By Leen Randell
Updated: Nov 13, 2024
10 Best Herbal Teas For Foot Odor
Herbal teas for foot odor are a natural remedy that helps alleviate and eliminate foot odor caused by bacteria and fungi on the skin.
These teas contain potent antimicrobial and antifungal properties that effectively combat the root causes of foot odor. The best herbal teas for foot odor include Melaleuca alternifolia, Eucalyptus globulus, Cymbopogon citratus, Zingiber officinale, Rosmarinus officinalis, Lavandula angustifolia, Cymbopogon nardus, Thymus vulgaris, Cinnamomum verum, and Cinnamomum camphora.
If left untreated, foot odor can lead to social isolation, embarrassment, and decreased self-confidence, negatively impacting daily life and relationships.
1. Melaleuca alternifolia
Melaleuca alternifolia teas helps with foot odor because of its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
The tea, also known as tea tree oil, contains compounds that inhibit the growth of microorganisms, including those that cause foot odor. Regular consumption of Melaleuca alternifolia tea can help reduce the bacteria and fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments, such as between the toes.
This can lead to fresher breath and a reduction in foot odor, promoting overall foot health and hygiene.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Melaleuca alternifolia teas that help with foot odor.
- Cineole: Helps with foot odor by acting as an antimicrobial agent, inhibiting the growth of bacteria that cause foot odor.
- Limonene: Contributes to foot odor relief by its deodorizing properties and ability to reduce the production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that cause unpleasant smells.
- Pinene: Eases foot odor by its antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which help control the growth of microorganisms that contribute to foot odor.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Melaleuca alternifolia used to make teas for foot odor.
- Leaves: Used due to their high content of terpenes, which have antibacterial properties that can help combat foot odor-causing bacteria.
- Stems: Used for their ability to provide a soothing effect and reduce inflammation, which can help alleviate foot odor symptoms.
- Leaves: Used again due to their high antioxidant content, which can help neutralize odor-causing compounds in the body.
2. Eucalyptus globulus
Eucalyptus globulus teas helps with foot odor because of its deodorizing and antimicrobial properties.
The tea's high concentration of eucalyptol, a natural compound, helps to break down sweat and eliminate bacteria that cause foot odor. Additionally, eucalyptus globulus has been shown to have antifungal properties, which can help to prevent the growth of fungi that contribute to foot odor.
Drinking eucalyptus globulus tea may help to reduce sweat and alleviate foot odor, promoting a fresher and healthier foot environment.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Eucalyptus globulus teas that help with foot odor.
- Cineole: This compound has antimicrobial properties that help reduce the growth of bacteria responsible for foot odor.
- Limonene: It possesses antifungal properties, which can inhibit the growth of fungi that contribute to foot odor.
- Eucalyptol: This compound has deodorizing and anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate foot odor and reduce inflammation associated with fungal infections.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Eucalyptus globulus used to make teas for foot odor.
- Leaves: Most commonly used for teas due to their high oil content, which provides antibacterial properties to combat foot odor-causing bacteria.
- Barks: Rich in tannins and terpenes, the barks help reduce moisture and bacteria growth, making it an effective remedy for foot odor.
- Roots: Known for their anti-inflammatory properties, the roots help soothe and dry out the skin, reducing the likelihood of foot odor.
3. Cymbopogon citratus
Cymbopogon citratus teas helps with foot odor because of its natural deodorizing properties, primarily due to the presence of citral, a compound found in the plant.
This essential oil has antimicrobial properties, which help to eliminate bacteria that cause foot odor. Additionally, the tea's antifungal properties can combat fungal infections, such as athlete's foot, that contribute to unpleasant foot odor.
Regular consumption of Cymbopogon citratus tea may help to reduce foot sweat and odor, promoting overall foot health and hygiene.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Cymbopogon citratus teas that help with foot odor.
- Limonene: It has antimicrobial properties that help reduce the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause foot odor.
- Geranial: This compound exhibits strong antimicrobial activity, which helps combat the microorganisms responsible for foot odor.
- Linalool: As an antifungal and antibacterial agent, it helps reduce the population of pathogens that contribute to foot odor.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Cymbopogon citratus used to make teas for foot odor.
- Leaves: They are used due to their high content of citronella oil, which has natural deodorizing and antifungal properties.
- Rhyzomes: They are used for their citronella oil content and ability to inhibit the growth of fungi and bacteria that cause foot odor.
- Stems: They are used as a secondary source of citronella oil and to add additional deodorizing properties to the tea.
4. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale teas helps with foot odor because of its natural antifungal and antibacterial properties.
The active compounds in ginger, such as gingerols and shogaols, have been shown to inhibit the growth of fungi and bacteria that contribute to foot odor. Additionally, ginger's warming and stimulating properties help improve circulation, which can aid in reducing sweat and moisture buildup that fosters the growth of odor-causing microorganisms.
This makes ginger tea a popular natural remedy for foot odor.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale teas that help with foot odor.
- Gingerols: Gingerols have antimicrobial properties that help reduce the growth of bacteria responsible for foot odor, such as Staphylococcus and Brevibacterium.
- Sesquiterpenes: Sesquiterpenes have antifungal properties that help combat fungal infections like athlete's foot, a common cause of foot odor.
- Phenolic compounds: Phenolic compounds exhibit antioxidant properties that help reduce the production of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) responsible for foot odor.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Zingiber officinale used to make teas for foot odor.
- Rhyzomes: The main part used in teas for foot odor due to its high concentration of active compounds like gingerol and shogaol, which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Roots: Used to make teas for foot odor as they contain similar active compounds as rhyzomes, such as gingerol and shogaol, which help combat fungal and bacterial growth.
- Leaves: Sometimes included in teas for foot odor, although less commonly than rhyzomes or roots, as they may contain smaller amounts of active compounds that still offer some antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits.
5. Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosmarinus officinalis teas helps with foot odor because it contains antimicrobial properties that combat the bacteria causing the smell.
The antibacterial compounds in rosemary tea, such as carnosic acid and ursolic acid, inhibit the growth of microorganisms that thrive in warm, moist environments, like the feet. As a result, the tea helps to reduce the number of bacteria contributing to foot odor, promoting a fresher and more comfortable foot environment.
This natural remedy can be a valuable addition to foot care routines.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Rosmarinus officinalis teas that help with foot odor.
- Carvacrol: This monoterpene exhibits antimicrobial properties, helping to reduce the growth of bacteria that contribute to foot odor.
- Caryophyllene: This sesquiterpene has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, which can help control fungal and bacterial infections that cause foot odor.
- Rosmarinic acid: This polyphenolic compound has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, helping to prevent the breakdown of sweat and reduce bacterial growth that leads to foot odor.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Rosmarinus officinalis used to make teas for foot odor.
- Leaves: Their essential oils, particularly carvacrol and borneol, help combat foot odor-causing bacteria.
- Stems: The stems of Rosmarinus officinalis contain antimicrobial properties that help reduce foot odor.
- Flowers: The flowers of the plant have antifungal and antibacterial properties that aid in controlling foot odor.
6. Lavandula angustifolia
Lavandula angustifolia teas helps with foot odor because of its natural antiseptic and antimicrobial properties.
The tea's active compounds, including linalool and linalyl acetate, work to reduce the growth of bacteria and fungi that contribute to foot odor. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of the tea help to soothe and calm the skin, reducing irritation and promoting a healthy environment for foot health.
Regular consumption of Lavandula angustifolia tea may lead to fresher-feeling feet and improved overall foot well-being.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia teas that help with foot odor.
- Linalool: A terpene with antimicrobial properties that helps combat the bacteria causing foot odor.
- Linalyl acetate: Another terpene that has antifungal and antibacterial properties, reducing the growth of microorganisms that contribute to foot odor.
- Luteolin: A flavonoid with antioxidant properties that helps reduce inflammation and kill bacteria, ultimately alleviating foot odor.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Lavandula angustifolia used to make teas for foot odor.
- Leaves: They contain oils and other compounds that are known to help combat foot odor.
- Flowers: They possess antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help reduce foot odor-causing bacteria.
- Stems: They can be used to make teas that help to eliminate fungi and bacteria that cause foot odor.
7. Cymbopogon nardus
Cymbopogon nardus teas helps with foot odor because of its natural deodorizing properties, particularly its high content of geraniol and linalool.
These compounds work by inhibiting the growth of bacteria that cause foot odor, such as Staphylococcus and Brevibacterium. By reducing the bacterial load, Cymbopogon nardus tea helps to eliminate the source of foot odor, leaving feet smelling fresh and clean.
Its antimicrobial properties also help to prevent the growth of bacteria in the future, keeping feet odor-free.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Cymbopogon nardus teas that help with foot odor.
- Limonene: Helps with foot odor by reducing bacterial growth and inhibiting the production of volatile organic compounds that cause unpleasant odors.
- Caryophyllene oxide: Exhibits antimicrobial properties, which help to eliminate bacteria that contribute to foot odor.
- Zingiberene: Has been shown to have antibacterial and antifungal properties, which help to combat the growth of microorganisms responsible for foot odor.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Cymbopogon nardus used to make teas for foot odor.
- Leaves: They are used due to their high citronella oil content, which provides a strong and refreshing scent that helps combat foot odor.
- Rhyzomes: They are used because they contain a higher concentration of geraniol and limonene, which are known for their antiseptic and deodorizing properties.
- Stems: They are used due to their ability to provide a sustained release of citronella oil, helping to keep the foot area fresh and odor-free for a longer period.
8. Thymus vulgaris
Thymus vulgaris teas helps with foot odor because it possesses natural antifungal and antibacterial properties.
The active compounds in thyme, such as thymol and carvacrol, effectively combat the growth of microorganisms that contribute to foot odor. By inhibiting the production of volatile sulfur compounds, thyme tea reduces the pungent smell associated with foot sweat. Additionally, its astringent properties help to dry the skin, further reducing moisture that can lead to unpleasant odors.
As a result, thyme tea can provide relief from foot odor.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Thymus vulgaris teas that help with foot odor.
- Thymol: Thymol helps reduce foot odor by its antimicrobial properties, inhibiting the growth of bacteria that cause unpleasant foot smell.
- Caryophyllene: Caryophyllene has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, which help reduce irritation and bacterial overgrowth on the skin, thereby decreasing foot odor.
- Bornyl acetate: Bornyl acetate, a sesquiterpene, exhibits antimicrobial properties that can help control the growth of bacteria responsible for foot odor, thus reducing its intensity.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Thymus vulgaris used to make teas for foot odor.
- Leaves: Thyme leaves are used to make teas for foot odor due to their antibacterial and antifungal properties that help combat odor-causing bacteria.
- Flowers: Thyme flowers are also used in teas to combat foot odor, as they contain oils with antiseptic and deodorizing properties.
- Stems: Thyme stems are used to make teas for foot odor, as they contain compounds that help to dry up sweat and reduce bacterial growth.
9. Cinnamomum verum
Cinnamomum verum teas helps with foot odor because of its natural antifungal and antibacterial properties.
The tea contains oils that inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria, such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, on the skin of the feet. Additionally, Cinnamomum verum tea's antiseptic properties help to reduce moisture accumulation in the feet, creating an environment less conducive to bacterial growth and subsequent foot odor.
This makes Cinnamomum verum tea a potentially effective remedy for foot odor.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Cinnamomum verum teas that help with foot odor.
- Cinnamaldehyde: This compound exhibits antimicrobial properties, which help to reduce the growth of bacteria and fungi that contribute to foot odor.
- Limonene: As a natural antifungal agent, limonene helps to inhibit the growth of fungi that cause foot odor.
- Cinnamyl acetate: This compound has been shown to possess antimicrobial properties, which aid in controlling the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause foot odor.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Cinnamomum verum used to make teas for foot odor.
- Leaves: Used for teas due to their antifungal properties, which help combat foot odor-causing fungal infections.
- Barks: Used in teas for their antifungal and antibacterial properties, which help reduce foot odor and promote a healthy environment for the skin.
- Rhyzomes: Used in teas for their antifungal and antibacterial properties, which help combat foot odor-causing microorganisms and promote a healthy environment for the skin.
10. Cinnamomum camphora
Cinnamomum camphora teas helps with foot odor because of its unique properties that combat odor-causing bacteria.
The tea contains camphor, a natural antiseptic that inhibits the growth of odor-producing bacteria on the skin. Additionally, the tea's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe and balance the skin's pH levels, creating an environment that is less conducive to bacterial growth.
This makes Cinnamomum camphora tea a natural and effective remedy for foot odor, promoting a fresher and healthier foot environment.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Cinnamomum camphora teas that help with foot odor.
- Bornyl acetate: A monoterpene that has antimicrobial properties, which help reduce the growth of bacteria and fungi that contribute to foot odor.
- Cinnamaldehyde: A phenolic compound that has antifungal properties, which help prevent the growth of fungi that cause foot odor.
- Linalool: A terpene that has antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which help reduce the growth of bacteria and fungi that contribute to foot odor.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Cinnamomum camphora used to make teas for foot odor.
- Leaves: The leaves of Cinnamomum camphora are used to make teas for foot odor due to their camphor content, which has antifungal and antibacterial properties.
- Barks: The barks of Cinnamomum camphora are used to make teas for foot odor due to their ability to help reduce sweat and fungal growth.
- Leaves: The leaves of Cinnamomum camphora are also used to make teas for foot odor due to their anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe irritated skin and reduce swelling.