Cracked Heels: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, are deep cracks in the skin on the heels that can cause pain, discomfort, and bleeding.

They are often caused by dry skin, excessive foot sweating, or wearing ill-fitting shoes. If left untreated, cracked heels can lead to infections, nerve damage, and even diabetes complications. To heal cracked heels, herbal remedies such as aloe vera, tea tree oil, and vitamin E oil can be applied topically.

However, it's essential to note that these remedies should be used with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional to avoid any adverse reactions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of cracked heels, 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 cracked heels?

The main causes of cracked heels are due to a combination of factors, including excessive dryness of the skin, often caused by over-washing, harsh soaps, or exposure to cold weather (1).

Poor footwear, such as tight shoes or high heels, can also contribute to the development of cracked heels by causing friction and pressure on the heels (2). Other contributing factors include obesity, age-related skin changes, and medical conditions such as eczema, diabetes, and thyroid disorders (3). Furthermore, a diet lacking essential nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids can also lead to dry, cracked heels (4).

Additionally, genetic predisposition and certain medications, such as diuretics and beta-blockers, may also increase the risk of developing cracked heels (5).

• Dry Skin: Dry skin is the most common cause of cracked heels due to a lack of moisture and natural oils in the skin, often caused by harsh soaps, hot showers, and cold weather.
• Poor Hygiene: Poor hygiene is a common cause of cracked heels due to inadequate foot washing and drying, allowing bacteria and fungi to thrive and cause skin damage.
• Footwear: Wearing shoes that are too tight or don't fit properly can cause friction and pressure on the heels, leading to cracks and fissures.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of vitamins A, C, and E, can cause skin problems, including cracked heels, due to the essential role these nutrients play in maintaining skin health.
• Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and diabetes, can cause cracked heels due to underlying skin issues or nerve damage.
• Age: Cracked heels can occur with age due to a decrease in skin elasticity and the natural oils that help to moisturize and protect the skin.
• Genetics: Genetics can play a role in the development of cracked heels, as some people may be more prone to dry skin and skin problems due to their genetic makeup.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, or puberty can cause skin changes, including dryness and cracked heels, due to the fluctuations in hormone levels.
• Environmental Factors: Exposure to environmental factors, such as cold temperatures, wind, and dry air, can cause dry skin and cracked heels due to the stripping of natural oils from the skin.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for cracked heels?

The main medicinal herbs used for cracked heels are Aloe barbadensis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Cocos nucifera, Calendula officinalis, Aloe vera, Melaleuca alternifolia, Cymbopogon citratus, Allium sativum, Mentha x piperita, Zingiber officinale.

Aloe barbadensis gel's hyaluronic acid and vitamin E help lock in moisture and promote skin regeneration. Glycyrrhiza glabra's anti-inflammatory and humectant properties soothe and hydrate dry skin. Cocos nucifera oil's fatty acids and antioxidants in Calendula officinalis and Aloe vera enhance skin elasticity and wound healing, while Melaleuca alternifolia's tea tree oil reduces bacterial infections.

Cymbopogon citratus, Allium sativum, Mentha x piperita, and Zingiber officinale's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties complement the healing effects of the other herbs, promoting cracked heel recovery.

• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis helps with cracked heels due to its soothing and moisturizing properties, particularly its high content of vitamin E and fatty acids, which promote skin hydration and aid in the healing process.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra helps with cracked heels due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce redness and swelling, and its emollient properties, which help to soften and moisturize the skin.
• Cocos nucifera: Cocos nucifera helps with cracked heels due to its high content of coconut oil, which is rich in fatty acids that help to moisturize and hydrate the skin, reducing dryness and cracking.
• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis helps with cracked heels due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which reduce redness, swelling, and the risk of infection, promoting wound healing and skin repair.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera helps with cracked heels due to its high content of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that promote skin hydration, reduce inflammation, and aid in the healing process, making it an effective remedy for dry and cracked skin.
• Melaleuca alternifolia: Melaleuca alternifolia helps with cracked heels due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce the risk of infection, promote wound healing, and alleviate redness and swelling.
• Cymbopogon citratus: Cymbopogon citratus helps with cracked heels due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce the risk of infection, alleviate redness and swelling, and promote skin healing and regeneration.
• Allium sativum: Allium sativum helps with cracked heels due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce the risk of infection and alleviate redness and swelling, promoting wound healing and skin repair.
• Mentha x piperita: Mentha x piperita helps with cracked heels due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce the risk of infection and alleviate redness and swelling, promoting wound healing and skin repair.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale helps with cracked heels due to its warming and anti-inflammatory properties, which increase blood flow, reduce pain and discomfort, and promote skin healing and regeneration.

What are the main herbal preparations used for cracked heels?

The main herbal preparations used for cracked heels are Decoction, Cream, Ointment, Salve, Tincture, Balm, Gel, Capsule, Poultice, Lotion.

Decoction is made by boiling herbs like aloe vera, chamomile and calendula in water to create a liquid solution that helps to soften and heal cracked heels due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Herbal Creams and Ointments made from ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, and coconut oil provide a protective barrier and moisturize the skin, while Salve and Balm offer similar benefits with added antimicrobial properties from ingredients like tea tree oil. Tinctures made from herbs like aloe vera and chamomile can be applied topically to cracked heels after diluting with a carrier oil to provide antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Capsules, Gels, and Lotions containing herbs like vitamin E and aloe vera can be applied directly to the skin or taken orally to provide antioxidant and moisturizing benefits to treat cracked heels.

• Decoction: A decoction of the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra, a natural humectant, can help retain moisture in the skin, reducing dryness and cracking of heels.
• Cream: A cream containing the extract of Aloe barbadensis, rich in emollients and vitamins, can help soften and moisturize dry skin on the heels, reducing cracking and discomfort.
• Ointment: An ointment made from the resin of Commiphora myrrha, which has anti-inflammatory properties, can help soothe and protect dry, cracked skin on the heels.
• Salve: A salve of the leaves of Plantago major, a natural demulcent, can help protect and soothe dry, cracked skin on the heels, promoting healing and regeneration.
• Tincture: A tincture of the bark of Salix alba, which contains salicin, a natural anti-inflammatory, can be applied topically to help reduce pain and inflammation associated with cracked heels.
• Balm: A balm containing the extract of Calendula officinalis, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, can help soothe and protect dry, cracked skin on the heels, promoting healing and preventing infection.
• Gel: A gel made from the extract of Glycerinum, a natural humectant, can help retain moisture in the skin, reducing dryness and cracking of heels.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the extract of Epsom salt, which is rich in magnesium, can be taken orally to help promote blood circulation and reduce inflammation associated with cracked heels.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the leaves of Plantago major, a natural demulcent, can be applied topically to help protect and soothe dry, cracked skin on the heels, promoting healing and regeneration.
• Lotion: A lotion containing the extract of Aloe barbadensis, rich in emollients and vitamins, can help soften and moisturize dry skin on the heels, reducing cracking and discomfort.