DIY Detox Foot Soak

I’m a big fan of healing clays. I put them in my own bath and in my children’s bath water. I use them on my face as a face mask and my armpits to help detox and avoid odor.

Another way I love to use them that is much easier than a full bath is a foot detox. This provides many of the benefits as a clay or salt bath without the mess and extra work.

Pamper your Feet…

Our feet are a hard working part of our body. Whether we are walking, chasing kids, working at a standing desk, wearing high heels, cooking, or any other daily activity, our feet take a beating.

This is the reason a foot massage or pedicure is so relaxing. Our feet often hold more stress that we realize and relaxing our feet is a great way to help relax the whole body. Even just a regular foot soak in hot water with epsom salt is relaxing, but I’ve found that adding a few additional ingredients can increase the relaxation and health benefits.

I love to add Bentonite Clay which is beneficial to the body in several ways:

Bentonite Clay is a unique clay due to its ability to produce an “electrical charge” when hydrated. Upon contact with fluid, its electrical components change, giving it the ability to absorb toxins. Bentonite is known for its ability to absorb and remove toxins, heavy metals, impurities, and chemicals.

“Bentonite is a swelling clay. When it becomes mixed with water it rapidly swells open like a highly porous sponge. From here the toxins are drawn into the sponge through electrical attraction and once there, they are bound.”

Bentonite clay carries a strong negative charge which bonds to the positive charge in many toxins. When it comes in contact with a toxin, chemical, or heavy metal, the clay will absorb the toxin and release it’s minerals for the body to use. Bentonite also helps get oxygen to cells as it pulls excess hydrogen and allows the cells to replace it with oxygen instead.

I’ve found that my favorite combination for a soothing detox foot soak is bentonite and epsom salts, but I have an unusual way of making the foot soak…

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Epsom Salts
• Bentonite Clay
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Hot water (almost boiling)
• Essential oils for scent (optional)
• A Natural Bristle Brush for exfoliating skin
• A bucket or tub to soak feet

A DIY Detox Foot Soak

To get the most benefits from the clay and the epsom salts, I found an unusual way to start this bath. I began by mixing 1/2 cup of epsom salt into the water for a foot soak. I use a tub like this one, but even a three- dollar dishpan or a bucket will work just fine.

I dissolve the epsom salt in hot (but not boiling) water and set it on a towel.

Then, I mix 2 tablespoons of bentonite clay with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a bowl. Then, I add a little water to thin, if needed. I coat my feet in this mixture and let it dry for 10 minutes.

By this time, the water has cooled enough to put my feet in and the bentonite has dried. I add 10 drops of essential oils to the water at this point if I want to. When I put my feet in the tub, the hardened clay dissolves slowly and the benefits of the epsom salts take effect.

I continue to soak for about 15 minutes before gently scrubbing my feet with a natural brush.

I rinse my feet and pat them dry. Typically, I do this before bed since it is really relaxing, but it could be done anytime.

Foot Soak Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons bentonite clay
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  water to thin mixture (if needed)
• 1/2 cup epsom salt
• 6 quarts of hot water (or enough to fill your container)
• A few drops of essential oils (optional)

How to Make a Detox Foot Soak

1. Dissolve the epsom salt in really hot, but not boiling water in a large bowl or foot tub.
2. Set on a towel to let cool.
3. Mix the bentonite clay and the apple cider vinegar to make a paste and add water if needed to make smooth (sour cream consistency).
4. Smooth over feet and ankles and let sit for 10 minutes until starting to dry and crack.
5. Place in foot soak for 15 minutes. The clay will slowly dissolve and fall off.
6. At the end, use a natural bristle brush to remove any remaining clay and dead skin.
7. Rinse and pat dry.

Love Healing Clays? Here are some other ideas to try:

• Three Natural Detox Foot Bath Recipes
• Magnesium Foot Soak
• Detox Your Armpits
• DIY Hair Detox
• Benefits of Healing Clays

Do you pamper your feet? What is your favorite way?