We spend our entire day on our feet so it’s not surprising that they experience quite a bit of wear and tear. Sometimes our feet deserve a treat and this apple cider vinegar soak gives them just that. For better results, always use organic, unfiltered, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar with the ‘mother’ or culture still in the bottle. It should have a cloudy appearance. Here’s a host of benefits that come along with using ACV on your feet.
1. Removes Dead Skin
You’re more likely to get corns and calluses if you wear uncomfortable shoes. The skin hardens to protect your feet from blisters and wounds. The acid content in apple cider vinegar can help slightly exfoliate the skin. Using this bath can help remove dead skin cells and expose newer, soft skin underneath. Regular use of this soak can help reduce the appearance of calluses and corns on your feet.
2. Balances pH
The pH of apple cider vinegar is similar to the acid mantle of our skin. This acid mantle is made up of sebum (free fatty acids) excreted from the skin’s sebaceous glands, which mixes with lactic and amino acids from sweat to create the skin’s pH, which ideally should be slightly acidic. The pH of the skin is responsible for regulating inflammation, permeability, and cohesion of cells.1 Apple cider vinegar may help maintain this balance.
3. Boosts Anti-Fungal Properties
Apple cider vinegar has anti-fungal properties. This is great for foot-related issues like toenail fungus or athlete’s foot.2 This soak may be a great way to treat these problems or keep them at bay
4. Soothes Sore Muscles
Apple cider vinegar is said to have anti-inflammatory properties which may help when you have sore, tired, and aching feet after a long day of work. It can help reduce pain and swelling if there is any.
5. Reduces Symptoms Of Varicosity
Studies showed that patients with varicose veins showed reduced itching, pigmentation, soreness, and cramping when apple cider vinegar was applied to their legs externally.3
6. Tackles Odor
Thanks to the anti-fungal, and antibacterial properties of apple cider vinegar, it can be extremely effective in killing odor-causing bacteria and fungi.
7. Removes Warts
Apple cider vinegar may have anti-viral properties. Since, warts are an infection caused by viruses in the human papillomavirus, or HPV, family, this explains why it may be helpful in removing these annoying bumps on our feet. Alternatively, you can soak a ball of cotton wool and use a band-aid to keep it in place over your wart. Leave this on overnight. With regular use, your wart should disappear over time.
Apple Cider Vinegar Soak For Feet
- Use a tub that can fit your feet comfortably
- Fill it about two-thirds with warm water
- Add 1 cup of apple cider vinegar
- Before soaking your feet, wash them thoroughly with soap and water
- Soak your feet for 30 minutes and then dry off. The scent of the vinegar will fade once your feet dry completely
Cautionary Note
- Do not use this remedy if you have open wounds or bleeding cracks on your feet
- Don’t use this soak too often as warm water can dry your skin out. Use this remedy sparingly for dry, cracked or sore feet. Do this nightly and moisturize your feet immediately. For best results, put on socks before going to bed
- If you are diabetic, soaking your feet may increase the chances of infection. Consult your physician before trying out any foot-related home remedies
Apple cider vinegar has a host of benefits and can be used in a number of different remedies. But, your tired feet will definitely thank you for trying out this one.
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