Burning Feet: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Burning feet, characterized by a painful sensation, often accompanied by redness, itchiness, and a feeling of warmth or heat in the feet, can be a distressing and debilitating condition.

Caused by factors such as nerve damage, vitamin deficiencies, certain medications, diabetes, and exposure to extreme temperatures, burning feet can lead to discomfort, reduced mobility, and sleep disturbances. Fortunately, herbal remedies like peppermint, chamomile, and aloe vera can provide relief by soothing and cooling the affected area.

However, when using medicinal herbs, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional and follow proper dosages to avoid interactions or allergic reactions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of burning feet, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of burning feet?

The main causes of burning feet are usually related to medical conditions, such as peripheral neuropathy, a result of diabetes, which damages nerve endings, causing pain and discomfort.

Another cause is excessive sweating, which can lead to fungal infections like athlete's foot, further exacerbating the burning sensation. Certain medications like antibiotics and antihistamines can also cause burning feet as a side effect. In some cases, vitamin deficiencies, particularly of vitamin B12, can lead to burning sensations in the feet due to nerve damage.

Additionally, conditions like Raynaud's disease and poor circulation can also cause burning feet due to reduced blood flow.

• Diabetes: Diabetes can cause burning feet due to nerve damage or neuropathy, which is a complication of the disease that affects the nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, and pain in the feet.
• Athlete's Foot: Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that causes burning feet due to the irritation and inflammation caused by the fungus, especially in warm and moist environments.
• Raynaud's: Raynaud's disease is a condition that affects blood flow to the extremities, including the feet, causing episodes of burning and numbness due to the reduced blood flow.
• Vitamin Deficiency: Vitamin deficiencies, particularly a lack of vitamin B12, can cause burning feet due to the nerve damage and inflammation caused by the deficiency.
• Poor Footwear: Poorly fitting or worn-out shoes can cause burning feet due to the pressure and friction caused by the shoes, leading to irritation and inflammation of the skin.
• Foot Sweating: Excessive foot sweating can cause burning feet due to the irritation and inflammation caused by the sweat, especially in people with foot conditions such as athlete's foot.
• Nerve Compression: Nerve compression, such as in the case of a pinched nerve, can cause burning feet due to the pressure on the nerve, leading to pain and numbness.
• Medication Side Effects: Certain medications, such as antibiotics and antihistamines, can cause burning feet as a side effect due to the changes in blood flow and nerve function.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during pregnancy, can cause burning feet due to the changes in blood flow and nerve function.
• Thyroid Disease: Thyroid disease, particularly an overactive thyroid, can cause burning feet due to the increased metabolism and nerve stimulation.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for burning feet?

The main medicinal herbs used for burning feet are Aloe vera, Zingiber officinale, Aloe barbadensis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Calendula officinalis, Eucalyptus globulus, Capsicum annuum, Curcuma longa, Melaleuca alternifolia, Cinchona officinalis.

Aloe vera soothes and calms the skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties from aloin and aloe-emodin. Zingiber officinale and Aloe barbadensis contain gingerols and aloin respectively, which possess analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, providing relief from burning sensation. Glycyrrhiza glabra's saponins have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, while Calendula officinalis' triterpenoids exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities, contributing to the healing process.

Additionally, Eucalyptus globulus' eucalyptol, Capsicum annuum's capsaicin, Curcuma longa's curcumin, Melaleuca alternifolia's cineole, and Cinchona officinalis' quinine help reduce inflammation, relieve pain and promote blood circulation, effectively addressing burning feet issues.

• Aloe vera: Aloe vera helps to soothe and calm burning feet due to its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to promote wound healing and reduce inflammation in the skin.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, helps to reduce burning sensations in the feet due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which also help to reduce pain and discomfort.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis, another species of aloe, helps to alleviate burning feet by promoting skin regeneration, reducing inflammation and relieving pain due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice root, helps to reduce burning sensations in the feet due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which also help to soothe and calm irritated skin.
• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis, also known as marigold, helps to soothe and calm burning feet due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which also promote wound healing and reduce inflammation in the skin.
• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus, commonly known as eucalyptus, helps to reduce burning sensations in the feet due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which also help to relieve pain and discomfort.
• Capsicum annuum: Capsicum annuum, commonly known as cayenne pepper, helps to reduce burning sensations in the feet due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which also help to relieve pain and discomfort.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, commonly known as turmeric, helps to reduce burning sensations in the feet due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which also help to soothe and calm irritated skin.
• Melaleuca alternifolia: Melaleuca alternifolia, commonly known as tea tree oil, helps to soothe and calm burning feet due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which also promote wound healing and reduce inflammation in the skin.
• Cinchona officinalis: Cinchona officinalis, commonly known as cinchona bark, helps to reduce burning sensations in the feet due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which also help to relieve pain and discomfort.

What are the main herbal preparations used for burning feet?

The main herbal preparations used for burning feet are Decoction, Cream, Tincture, Ointment, Salve, Poultice, Capsule, Gel, Suppository, and Bath.

Decoction involves steeping herbs like Aloe vera, Calendula, and Chamomile in hot water to create a soothing liquid that can be applied topically to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Cream and Ointment preparations often contain ingredients like Capsaicin from Cayenne pepper, which helps to reduce pain by blocking the production of a chemical called substance P. Tincture and Salve may be used to apply herbs like Plantain and St. John's Wort topically to reduce inflammation and promote healing, or taken internally as a capsule to reduce pain and inflammation.

A Poultice can be applied to the affected area to draw out heat and reduce pain, while a Bath with herbs like Epsom salt and Lavender oil can help to relax the muscles and reduce inflammation.

• Decoction: A decoction of Zingiber officinale rhizome, which contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, may help alleviate burning feet by reducing inflammation and providing pain relief.
• Cream: A topical cream made from the extract of Aloe barbadensis gel, which contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, may help relieve burning feet by reducing inflammation and providing a cooling sensation.
• Tincture: A tincture of Hypericum perforatum, which contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, may help alleviate burning feet by reducing inflammation and providing pain relief when taken orally.
• Ointment: An ointment made from the extract of Plantago major leaves, which contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, may help relieve burning feet by reducing inflammation and providing a protective barrier on the skin.
• Salve: A salve made from the extract of Symphytum officinale leaves, which contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, may help relieve burning feet by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the crushed leaves of Arnica montana, which contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, may help relieve burning feet by applying a cooling and soothing effect to the affected area.
• Capsule: A capsule containing a standardized extract of Curcuma longa, which contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, may help alleviate burning feet by reducing inflammation and providing pain relief when taken orally.
• Gel: A topical gel made from the extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves, which contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, may help relieve burning feet by reducing inflammation and providing a cooling sensation.
• Suppository: A suppository made from the extract of Calendula officinalis flowers, which contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, may help relieve burning feet by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing when inserted into the rectum.
• Bath: A warm bath infused with the essential oils of Lavandula angustifolia, which contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, may help relieve burning feet by reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation and stress reduction.