10 best herbal teas for foot odor

Several herbal teas, including chamomile, sage, and peppermint, boast natural properties that neutralize foot odor.

Chamomile's anti-fungal and anti-bacterial agents address the root cause of the issue, offering a long-lasting solution. Sage, rich in antibacterial and astringent properties, inhibits the growth of odor-causing microorganisms.

Lastly, peppermint's natural menthol qualities provide a refreshing scent while leaving feet feeling cool and rejuvenated.

1. Peppermint

Peppermint tea contains menthol, a natural antiseptic and antifungal agent that eliminates foot odor's primary sources: bacteria and fungi.

This herbal tea's antibacterial properties deodorize and disinfect feet, while its astringent qualities tighten pores and reduce perspiration. Furthermore, peppermint tea's cool and soothing sensation constricts sweat glands, decreasing sweat production.

Lastly, peppermint tea boasts anti-inflammatory properties that alleviate skin irritations and infections caused by foot odor, promoting overall foot health.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in peppermint tea that help with foot odor.

• Leaves: Contain menthol and menthone, which have antibacterial and antifungal properties that help neutralize foot odor.
• Flowers: Have a strong aroma that helps mask the smell of foot odor, and contain flavonoids that have antibacterial properties.
• Seeds: Contain essential oils that have antifungal and antibacterial properties which help eliminate the bacteria and fungi that cause foot odor.
• Buds: Possess high levels of menthol, which has potent antibacterial properties that aid in fighting the bacteria causing foot odor.
• Bark: Contains tannins that act as an astringent, which helps to reduce sweat production, and thus reduce foot odor.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in peppermint tea that aid with foot odor.

• Menthol: Has antibacterial properties that help reduce the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the feet.
• Menthone: Acts as a natural deodorant by neutralizing unpleasant odors.
• Limonene: Possesses antifungal properties that aid in preventing fungal infections causing foot odor.
• Menthofuran: Enhances menthol's cooling effect, providing soothing relief to feet.
• Cineol: Provides anti-inflammatory effects, aiding in reducing foot inflammation associated with odor.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic peppermint tea for foot odor.

1. Boil 4 cups of water, then pour into a teapot.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of dried peppermint leaves to the teapot.
3. Steep the peppermint leaves for 10 minutes, then strain the tea into a footbath.
4. Soak feet in the peppermint tea for 20 minutes, twice daily.
5. Refrigerate leftover tea for up to 24 hours, reheating for subsequent soaks.

2. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus tea contains eucalyptus oil, which has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.

These properties make eucalyptus oil effective in killing the bacteria and fungi responsible for foot odor. By drinking eucalyptus tea, the oil is absorbed into the bloodstream and reaches the affected areas. The oil's antibacterial and antimicrobial effects then eliminate the microorganisms causing the odor, leaving the feet smelling fresh.

Moreover, eucalyptus tea's anti-inflammatory effects can help alleviate any discomfort or irritation caused by foot odor.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in eucalyptus tea that help with foot odor.

• Leaves: Contain oils with antimicrobial properties that help reduce foot odor.
• Bark: Has tannins that can eliminate bacteria causing unpleasant smells.
• Buds: Rich in eucalyptol, an essential oil with potential deodorizing effects.
• Flowers: Contain antiseptic and anti-inflammatory compounds helpful against foot odor.
• Stems: Include polyphenols that may help kill bacteria causing foot odor.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in eucalyptus tea that aid with foot odor.

• Cineole: This organic compound with a characteristic fresh scent found in eucalyptus leaves has antimicrobial properties that help reduce the growth of bacteria causing foot odor.
• Terpinene-4-ol: A monoterpene alcohol known for its antifungal and antibacterial activities, it combats the microorganisms responsible for foot odor.
• Alpha-pinene: A volatile unsaturated hydrocarbon, this constituent exhibits antimicrobial properties that aid in inhibiting the growth of odor-causing bacteria on feet.
• Limonene: This cyclic monoterpene with a pleasant citrusy aroma has been shown to have antibacterial properties, helping control the bacterial populations causing foot odor.
• p-Cymene: An aromatic monoterpene, p-Cymene displays antimicrobial properties that assist in reducing the bacterial load on feet, thus minimizing foot odor.
• Gallic acid: Acting as a potent antioxidant, gallic acid in eucalyptus helps lower oxidative stress and maintain a healthy skin microbiome, reducing foot odor.
• Kaempferol: A flavonoid known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, kaempferol helps control the microbial populations responsible for foot odor and related skin inflammation.
• Quercetin: A flavonoid with proven antimicrobial properties, quercetin helps reduce the bacterial load causing foot odor and supports overall skin health.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic eucalyptus tea for foot odor.

1. Gather 4-5 fresh eucalyptus leaves and rinse them under cold water to clean.
2. Boil 4 cups of water in a pot, then add the eucalyptus leaves and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
3. Strain the tea into a bowl, discarding the leaves, and let it cool down to a comfortable temperature.
4. Soak your feet in the eucalyptus tea for 15-20 minutes, ensuring they are fully submerged.
5. Dry your feet thoroughly and discard the leftover tea. Repeat this process 2-3 times a week for best results.

3. Tea Tree

Tea tree oil, the essential oil from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, has antibacterial and antifungal properties.

These properties make tea tree oil effective in inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause foot odor. Sweaty feet provide a moist environment where bacteria and fungi thrive, leading to foot odor. Tea tree tea, which contains tea tree oil, helps eliminate the bacteria and fungi responsible for foot odor.

Regularly using tea tree tea for foot baths or applying it directly to the feet can reduce foot odor, leaving feet smelling fresh and clean.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in tea tree tea that help with foot odor.

• Leaves: Contain compounds that have antibacterial and antifungal properties, helping to reduce foot odor caused by bacteria and fungi.
• Bark: Rich in tannins that have astringent properties, helping to reduce excess sweating and inhibit the growth of odor-causing microorganisms.
• Roots: Contain essential oils with antimicrobial properties that aid in eliminating the bacteria responsible for foot odor.
• Seeds: Provide a source of nutrients and essential oils that support overall foot health and indirectly contribute to reducing foot odor.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in tea tree tea that aid with foot odor.

• Terpinen-4-ol: This compound possesses potent antibacterial properties that can destroy the bacteria causing foot odor.
• γ-Terpinene: With its strong antimicrobial properties, this constituent inhibits the growth of odor-causing microorganisms.
• α-Terpineol: This constituent exhibits antifungal properties, aiding in preventing fungal infections that can contribute to foot odor.
• 1,8-Cineole: Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects help soothe skin irritations and combat foot odor.
• α-Pinene: This compound's antimicrobial properties aid in reducing the microbial load responsible for foot odor.
• Limonene: With its antiseptic qualities, this constituent helps eliminate bacteria causing foot odor.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic tea tree tea for foot odor.

1. Boil 2 cups of water and add 3 teaspoons of dried tea tree leaves, letting it steep for 15 minutes.
2. Strain the tea to remove the leaves, creating a tea tree tea concentrate.
3. Mix the concentrate with 2 cups of cool water in a foot basin.
4. Soak your feet in the tea tree tea for 15-20 minutes, ensuring full contact with the tea.
5. Pat your feet dry, avoiding rubbing, and apply a light moisturizer.

4. Sage

Sage tea offers antibacterial and antifungal properties (Source: PubMed, 2011), effectively combating the microorganisms causing foot odor.

This herbal tea's astringent qualities (Source: Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research, 2013) constrict pores and limit perspiration, creating an unwelcoming environment for odor-causing bacteria. As a natural deodorizer, sage tea's volatile oils (Source: Pharmacognosy Reviews, 2011) neutralize unpleasant odors, while its soothing properties alleviate foot discomfort.

Ultimately, consistent use of sage tea as a foot soak helps maintain proper foot hygiene, reducing foot odor.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in sage tea that help with foot odor.

• Leaves: Contain compounds that can help neutralize foot odor caused by bacteria.
• Roots: Have antibacterial properties that can help eliminate the microorganisms causing foot odor.
• Bark: Contains tannins that can help reduce foot perspiration and inhibit bacterial growth.
• Flowers: Have natural antimicrobial and antifungal properties, making them effective in controlling foot odor.
• Seeds: Rich in essential oils with antimicrobial properties that can help eliminate foot odor.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in sage tea that aid with foot odor.

• Eucalyptol: Known for its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, eucalyptol helps eliminate the microorganisms causing foot odor.
• Camphor: Its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects help soothe skin irritations and reduce foot odor caused by bacterial growth.
• α-Pinene: With strong antimicrobial properties, α-pinene helps control the growth of odor-causing bacteria and fungi on the feet.
• Bornyl acetate: Exhibiting antibacterial and antifungal qualities, bornyl acetate aids in reducing foot odor by inhibiting microbial growth.
• Camphene: Demonstrating antimicrobial activities, camphene helps decrease foot odor by preventing bacterial and fungal growth.
• Limonene: As a natural antimicrobial agent, limonene contributes to reducing foot odor by inhibiting the growth of odor-causing microorganisms.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic sage tea for foot odor.

1. Boil 1 cup of water in a kettle for 3-5 minutes.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of fresh sage leaves or 1 teaspoon of dried sage to a teapot.
3. Pour the boiling water over the sage leaves in the teapot, then steep for 10 minutes.
4. Strain the sage tea into a cup, discarding the used sage leaves.
5. Let the sage tea cool down to a comfortable temperature before soaking your feet for 15-20 minutes.

5. Thyme

Thyme tea's antibacterial and antifungal properties, derived from its active compounds like thymol, directly address the root cause of foot odor - the presence of microbes like bacteria and fungi on the skin.

These compounds inhibit the growth of these microorganisms, reducing their ability to break down sweat and produce foul-smelling compounds. Furthermore, thyme tea's astringent qualities help control excessive perspiration, creating an unfavorable environment for microbial growth. By drinking thyme tea, you internally introduce these beneficial compounds into your system, where they get absorbed into the bloodstream and eventually reach the feet.

This internal approach, combined with direct application of thyme tea or its infused water to the feet, provides a comprehensive solution to foot odor.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in thyme tea that help with foot odor.

• Leaves: Contain essential oils known for their antifungal and antibacterial properties, helping to eliminate the cause of foot odor.
• Flowers: Similarly possess antimicrobial qualities, aiding in reducing foot odor by inhibiting the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
• Stems: Although less potent, stems carry the same beneficial compounds as leaves and flowers, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the medicinal tea.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in thyme tea that aid with foot odor.

• Thymol: A natural antiseptic that helps eliminate the bacteria causing foot odor.
• Carvacrol: A phenol with antimicrobial properties that reduces foot odor by inhibiting bacterial growth.
• Geraniol: A terpene alcohol with antifungal properties that aids in controlling foot odor caused by fungal infections.
• Linalool: A terpene alcohol with antibacterial properties that combats the bacteria responsible for foot odor.
• β-Caryophyllene: A sesquiterpene with anti-inflammatory properties that soothes irritated skin and helps alleviate foot odor.
• Terpinen-4-ol: A monoterpene alcohol with antimicrobial effects that helps control foot odor by inhibiting bacterial and fungal growth.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic thyme tea for foot odor.

1. Boil 2 cups of water in a kettle, reaching a full boil before proceeding.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of dried thyme leaves to a teapot, ensuring an even distribution.
3. Pour the boiling water over the thyme leaves, allowing them to steep for 10-15 minutes.
4. Strain the tea into a mug, discarding the spent thyme leaves.
5. Soak feet in the thyme tea for 20-30 minutes, twice daily, to help alleviate foot odor.

6. Rosemary

Rosemary tea aids in reducing foot odor due to its natural antimicrobial properties, which destroy the bacteria and fungi responsible for foul smells.

The tea's anti-inflammatory qualities further help by preventing infections in the feet that can lead to increased odor. As a potent antioxidant, rosemary tea eliminates toxins and free radicals within the body, promoting overall foot health and minimizing unpleasant scents. Moreover, rosemary tea's circulation-boosting abilities ensure a sufficient supply of oxygen and nutrients to the feet, diminishing the ideal environment for odor-causing microorganisms.

Ultimately, rosemary tea's ability to neutralize odors and improve foot health combine to significantly decrease foot odor.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in rosemary tea that help with foot odor.

• Leaves: Contain compounds that have antibacterial properties, helping to reduce foot odor caused by bacteria.
• Flowers: Have antimicrobial and antifungal properties that aid in eliminating the microorganisms responsible for foot odor.
• Stems: Contain essential oils that provide a refreshing scent, helping to mask foot odor.
• Seeds: Rich in antioxidants, which support overall foot health and can help reduce foot odor.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in rosemary tea that aid with foot odor.

• Eucalyptol: Possesses antibacterial properties that help reduce the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the feet.
• Alpha-pinene: Its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe foot skin irritations and reduce foot odor.
• Camphor: Acts as a natural disinfectant and deodorant, eliminating foot odor by inhibiting bacterial growth.
• Cineole: Aids in reducing inflammation and has antimicrobial effects against the bacteria causing foot odor.
• Bornyl acetate: Offers antimicrobial properties, assisting in controlling the bacteria responsible for foot odor.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic rosemary tea for foot odor.

1. Boil 4 cups of water in a kettle, reaching a temperature of 212 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of dried rosemary leaves to a teapot, pouring the boiling water over the herbs.
3. Steep the tea for 15-20 minutes, allowing the rosemary's properties to extract.
4. Strain the liquid into a large bowl, discarding the used rosemary.
5. Soak feet in the rosemary tea for 15-20 minutes, then rinse and dry thoroughly.

7. Parsley

Parsley tea offers a natural remedy for foot odor due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, which eliminate the microorganisms causing the smell.

This herbal tea's high chlorophyll content neutralizes odors, leaving feet smelling fresh. Moreover, parsley's diuretic effect helps eliminate toxins from the body, reducing the likelihood of foot odor. By consuming parsley tea regularly, you strengthen your immune system, further preventing foot odor caused by bacterial or fungal infections.

Ultimately, parsley tea's detoxifying and antibacterial qualities make it an effective solution for foot odor.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in parsley tea that help with foot odor.

• Leaves: Contain chlorophyll and essential oils, known for their natural deodorizing properties, making them effective in reducing foot odor.
• Seeds: Rich in antioxidants and volatile oils, helping eliminate bacteria and fungi causing foot odor.
• Stems: Packed with tannins and flavonoids, possess astringent qualities that aid in controlling excessive sweating and foot odor.
• Flowers: Contain beneficial compounds that exhibit antibacterial properties, neutralizing the smell-causing bacteria on feet.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in parsley tea that aid with foot odor.

• Eugenol: Possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties that help eliminate the microorganisms responsible for foot odor.
• Limonene: Acts as a natural fungicide and deodorant, neutralizing foul-smelling compounds in foot perspiration.
• Myristicin: Inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi, reducing the production of odor-causing volatile compounds.
• Alpha-pinene: Exhibits antimicrobial activities that aid in eliminating odor-causing microorganisms on the feet.
• Beta-pinene: Contributes to the antibacterial and antifungal properties of parsley tea, helping control foot odor.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic parsley tea for foot odor.

1. Boil 2 cups of water in a pot for 5-10 minutes.
2. Stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley leaves, then reduce heat to a simmer.
3. Let the mixture steep for 15-20 minutes, then remove from heat.
4. Strain the liquid into a bowl, discarding the parsley leaves.
5. Allow the tea to cool down and soak your feet for 15-20 minutes.

8. Lavender

Lavender tea contains antimicrobial and antifungal properties that eliminate the bacteria and fungi causing foot odor.

The tea's soothing qualities also reduce inflammation and provide relief for irritated skin. By reducing inflammation, lavender tea creates an unfavorable environment for odor-causing microorganisms. Furthermore, lavender tea's pleasant aroma serves as a natural deodorizer, neutralizing unpleasant foot odors.

Regularly consuming lavender tea or soaking feet in its infusion helps maintain foot hygiene, thereby preventing reoccurring foot odor.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in lavender tea that help with foot odor.

• Flowers: Contain oils with antimicrobial properties that help neutralize the bacteria causing foot odor.
• Leaves: Rich in tannins and antioxidants that have antibacterial effects, reducing foot odor.
• Buds: Packed with essential oils and antioxidants that combat smelly feet and possess anti-inflammatory qualities.
• Stems: Contain small amounts of essential oils, providing subtle fragrance and antibacterial benefits for reducing foot odor.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in lavender tea that aid with foot odor.

• Linalool: Possesses potent antibacterial properties that help eliminate the bacteria responsible for causing foot odor.
• Eucalyptol: Exhibits antimicrobial and deodorizing properties, helping to neutralize foul foot odors.
• Camphor: Provides effective antifungal and deodorizing properties, preventing the growth of odor-causing microorganisms.
• Geraniol: Offers antimicrobial properties, inhibiting the growth of bacteria responsible for foot odor.
• Lavandulol: Displays antibacterial and deodorizing qualities, helping to manage foot odor.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lavender tea for foot odor.

1. Boil 1 cup of water in a kettle, allowing it to reach a rolling boil.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of dried culinary lavender to a tea infuser, placing it in a mug.
3. Pour the boiling water over the lavender in the mug, ensuring the flowers are fully submerged.
4. Cover the mug and steep the tea for 5-10 minutes, releasing the essential oils and fragrance.
5. Remove the tea infuser and drink the lavender tea, or use it as a warm foot soak for 15-20 minutes.

9. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm tea contains antimicrobial properties that neutralize the bacteria and fungi causing foot odor.

It has citronellal, a compound known to inhibit the growth of microorganisms. Drinking lemon balm tea increases the concentration of antimicrobial compounds in sweat, hindering the multiplication of odor-causing microbes. This natural remedy effectively reduces foot odor by maintaining a balanced environment within shoes and socks.

Furthermore, lemon balm's anti-inflammatory qualities soothe any foot irritation, providing additional comfort.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in lemon balm tea that help with foot odor.

• Leaves: Contain high levels of antioxidants and have antibacterial properties, helping to reduce foot odor caused by bacteria.
• Flowers: Rich in volatile oils, which have potent antimicrobial effects, aiding in preventing the growth of odor-causing microorganisms.
• Stems: Contain various beneficial compounds, like rosmarinic acid, that exhibit antifungal properties, which can help combat foot odor caused by fungal infections.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in lemon balm tea that aid with foot odor.

• Citral: Contributes to the lemony scent of lemon balm, which helps neutralize foot odor.
• Nerol: A component of the tea's aroma that has antibacterial properties, helping control foot odor caused by bacteria.
• Geraniol: Possesses antifungal properties that combat foot odor caused by fungal infections.
• Caryophyllene: Offers anti-inflammatory effects, which can alleviate discomfort caused by foot odor.
• Rosmarinic acid: Provides antioxidant properties that support overall foot health.
• Terpinen-4-ol: A compound with antibacterial and antifungal properties that targets the sources of foot odor.
• Ursolic acid: Demonstrates antibacterial properties that aid in controlling foot odor.
• Ocimene: A fragrant component of lemon balm with antibacterial properties that contributes to a refreshing scent.
• Linalool: Possesses antifungal and antibacterial properties, helping to eliminate odor-causing microorganisms on the feet.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lemon balm tea for foot odor.

1. Measure 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon balm leaves and place them in a teapot.
2. Boil 4 cups of water and pour it over the lemon balm leaves.
3. Steep the tea for 15 minutes to allow the active compounds to extract.
4. Strain the tea to remove the leaves, then let it cool down to a comfortable temperature.
5. Soak your feet in the lemon balm tea for 15-20 minutes, then rinse and dry them thoroughly.

10. Chamomile

Chamomile tea contains properties that eliminate foot odor's root cause, bacteria.

This herbal tea includes antiseptic and antibacterial compounds that fight off microbes on the feet, reducing bad smells. Chamomile's anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties also soothe the skin, preventing fungal infections associated with foot odor. Drinking chamomile tea promotes overall body relaxation, which can indirectly help manage foot odor by decreasing stress-induced sweating.

Furthermore, chamomile's natural deodorizing abilities neutralize foul odors, leaving feet smelling fresh.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in chamomile tea that help with foot odor.

• Flowers: Contain volatile oils with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce foot odor caused by bacterial and fungal infections.
• Leaves: Rich in flavonoids and terpenoids, providing astringent qualities that help control excess sweat production contributing to foot odor.
• Seeds: Contain essential oils, such as chamazulene, with potent anti-inflammatory and antiphlogistic properties, beneficial for treating foot odor caused by skin irritations.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in chamomile tea that aid with foot odor.

• Chamazulene: Possesses potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help reduce foot odor by inhibiting the growth of odor-causing bacteria and fungi.
• Bisabolol: Known for its soothing and antimicrobial effects, bisabolol helps eliminate the microorganisms responsible for foot odor while providing a calming effect on the skin.
• Matricin: A precursor to chamazulene, matricin contributes to chamomile's antimicrobial activity, inhibiting the growth of odor-causing bacteria and fungi on the feet.
• Apigenin: This flavonoid has antimicrobial properties that aid in controlling foot odor by directly targeting and eliminating the microorganisms responsible for the unpleasant smell.
• Luteolin: A flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, luteolin helps maintain healthy skin and reduce foot odor by inhibiting bacterial growth and soothing irritation.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile tea for foot odor.

1. Boil 4 cups of water and add 3 tablespoons of dried chamomile flowers, letting it steep for 20 minutes.
2. Strain the tea to remove the chamomile flowers, resulting in a potent chamomile tea.
3. Add 2 quarts of warm water to a foot basin, then combine it with the chamomile tea.
4. Soak your feet in the chamomile tea and water mixture for 15-20 minutes, ensuring full contact of the liquid with both feet.
5. Rinse and dry your feet thoroughly, following up with clean socks and footwear.