Naturally Soothing Foot Soap (no palm oil)

Friendly Foot Soap (made in Northumberland) is just the thing for tired tootsies. Made with coconut and castor oil and shea butter (not for latex allergies), this is vegan and free from palm oil, so is is orangutan friendly too, protecting their natural forest habitats! Also sold in packs of 12.

Due to essential oils, avoid this soap for pregnancy/nursing.

The essential oils in this soap bar (in zero waste paper packaging) are chosen for their soothing, deodorising and anti-fungal benefits. Of peppermint, thyme, clove and tea tree. It also contains madder root, known for its soothing properties.

Use with Friendly Soap’s natural foot pumice stone for a complete foot spa routine. This uses natural volcanic rock to gently (with water) rub away rough areas of skin and calluses, and also gives a mini circulation boost, ideal if you have ‘restless feet’ before bed, to encourage good sleep.

Daily Natural Foot Care Habits

Clean feet start with good washing habits. Water lifts sweat, dirt, and bacteria away, but harsh soaps can strip natural oils. Stick to a gentle, fragrance-free soap.

Avoid shea butter for latex allergies. If used, wash off cocoa butter creams, before letting pets kiss you (contains the same ingredient as chocolate).

A simple soak once or twice a week can reduce soreness and soften tough skin. Try warm water with Epsom salts (not for children, pregnancy, heart or kidney conditions), or add a few drops of lavender oil for relaxation. After washing or soaking, dry your feet well – especially between the toes. Damp skin welcomes fungus and bacteria.

For dry cracked heals, skip chemical creams and reach for coconut oil. Warm the oil in your hands and massage it into heels, arches, and balls of your feet before bed. For extra healing, put on clean cotton socks overnight.

This peppermint foot cream has fabulous reviews, and is made with care in Buckinghamshire, sold in a zero waste glass jar, with metal lid. Made with a blend of jojoba and sweet almond oil, along with mango butter and vitamin E as a natural preservative. And peppermint essential oil.

Ideal for after walking or standing in shoes all day at work, this cream is easily absorbed and can calm irritated skin and dry cracked heels. Unlike most foot creams, this is not diluted with water.

After 3 days of use, I can feel my dry feet are softening, certainly a small amount goes a long way. Lovely scent.

Nail Care and Avoiding Infections

• Trim nails straight across – not curved – to avoid ingrown edges.
• Fight fungal infection with apple cider vinegar diluted in water.
• Dab on with a clean cotton swab if nails look yellow, thick, or crumbly.
• Allow feet to breathe by skipping nail polish once in a while.
• Disinfect nail scissors before each use

Foot Exercises and Massage

Simple foot stretches fight stiffness and minor aches. Point and flex your toes, roll your ankles, and massage your arches with your hands.

Try these daily moves:

• Toe scrunches: Pick up a cloth with your toes
• Ankle circles: Rotate each foot ten times in both directions
• Calf stretches: Hold for 20 seconds with a straight knee

Massage also relaxes the muscles and calms tired feet. Use your thumbs in slow circles around the heels and arch for five minutes before bed.