Countdown to spring! What does that mean? A trip to the nail salon to get your feet sandal-ready. If you are reading this in a larger metropolitan area, you are one of the lucky ones who can get a pedicure for $20 or less. I reside in a city where a pedicure can cost more than a meal at a four star restaurant, so I have learned to improvise.

I have already advised you to avoid formaldehyde and other yucky stuff in your nail polish. We will look at safer alternatives in future posts. Today, we’ll look at preparing your feet for display with luxurious scrubs and soaks. Below are at-home treatments that rival any spa pedicure…without the 15% gratuity.

Refreshing Foot Scrub
1/4 cup finely ground cornmeal
1 tablespoon sea salt
3 drops peppermint or lemon essential oil

Combine ingredients in small tub. Add enough water to make a paste. Massage the mixture into your clean feet, concentrating on rough areas. Rinse the paste off with warm water.

Soothing Foot Soak
1 cup baking soda
5 drops lavender or german chamomile essential oil
1 teaspoon almond oil

Dissolve baking soda in a tub of warm (almost hot) water. Add oils to the water. Soak for 15 or 20 minutes. When feet are dry, apply a moisturizer.

Relaxing Marble Massage
1/2 cup Epsom salt
5 drops peppermint, rosemary, or lavender essential oil
2 cups marbles

Add epsom salt and essential oil to hot or cold water (your preference) and blend. Add enough marbles to cover bottom of tub. Place your feet in the tub and roll them over the marbles, grabbing and releasing the marbles occasionally with your toes. Soak your feet for 15-20 minutes.
Warning: This treatment has been known to induce immediate sleep.

The More You Know:: Lavender essential oil is used universally to aid in relaxation, while rosemary essential oil promotes circulation.

What at-home treatments do you use for your feet?