Updated: Nov 30, 2024
10 Herbal Essential Oils For Cracked Heels
Herbal essential oils can be a great natural remedy for cracked heels.
These oils are often extracted from plants, like Cymbopogon citratus, also known as lemongrass, which has antiseptic properties that help soothe and heal dry skin. Melaleuca alternifolia, or tea tree oil, has antimicrobial properties that fight off germs and bacteria that can cause infection in cracked heels. Aloe barbadensis, or aloe vera oil, is known for its moisturizing properties that help lock in moisture and reduce dryness. Using these essential oils can provide several benefits for your life.
For one, they can help to soften and smooth out cracked heels, making them less painful and more manageable. They can also help to prevent infection and promote healing, reducing the risk of complications. Furthermore, using natural remedies like herbal essential oils can be a more cost-effective and sustainable option compared to commercial treatments. To use these essential oils, you can add a few drops to a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil and massage it onto your heels. You can also add a few drops to a warm bath or foot soak to help soften and moisturize your skin.
It's also a good idea to exfoliate your heels regularly to remove dead skin cells and promote healthy skin growth.
This article explains in detail what are the best herbal teas for cracked heels and wh.
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Table of Contents
1. Cymbopogon citratus
Cymbopogon citratus essential oils contains limonene, geranial, and citronellal, which are the main active constituents responsible for its healing properties.
The antifungal and antibacterial properties of these compounds help to combat fungal infections that can cause cracked heels. The moisturizing properties of citronellal and geranial also help to hydrate and soften dry skin, reducing the appearance of cracks and fissures. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of these compounds reduce redness and swelling, promoting faster healing of cracked skin.
Regular use of Cymbopogon citratus essential oils can help to repair and protect cracked heels, leaving them smooth and healthy.
- Gather 2 cups of Cymbopogon citratus leaves and 1 cup of carrier oil (coconut or olive oil).
- Wash the leaves in cold water, then pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Combine the leaves and carrier oil in a clean glass jar. Let it sit in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
- After 2-3 weeks, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar. Discard the solids.
- Store the Cymbopogon citratus essential oil in a dark glass bottle and use it to soothe cracked heels by applying a small amount to the affected area.
2. Melaleuca alternifolia
Melaleuca alternifolia essential oils contains compounds like cineole, limonene, and beta-pinene.
These active constituents have antimicrobial properties that help control fungal and bacterial growth on cracked heels. The oil's antiseptic properties reduce inflammation and prevent infection, promoting a healthy healing environment. Its antifungal properties inhibit the growth of fungi like Candida, which can cause cracked heels.
Regular application of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oils can help soften and repair dry, cracked skin on heels.
- Gather 2 cups of fresh Melaleuca alternifolia leaves and 1 cup of water.
- Place the leaves in a saucepan, add the water, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes. Strain the mixture.
- Transfer the liquid to a heat-resistant container and let it cool. Add 1 tablespoon of carrier oil (coconut or olive oil).
- Store the essential oil in a dark glass bottle and use 3-5 drops per application to treat cracked heels.
3. Aloe barbadensis
Aloe barbadensis essential oils contains a high percentage of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that help to heal and moisturize dry cracked heels.
The essential oil contains a significant amount of vitamin E, which is known for its antioxidant properties that protect the skin from damage and promote healthy skin cell growth. It also contains a compound called aloin, which has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that help to reduce swelling and pain associated with cracked heels. The essential oil's high concentration of glycoproteins and polysaccharides helps to lock in moisture and promote the regeneration of new skin cells, accelerating the healing process.
By applying aloe barbadensis essential oil to cracked heels, it can help to hydrate, soften, and repair the skin, reducing the appearance of cracks and promoting healthy, smooth skin.
- Gather 1 cup of Aloe barbadensis gel, 1/4 cup of coconut oil, and 10 drops of vitamin E oil.
- Mix the Aloe gel and coconut oil in a bowl until well combined.
- Add the vitamin E oil to the mixture and stir well.
- Pour the mixture into a clean glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid.
- Label the bottle and store it in a cool, dark place for up to 2 weeks. Shake the bottle before use.
4. Eucalyptus globulus
Eucalyptus globulus essential oils contains compounds like caryophyllene, limonene, and alpha-pinene, which have antifungal and antibacterial properties.
These properties help to prevent the growth of fungi and bacteria that can cause cracked heels. The antiseptic properties of eucalyptus globulus essential oils also reduce inflammation and promote healing of the skin. Additionally, its antispasmodic properties can help to relax the skin and reduce the tension that can lead to cracked heels.
Regular use of eucalyptus globulus essential oils can help to soften and moisturize the skin, reducing the appearance of cracked heels.
- Gather 1 cup of Eucalyptus globulus leaves and 2 cups of water in a large pot.
- Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat and add the Eucalyptus leaves.
- Steep the leaves for 3 hours, then strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve.
- Combine 1 cup of the strained liquid with 1 cup of carrier oil (like coconut or olive oil) in a bowl.
- Store the Eucalyptus globulus essential oil in a dark glass bottle and use a few drops in your cracked heel treatment.
5. Calendula officinalis
Calendula officinalis essential oils contains triterpene saponins and flavonoids as its bioactive constituents.
These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce redness and swelling in cracked heels. The antiseptic properties of calendula essential oils also prevent bacterial infections that can worsen the condition. Additionally, the moisturizing properties of the oil help to lock in moisture and promote skin hydration, which is essential for healing and repairing dry, cracked skin.
By reducing inflammation and preventing infection, calendula essential oils can help to soothe and heal cracked heels.
- Gather 1 cup of Calendula officinalis flowers and 2 cups of carrier oil (coconut or jojoba oil).
- Combine the flowers and oil in a clean glass jar. Let it sit for 2-3 weeks in a cool, dark place, shaking the jar every day.
- After 2-3 weeks, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar. Discard the solids.
- Add 10-15 drops of vitamin E oil to the liquid extract and mix well. This helps to preserve the oil and prevent spoilage.
- Transfer the Calendula essential oil to a clean glass bottle with a dropper lid and store it in a cool, dark place. Use 2-3 drops per application to soothe cracked heels.
6. Lavandula angustifolia
Lavandula angustifolia essential oils contains linalool, linalyl acetate, and camphor as its main bioactive constituents.
These constituents have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and moisturizing properties. The antiseptic properties help to prevent infections in cracked heels, while the anti-inflammatory properties reduce redness and swelling. The moisturizing properties, particularly linalool, help to soften and hydrate the skin, promoting healing and regeneration.
The antiseptic and moisturizing properties of Lavandula angustifolia essential oils work together to soothe and protect cracked heels.
- Gather 2 cups of fresh Lavandula angustifolia flowers, 1 cup of carrier oil (coconut or olive oil), and a clean glass jar.
- Combine the flowers and carrier oil in the glass jar. Stir well to mix.
- Cover the jar and leave it in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar. Discard the solids.
- Store the lavender oil in a dark glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Use 2-3 tablespoons of the oil per foot to moisturize cracked heels.
7. Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils contains a high concentration of camphor, borneol, and bornyl acetate.
These bioactive constituents provide anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help to soothe and heal cracked heels. The antifungal properties of borneol and bornyl acetate help to prevent fungal infections that can cause cracked heels to become painful and difficult to treat. The anti-inflammatory properties of camphor and borneol also reduce redness and swelling associated with cracked heels.
By incorporating Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils into a foot care routine, individuals can help to promote healthy skin and alleviate the discomfort associated with cracked heels.
- Gather 1 cup of fresh Rosmarinus officinalis leaves and 2 cups of water in a pot.
- Boil the water and then reduce the heat. Add the Rosmarinus officinalis leaves to the pot.
- Steep the leaves for 1-2 hours. This will help release the oils from the leaves.
- Strain the liquid using a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a bowl. Discard the leaves.
- Let the liquid sit for 24 hours to allow the oils to settle and separate from the water. Collect the oils using a pipette or a dropper.
8. Santalum album
Santalum album essential oils contains alpha-terpineol, delta-selinene, and epi-cedrol as its active constituents.
These compounds possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help to reduce redness and prevent infection in cracked heels. The antioxidant properties of epi-cedrol can also help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, the moisturizing properties of alpha-terpineol can help to hydrate and soften the skin, reducing the appearance of cracks and dryness.
By using Santalum album essential oils, you can help to promote healthy skin and alleviate the discomfort associated with cracked heels.
- Gather 2 cups of Santalum album leaves and 1 cup of carrier oil like coconut or olive oil.
- Wash the leaves with water and dry them with a clean cloth. Use 2 tablespoons of the dried leaves.
- Combine the dried leaves and carrier oil in a clean glass jar. Let it sit in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
- After 2 weeks, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar. Discard the solids.
- Transfer the essential oil to a dark glass bottle and store it in a cool, dark place. Use 5-7 drops of the oil for cracked heel treatment.
9. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra essential oils contains triterpenoid saponins and flavonoids as its bioactive constituents.
These compounds have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that help to calm dry, irritated skin on cracked heels. Glycyrrhizin, a key triterpenoid in Glycyrrhiza glabra, has been shown to reduce inflammation and promote wound healing. The antiseptic properties of the essential oil also help to prevent infections in cracked skin.
Regular application of Glycyrrhiza glabra essential oils to cracked heels can help to soften and moisturize the skin, reducing the appearance of cracks and promoting healthy skin regeneration.
- Gather 1 cup of dried Glycyrrhiza glabra roots. Crush them into small pieces with a mortar and pestle.
- Measure 2 cups of carrier oil (coconut or olive oil work well). Add 1/4 cup of the crushed Glycyrrhiza glabra roots to the carrier oil.
- Heat the mixture in a double boiler or a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Stir occasionally for 2-3 hours.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean bowl. Discard the solids.
- Bottle the essential oil and store it in a cool, dark place. Use 2-3 drops of the oil on cracked heels 2-3 times a day for best results.
10. Aloe vera
Aloe vera essential oils contains bioactive constituents like aloin, aloe-emodin, and aloe-annone, which have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
These properties help to reduce redness and swelling in cracked heels. The oil's moisturizing properties, thanks to its high concentration of vitamins A, C, and E, help to lock in moisture and soften dry skin. Aloe vera's ability to stimulate collagen production also helps to repair and regenerate skin cells, promoting healthy skin texture.
By incorporating aloe vera essential oil into a foot care routine, the skin on the heels can be gently nourished and rejuvenated.
- Harvest 5-6 Aloe vera leaves from a mature plant. Cut off the thick outer skin to expose the gel inside.
- Extract 1 cup of Aloe vera gel from the leaves. You can use a spoon or a melon baller to scoop it out.
- Add 1/2 cup of coconut oil to the Aloe vera gel in a bowl. Mix well until combined.
- Add 10 drops of vitamin E oil and 10 drops of tea tree oil to the mixture. Mix well again.
- Pour the mixture into a clean glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Store it in a cool, dark place for up to 2 weeks.
FAQ
Can drinking herbal tea prevent cracked heels from forming?
Drinking herbal tea may help prevent cracked heels.
Some herbal teas, like peppermint and chamomile, have anti-inflammatory properties that can improve skin health. They also help keep skin hydrated, which can reduce the risk of dry, cracked skin on your heels.
Regularly drinking herbal tea may contribute to softer, healthier heels.
Is it safe to consume herbal teas for cracked heels every day?
While herbal teas can be soothing, consuming them daily for cracked heels might not be the best approach.
Some teas, like chamomile and peppermint, can be drying to the skin, which can actually worsen cracked heels.
Instead, try drinking tea in moderation and focus on moisturizing your heels with creams and ointments.
How long does it take for herbal teas to show results in cracked heels?
Herbal teas can help with cracked heels, but it takes time to see results.
Drinking tea daily, especially after soaking your feet in it, can help soften and moisturize the skin. You might notice some improvement in a few weeks, like less dryness and a smoother texture.
It could take longer, like a month or two, for the cracks to fully heal.