Essential oils have gained popularity in recent years. Many people use them for aromatherapy and other purposes, such as applying them to the skin, inhaling them directly, or using a diffuser to spread their scent.
One widespread claim is that applying essential oils to your feet is especially effective. But is this true?
This article explores the claim of the effectiveness of applying essential oils on feet. It also emphasizes the importance of using essential oils safely and responsibly.
Understanding Essential Oils: Basics and Key Concepts
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts with therapeutic properties. They’re made through a process like steam distillation or cold pressing, which captures the plant’s natural scent and beneficial compounds.
When you’re shopping for essential oils, pay close attention to the Latin name. The Latin (or botanical) name makes sure you’re getting the right oil and helps you avoid confusion.
Key Concepts for Safe Use
Dilution is essential when you use essential oils on your skin. Undiluted oils can irritate your skin or cause allergic reactions.
GC/MS testing is a tool that verifies the purity and components of essential oils. It’s a good idea to check if an essential oil has been tested to ensure you’re getting a high-quality product.
The claim: Enhanced absorption through the feet – Examining the evidence
Some people online claim that essential oils are absorbed better when applied to the feet.
Anatomy of the foot and absorption
The skin on the soles of your feet is very thick. In fact, it’s about 100 times thicker than the skin on other parts of your body. Does this help or hurt absorption?
Also, you won’t find sebaceous glands on the soles of your feet. Sebaceous glands produce sebum, which helps your skin absorb essential oils. Without these glands, the essential oils may not absorb as well.
Alternative routes of action
Even if the essential oils aren’t being absorbed through the skin on your feet, it doesn’t mean they can’t work. When you use essential oils, the primary way they work is through inhalation.
Aromatherapy depends on your sense of smell to work. When you inhale the scent of essential oils, they interact with your olfactory system, which is connected to the parts of your brain that control mood, emotions, and memory.
You can also experience localized effects. For example, essential oils may relieve pain or control odor on your feet. So even without deep absorption, essential oils can still give you some benefits.
Benefits of Using Essential Oils on Feet: Practical Applications
While the idea of essential oils magically detoxifying your body through your feet is a myth, there are some practical benefits to using them on your feet.
Addressing Foot Pain
Some people use lavender essential oil on their feet, hoping it will relieve neuropathy pain. Other essential oils also have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that may help with foot pain.
For topical application, be sure to combine essential oils with a carrier oil, such as a nut or seed oil. You could even try a DIY eucalyptus spearmint massage oil. A 3-5% dilution is generally recommended.
Combating Foot Odor
Essential oils with antibacterial and antimicrobial properties can help fight foot odor. Tea tree oil and lemongrass oil are two popular choices. You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to baking soda for a DIY foot powder.
Relaxation and Rejuvenation
Foot soaks are a great way to relax and rejuvenate tired feet. Adding essential oils and salts to your foot soak can enhance the experience, and some oils can even help with cooling, like those described in this Ayurvedic guide to cooling your body. Try soaking your feet for about 20 minutes.
How to apply essential oils safely
Why you need carrier oils
Essential oils are potent, so you shouldn’t apply them directly to your skin. It’s important to mix essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them to your feet or other body parts. Carrier oils help your skin absorb the essential oil, and they help prevent skin irritation.
Good carrier oils include coconut oil, jojoba oil, and almond oil.
Potential risks and side effects
Essential oils can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Sensitization is a type of delayed-sensitivity reaction that involves your immune system. If you think you’re having a reaction to an essential oil, stop using it and talk to a healthcare professional.
You should always do a patch test before applying essential oils to a large area of your skin. To do a patch test, apply a small amount of the diluted essential oil to a small area of skin, and then wait 24 hours to see if you have a reaction.
Other safety tips
Don’t swallow essential oils unless a trained health professional tells you to do so. Swallowing too much essential oil can be very dangerous.
It’s also important to store essential oils in a cool, dark place to keep them from losing their strength and going bad.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does peppermint oil on your feet do?
Proponents claim peppermint oil on the feet can provide a cooling sensation, relieve aches, and even improve energy levels. These alleged benefits stem from peppermint’s menthol content, known for its cooling and analgesic properties. Some individuals use it to soothe sore muscles or reduce foot odor. However, it’s important to note that scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited, and any effects are likely short-lived and subjective. Also, ensure the peppermint oil is diluted with a carrier oil to avoid skin irritation.
Can you absorb oils through your feet?
While the skin on the feet is thicker than other areas of the body, it’s still permeable to some degree. Small molecules, like those found in essential oils, can be absorbed through the skin, including the feet. However, the absorption rate and amount absorbed are likely to be low. Factors such as the size of the oil molecules, the presence of carrier oils, and the individual’s skin condition can influence absorption. Don’t expect a significant systemic effect from applying oils solely to the feet.
Why put frankincense oil on the bottom of your feet?
Frankincense oil is often applied to the soles of the feet due to the belief that it promotes grounding, reduces stress, and boosts the immune system. Some believe that applying it to the feet allows for better absorption and distribution throughout the body, although this is not scientifically proven. While frankincense does possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, its efficacy when applied topically to the feet remains largely anecdotal. Always dilute frankincense oil with a carrier oil before application to minimize the risk of skin sensitivity.
Final thoughts
While the idea that essential oils are better absorbed through your feet may be a bit of a stretch, that doesn’t mean you can’t still get some benefits when applying them topically.
Just be sure to use essential oils safely. Always dilute them properly before applying them to your skin.
Keep learning about essential oils, and consider talking with a qualified aromatherapist or healthcare professional for advice that’s tailored to you and your health needs.