Tea tree oil is an essential oil that has been commonly used to treat acne, athlete’s foot, nail fungus, and insect bites.

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Let’s bust a myth straight out of the gate: You don’t need to be an athlete to feel the incredible itch of athlete’s foot. It’s a common fungal infection that causes itchy, scaly, burning, stinging, or occasionally cracked skin. A person experiences athlete’s foot when there is a large presence of dermatophytes on the skin. This type of fungi grows in warm, humid conditions, for example, sweaty socks.

Athlete’s foot, ringworm, and jock itch are three closely related fungal infections. More often than not, people treat them with anti-fungal medications, but it’s possible for infection to return. There are also natural remedies to help improve the condition, but some may not work for everyone. It’s time to consult a physician if the condition doesn’t improve within two weeks after beginning self-treatment with either natural remedies or an over-the-counter anti-fungal product. You may also want to consult your doctor if you have diabetes and suspect athlete’s foot. If the foot swells up and you notice redness then see your doctor as well. 

Natural remedies and over-the-counter anti-fungal products can alleviate symptoms. Some of these products may help avoid a recurring rash, while others will not work at all. And then there are products that work, but personal habits get in the way of the healing process. If you have athlete’s foot and are on the healing path, avoid these common mistakes that can worsen the condition. 

You Wear The Same Shoes Every Day

Everyone has a pair of shoes that they could wear every day, no matter what. One pair of shoes may be as comfortable as a fuzzy pair of house slippers, but those comfy kicks may prevent your athlete’s foot from healing properly. According to medical professionals, wearing the same shoes every day doesn’t allow the inside of the shoes to dry properly between wears. A moist, enclosed environment is not conducive to athlete’s foot, or any fungal condition. Keep the feet and the surfaces that the feet touch clean and dry. Alternate shoes every day, wash sneakers, insoles, and socks regularly, and choose breathable shoes if your feet are prone to sweating. 

You Walk Barefoot In Shared Spaces

Some people brave the public spaces with no fear of catching any sort of disease, bacteria, or fungus. Walking barefoot in airplanes, gyms, public pools, locker rooms, or hotel rooms can result in athlete’s foot. Fungus that fosters athlete’s foot may linger on the floor in these areas, according to dermatologists. If you have a break in the skin, walking around barefoot in shared spaces leaves you more susceptible to an infection. A skin break or wound is an invitation for opportunistic pathogens. If you already suffer from athlete’s foot, walking barefoot with broken skin not only spreads the fungus to the floor, but can also lead to secondary bacterial infection. Always wear shoes or flip-flops in shared spaces. 

You Moisturize Your Feet

People often mistake dry, cracked skin on the feet for athlete’s foot. It’s possible for athlete’s foot to look scaly on the bottoms of the feet, but it’s also possible to simply experience dry skin. One thing to remember is that fungus feeds off moist environments. If you have athlete’s foot, moisturizing will only worsen the condition and inhibit the healing process. The best thing you can do is ditch the lotion and consider an over-the-counter anti-fungal cream instead. If you can’t distinguish dry skin from athlete’s foot, consider seeing a podiatrist to properly assess the situation.

You Don’t Cut Toenails Often Enough

Believe it or not, this can slow the healing process if you suffer from athlete’s foot. Nailbeds can present the perfect environment for infection, especially if nails are too long. If you don’t cut your toenails, they can break and cause trauma to the nailbed. That can then lead to a deformed toenail, which has an increased risk of bacterial or fungal infection. Keep toenails short in order to prevent fungus from entering under the toenail or surrounding skin. Trim nails just above the white line using clippers. 

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Foot fungus is an embarrassing topic of conversation. Failure to address superficial infections that affect the outer layers of the skin can worsen and lead to more serious conditions. A fungal infection of the foot is commonly athlete’s foot or foot ringworm. The skin can develop fungal infections, but so can the toenails, and that is known as onychomycosis. 

Depending on the severity of the infection, medications or antibiotics may or may not be necessary. More often than not, athlete’s foot can be remedied by way of regularly applying an anti-fungal steroid cream. Creams like this can be harmful to the rest of the body, though, as the skin absorbs the other chemicals and ingredients in them. What about harnessing the power of natural ingredients to remedy the issue? The following ingredients, which are in the foot soak recipe in this article, offer powerful anti-fungal properties.

Baking Soda

Not only is baking soda is an excellent ingredient to help neutralize foot odors, but it also helps to battle fungal infections. It dries excess moisture between toes, and fungus thrives in moist environments. Baking soda helps to exfoliate the skin’s surface, which destroys the fungal layer underneath. Additionally, the natural alkaline nature of baking soda helps to neutralize the acidic environment of a fungal infection. 

Tea Tree Oil

Some scientific studies confirmed that tea tree oil is capable of destroying nail fungus. A 2013 study found that tea tree oil inhibited the growth of Trichophyton rubrum, a fungus that causes nail infections. This same fungus often causes athlete’s foot. The antiseptic and anti-fungal properties in tea tree oil help to reduce the risk of recurring fungal infections. If you regularly experience athlete’s foot or nail infections, regular application may be necessary. 

Epsom Salt

People typically soak in Epsom salt baths to help reduce muscle aches and pains. The belief is that the body efficiently absorbs the magnesium, which may treat a variety of problems. According to several studies, Epsom salt does not kill the fungus that causes athlete’s foot, but it does help draw out excess moisture like baking soda. The crystals in Epsom salt also aid with the removal of dead skin cells, leaving the feet more supple and nourished post soak. 

Peppermint Essential Oil

A recent laboratory study found that several essential oils, including peppermint essential oil, were effective against 22 bacterial strains. Out of 12 fungi, peppermint essential oil completely inhibited 11 of them. This is because peppermint essential oil exhibits antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antiseptic activity. Additionally, experts believe that the menthol in peppermint essential oil helps soothe inflamed skin.

DIY Anti-Fungal Foot Soak

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Epsom salt
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 30 drops tea tree oil
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil
• 2 tbsp sweet almond oil
• Green tea leaves (as much as you like)

Instructions:

• Pour the Epsom salt and baking soda into a medium-sized bowl and mix well.
• In a small bowl, combine the essential oils with the carrier oil. Mix well for about 30 seconds to fully incorporate the essential oils into the almond oil.
• Pour the oil mixture over the Epsom salt mixture and stir to combine. 
• Add as many green tea leaves as you like to the bowl and gently fold them in. To do this, you can simply open up green tea bags and dump the contents in the bowl. 
• When everything is fully mixed, pour the entire mixture into a glass jar and screw on the lid to keep fresh. 
• When ready to use, pour about 1/2 cup in a foot soaker with lukewarm water and stir until dissolved. Let your feet soak in it for 20 minutes. Repeat once per week if you experience recurring fungal infections. 

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Tea tree oil is one of the most popular essential oils in use. Also referred to as melaleuca oil, tea tree oil comes from the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia tree. It has the ability to kill numerous bacterial and fungal strains and has prominent use in historical, herbal healing practices. To this day, tea tree oil remains an alternative, complementary treatment for common skin problems. 

There are many studies that indicate the diverse health benefits of tea tree oil. Many health experts attribute the healing properties to the inherent terpenoids, which exhibit anti-fungal and antiseptic activity. Terpinen-4-ol is abundant in tea tree oil and scientists believe it to be the primary reason for tea tree’s antibacterial properties. In the past, tea tree oil has helped people overcome symptoms of vaginal yeast infections, athlete’s foot, acne, mild nail infections, and even minor cuts and burns. 

Note: Keep in mind that tea tree oil is a very powerful essential oil. Experts do not advise that people apply it directly to the skin. Please dilute it in a carrier oil (like olive oil, jojoba oil, or sweet almond oil) before topical application. Direct application of 100% tea tree oil can result in burning, allergic reactions, or skin irritation. 

Reduces Appearance Of Acne

According to many anecdotal reports and research studies, tea tree oil has the ability to reduce inflammation caused by acne. Roughly 50 million Americans suffer from acne at a given moment. One study monitored the effects of tea tree oil gel and a placebo for acne treatment. The results indicated that the tea tree oil group experienced a reduction in total acne and the severity of acne. The placebo experienced limited to no improvement. 

Help For Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that occurs on the feet. It’s very contagious and can spread from the feet to the toenails to the hands. A controlled trial monitored the use of 25% tea tree oil solution, 50% tea tree oil solution, and a placebo in 158 people. After two daily applications for one month, the two tea tree oil solutions proved to be more effective than the placebo. In the group that used the 50% solution, about 64% of the participants were cured. 31% of people in the placebo group were also cured. 

Reduces Dandruff

It’s common for many adults to experience dandruff. It can result from poor diet, excessive shampooing, or chemical hair care products. Mild dandruff that is related to the Pityrosporum ovale yeast may be remedied with a 5% tea tree oil solution. One study found that shampooing with a 5% tea tree shampoo for one month led to less itchiness and greasiness. Additionally, participants experienced improvements in the severity of dandruff. A different study found that tea tree oil shampoo may benefit children with cradle cap. The solution has to be diluted before used on an infant. Test on the baby’s arm and rinse to see if a reaction occurs within 24-48 hours. 

Great For Toenail Infections

Be the cause nail abnormalities or a result of untreated athlete’s foot, nail fungal infections are quite common. They are also problematic because treating them is difficult. One randomized study examined the use of a solution with 5% tea tree oil and 2% butenafine hydrochloride in 60 people. After 16 weeks, 80% of the people who used the cream experienced significant improvement. Another study monitored the twice daily application of 100% pure tea tree oil versus 1% clotrimazole solution (common anti-fungal medication). After six months, the tea tree oil group proved to be more effective as an anti-fungal remedy. 

For Cuts, Infections, And Scars

Historically, people used tea tree oil for wound healing. Experts attribute tea tree’s ability to accelerate healing to the antiseptic and antibacterial properties. The broad-spectrum antibacterial activity helps damage bacterial cell walls, helping to kill bacteria. One study in the British Medical Journal found that tea tree oil is a powerful disinfectant. Another study found that a combination of tea tree oil and raw honey helps reduce burns and scarring. 

Bye Bye Itchy Skin

As mentioned earlier, tea tree oily can help reduce itchiness and dryness associated with dandruff. The anti-inflammatory properties offer soothing and relief from itchy areas of skin. Several studies found that tea tree oil has the ability to reduce inflamed, itchy skin. One study found that it reduced itchiness as a result of nickel sensitivity. The study used pure tea tree oil application, but it’s better to apply it with a carrier oil. 

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Who takes the time to properly pamper their feet? It’s safe to say that most people neglect their feet, despite the fact that they stand or walk around on them all day. We’re here to tell you to love your feet! They deserve the same attention you give your facial skin. 

Sometimes you just need to sit back in a comfortable chair and soak your feet in a soothing bath. Soaking your feet in a tub of warm water, Epsom salt, and other ingredients after a long day is the ultimate form of relaxation. Not only does a foot soak help to hydrate the skin (helping you avoid dryness), but it also helps decrease pain and inflammation. Depending on the concoction of the foot soak, it may even help to prevent bacteria from infecting blisters, cuts, or settling under toenails. 

Benefits Of Epsom Salt For Feet

Epsom salt is the combination of sulfate and magnesium, and it does wonders for your feet. As your feet absorb the magnesium, pain-reducing ions release into the body, relaxing muscles and nerves. This works to reduce pain, improve nerve and muscle function, and regulate electrolyte levels. The sulfate has been known to target harmful toxins in the body and aid with their elimination. You can find a few more benefits of Epsom salt below. 

Increased Circulation

When the body absorbs the minerals from the Epsom salt, they travel through the body and help improve circulation. They do this by pumping blood through veins and arteries, helping to relieve stress. The increased circulation in your feet may also help combat swelling, cramps, or pain. Often times, cramps and soreness can be the result of magnesium deficiency, and Epsom salt is a great source of magnesium.

Excellent Sanitizer

Callouses on feet are incredibly common, and that’s because they take a beating every day. When you soak your feet in an Epsom salt bath, the minerals help to remove dead skin and work to increase softness in the process. Epsom salt also gets under the nails and in the nooks and crannies of callouses or cracks, keeping your feet clean and nourished. 

Great For Skin

According to several studies, Epsom salt exhibits anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties, which help reduce the risk of skin infections. Athlete’s foot or toenail fungus are two common skin disorders, and they can be quite uncomfortable. Regular Epsom salt foot baths may help decrease the risk of infection, or help get rid of existing fungal infections. 

DIY Peppermint Foot Soak

Ingredients:

• 2 peppermint tea bags
• 1/8 cup baking soda
• 1 cup Epsom salt

Instructions:

• Cut open the tea bags and empty the contents into a food processor along with the baking soda and Epsom salt. 
• Pulse for about one minute to thoroughly combine all of the ingredients. 
• Pour the blended mixture into an eight-ounce Mason jar and screw on the lid. Store in a cool dry place until ready to use. 

How To Use:

• Take one tablespoon of the peppermint mixture and add it to a small foot bath. 
• Soak your feet in the bath for about 15 minutes. You can thank us later.

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That sharp, prickly plant that grows in the driest and harshest conditions, appearing as if it’s something that could be used as a weapon rather than a lifesaver, is packed with medicinal benefits. Today, aloe vera has become a household name, but unbeknownst to many it can be used for much more than a simple skin moisturizer or sunburn remedy. The best part is that we’ve yet to reach the apex of the plant’s true potential.

What Is Aloe Vera?

Aloe vera has been referred to as “the wonder plant,” and for good reason. Aloe is a genus that contains more than 500 species of flowering succulents, lots of which are prevalent in North Africa. Aloe vera has been used for centuries; in fact, the earliest account of human use for aloe vera is documented in the Ebers Papyrus. This Egyptian manual documents aloe vera being used therapeutically on the skin, and it was referred to as “the plant of immortality.” Aloe vera’s gel is cultivated worldwide for the countless medicinal benefits. It can also be used to replace common items found in most medicine cabinets, and you can learn more about that below.

Mouthwash

Most people are unaware of the dangers of using conventional mouthwash. The reason for this is because these dangers aren’t showcased. Why would they be? You may not know about them until a regular doctor’s visit leaves you wondering, “How the heck did I develop oral cancer? I brush everyday, and I even use…mouthwash.”

Not only does mouthwash mask bad breath and fight cavities, but it also kills the healthy bacteria in your mouth to make the mouth dry, which is, interestingly enough, one of the main reasons for halitosis. The constant swishing and gargling of mouthwash, which was initially developed as a surgical antiseptic, irritates the soft tissue in the mouth.

Aloe vera very is a safe and effective alternative to conventional mouthwash, given that it contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It works to kill fungi, bacteria, and viruses and provide strong, healthy gums. Aloe vera may help reverse the effects of gingivitis and periodontal disease. Since it is natural and non-toxic, there’s no need to fret if you accidentally swallow it.

Laxative Remedy

Just a few sips of aloe vera juice can help soothe your digestive problems. The naturally occurring anthraquinones in aloe vera gel can ease stomach congestion, remedy ulcers, and improve prostate health. Just add one or two tablespoons of 100% pure aloe vera juice to your morning smoothie or juice blend every day for some much needed digestive assistance.

Aftershave

Depending on the person and shaving technique, shaving the hair off your sensitive skin can sometimes result in razor bumps. The cool moisturizing properties of aloe vera can help reduce inflammation and close pores. It also helps relieve itchy or irritated skin, along with ingrown hairs. If you are attempting to make a transition to use more natural plant-based products, aloe vera is the most cost-effective option out there for aftershaves. Simply apply some fresh aloe vera onto the area of skin that you shaved, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, and rinse with cold water.

Rash/Eczema Cream

People with eczema or other skin rashes can be prescribed various creams, which are commonly infused with “natural botanicals.” Those botanicals are usually mixed with unnatural fragrances that can worsen your skin condition. Cut out the fillers and get the full effects of the botanicals by using fresh aloe vera, which has been known to relieve the itchy, swelling, and burning sensation that comes with eczema and other types of rashes. Use it twice a day on the effected area for the best results.

Makeup Remover

Conventional makeup removers have high amounts of alcohol, and using them can dry out the skin. Oil-based removers might clog your pores, depending on the sensitivity of your skin. There’s no need to clog pores or dry out the skin when aloe vera offers the same results without the side effects. Just add a few drops of aloe vera juice to a cotton pad and wipe the blush, foundation, or mascara off your face.

Athlete’s Foot Remedy

Aloe Vera is packed with disinfecting properties, which can help kill the bacteria that cause athlete’s foot. The concentrated minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants in Aloe Vera help fight and prevent foot fungi, while simultaneously moisturizing cracked heels and toes.

Psoriasis Treatment

Not enough can be said about this plant’s ability to soothe the skin. The lubricating agent in aloe vera is known to help combat psoriasis flare-ups, keeping the skin hydrated and moisturized. Just apply a decent amount of the gel to the affected area several times a day to help relieve the discomfort and dryness that comes with the condition. Even creams that contain aloe have been proven to work better than those without it, but why buy creams when you can use the original source?

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When trying to absorb minerals or vitamins, one of the best ways to do that is via the skin. The skin is actually the largest organ in the body, which means that, much like your liver or kidneys, it needs nutrients to stay healthy. Epsom salt is a magical thing that you can give your skin to help it stay healthy.

Famous for adding to baths, Epsom salt is not actually salt at all! It is technically magnesium sulfate, a mixture of magnesium and the sulfate compound. As the story goes, a farmer in Epsom, Surrey, England, discovered the healing properties of Epsom salt in the early 1600s. His cows weren’t drinking the water on his farm because it was bitter. Somehow, he realized that that same water helped to heal scratches and skin ailments like rashes. Word spread and Epsom salt was born from this finding.

A Great Exfoliator

To properly exfoliate, you need something that is slightly abrasive without being too rough on the skin. You can do this by applying a handful of Epsom salt to damp skin and showering off afterwards. You can also relax in an Epsom salt bath (2 cups of salt should be good) for healthy skin.

A Great Stress Reliever

If you have too many things on your mind and need to naturally lower stress levels, take an Epsom salt bath. Magnesium is an essential mineral that works to combat cortisol, the stress hormone. Magnesium is also responsible for reducing inflammation and relaxing sore muscles. So hop in a warm Epsom salt bath and let your stress melt away.

A Great Acne Treatment

Because Epsom salt can help you naturally exfoliate, it helps to deep clean your pores, working to clear your face of oils and bacteria. The antimicrobial content of sulfate helps Epsom salt naturally fight off acne bacteria.

For Arterial Health

Epsom salt may be beneficial for arterial health because it can help improve circulation. It does this by reducing inflammation in arteries. When your arteries are healthy, your risk of blood clots or plaque build-up in your arteries lessen. Three or four Epsom salt baths a week should help to improve cardiovascular health.

Remedy For Toenail Fungus

If you develop athlete’s foot or some kind of toenail fungal infection, Epsom salt can be a great natural remedy. Soak your affected foot in a warm foot bath with ½ cup of Epsom salt. Soak your foot as long as you want to alleviate itching or to promote faster healing.

Constipation Relief

Believe it or not, Epsom salt is commonly used to make a saline laxative. You can make this solution by dissolving 1 teaspoon of Epsom salt in 8 ounces of warm water. Do not drink this more than once a day. This should help to naturally relieve constipation.

Help To Remove Splinters

Splinters aren’t the worst things in the world, but they sure are irritating. Soak the affected splinter area in some warm water with Epsom salt for a couple minutes to naturally soften up the splinter. This makes it much easier to remove.

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At the end of the day, there might not be anything better than kicking your shoes off and feeling immediate relief. After being constricted in shoes, you finally get to let your feet free. Want to make that feeling of freedom even better? Start soaking your feet in an apple cider vinegar foot bath. You will truly be amazed by the results.

Soaking your feet is an act of self-care, so don’t be afraid to indulge in relaxation time. When you soak your feet in an apple cider vinegar bath, you can help to exfoliate, clean, and detox toxins from your entire body. Additionally, an apple cider vinegar foot bath helps to neutralize the pH levels in your feet, which is beneficial for those with foot fungus like athlete’s foot.

Why Apple Cider Vinegar?

While you may think that apple cider vinegar is too acidic to help you heal, it actually has a neutralizing effect on the body. Apple cider vinegar has antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, all of which benefit skin health. If you have any foot fungus, apple cider vinegar works to soothe the itching, irritation, or burning that is commonly associated with the problem. It also helps to remove dead skin cells that can accumulate on your feet.

Ingredients For Foot Bath

• A large pot or regular foot bath
• Warm water
• ½-1 cup apple cider vinegar

Instructions

• Fill a pot, tub, or foot bath two-thirds of the way full with warm water. The water should be comfortably warm, not blistering hot. Pour the apple cider vinegar in the water and mix it well.
• Place your feet in the bath and let them soak for about 30 minutes. Once they are done soaking, rinse them off and pat them dry.

This foot bath is a great way to draw out toxins from the body and improve the health of your feet. You can add some fresh lemon juice to the bath if you want because lemons are beneficial for your skin!

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