosage recommendations, and how to properly prepare and consume each medicinal plant.
Always make sure you are foraging what you believe to be. Fully prepare and study the anatomy before harvesting wild plants.
Always make sure your kitchen/work area is clean and that all materials are sterilized.
Do not forage plants from areas that have been sprayed within the past 2 years at the very least.
I am not legally or morally responsible for the health of any of my readers. Please do your own research!