Ger-Nis INTERNATIONAL, LLC

Happy Feet—Bring a New Spring in Your Step with Fresh Herbs!

As we step into spring, we begin to shed the layers of thick socks and warm boots fromour feet that have kept them protected from the cold all winter. With spring here and summer right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about prepping those feet for lots of exposure, OPEN TOE SEASON. The feet are one of the most neglected parts of our bodies and contrary to popular belief,we don’t have to spend a lot of money taking care of our feet. With a few fresh herbs and some simple and easy home remedies we can take proper care of our feet economically and get them ready to make their entrance into spring.

Let’s start with some fun facts about our feet – when we ponder how much work they do, we really can’t help but want to treat them better.

Foot Facts
• We take an average of 7,000 to 10,000 steps a day.
• In an average life time we take enough steps to circle the globe, twice!
• Oftentimes the pressure that we put on our feet exceeds our body weight, and when running it can actually can be up to four times our body weight.
• Our feet contain 52 bones that make up ¼ of all the bones in our bodies.
• Corns, bunions and hammer toes are more likely to affect women due to poor shoe choices.
• Due to improper shoe choice and ignoring pain, women have up to four times as many foot problems as men.
• Foot problems are growing proportionately with Americans extensive weight gain, especially in women.
• If possible, do your shoe shopping in the afternoon when feet are slightly swollen to ensure maximum comfort and proper fit.
• Foot sweat is as common as underarm sweat.

Spending a little bit of time taking care of one’s feet is quite simple. Usually our homes have everything we need for a gentle and relaxing foot bath & home pedicure that will beat even the most expensive salon treatments! And its only 5 simple steps…….

Prep all the ingredients first so the process is relaxing!!

STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3

STEP 4

STEP 5

 

FOOT WASH POLISH REMOVER

Remove nail polish with acetone free nail polish remover and cotton pads. Wash feet thoroughly inthe bathtub with soap, making sure all dirt, grime & grit is out of the way. Dry feet with towel

FRESH HERBAL FOOT SOAK

1 large foot basin or bowl large enough for feet (plastic tub or bin works well too)
1 handful mint leaves
1 handful rosemary leaves
1 handful sage leaves
½ cup Epsom salts (or regular sea salt, the larger the granule the better)
¼ cup milk
Boiling hot water
(lavender oil optional)
(pumice stone optional)

Throw the herbs in the foot basin/tub and add the salt, mix up well with your hands and then add the milk (milk loosens dead skin cells) & hot water ,enough to cover your feet but not overflow the tub you are using. Let the herbs and salt steep in the tub/basin for about 10 minutes while hot water cools. In about 10 minutes water should still be hot but not too hot and herbs should sufficiently steeped. Add lavender oil if desired for a soothing relaxing aroma. Place washed feetin the tub/basin and relax for about 15-20 minutes. Rub with pumice stone to remove hard calluses and sloughing layers of dead skin(Make sure you are sitting in a comfortable chair, the point is to be relaxed.)

After the herbal foot soak is a great time to push back cuticles as they are soft, warm and pliable.

SUGAR MINT FOOT SCRUB

1 large foot basin or bowl large enough for feet (plastic tub or bin works well too)
1 cup sugar
½ cup chopped fresh mint leaves
¼ cup almond oil (ok to substitute olive oil)
3-6 drops peppermint oil (optional)

In a medium mixing bowl combine sugar and fresh mint leaves and oils and mix well.

After the foot soak replace the water in the basin/tub with fresh warm to hot water. Use the sugar mint scrubto scrub your feet thoroughly, making sure to get between the toes and the bottoms very well. Scrub for about 3-4 minutes, rinse well and towel dry.

Save the remaining amounts of sugar mint scrub in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks.

MOISTURIZING HONEY MINT FOOT SWEAT LODGE

1 large foot basin or bowl large enough for feet (plastic tub or bin works well too)
½ cup honey
¼ cup chopped fresh mint
2 plastic bags (large enough to cover your foot up past the ankles)
1 large hot damp towel (towel can be hearted by hot water and then rung out)
Masking Tape

Make sure the tub/basin has fresh clean hot almost boiling water, with enough water to cover your submerged feet but not overflow the tub/basin. In the meantime while the water cools a bit, mix the honey and the chopped mint in a medium mixing bowl. Spread honey mixture evenly over feet, making sure to get the honey in between the toes and on the bottom heal as well. Wrap the plastic bags around each of the feet and tape with masking tape so they stay on. Cover both feet with the hot damp towel and sit comfortably and relax for another 20 minutes. The honey will sweat with the warmth of the towel and the mint will make them feel tingly. Honey is a natural antiseptic and will also remove any dead skin cells previously not removed. After relaxing remove towel and bags and rinse well in the now warm water in the tub/basil. Be very careful to make sure you remove all honey. The honey will make your feet silky smooth. Dry feet well.

Replace the mint in the recipe with fresh chamomile (or chamomile tea) for a soothing facial mask.

CLEAN, FILE, BUFF & POLISH TOE NAILS

Clip nails if needed to desired length. File nails to desired shape; use an emery board for evening the edges. Use a primer base coat to prevent the discoloration of the nail bed. Polish with desired color, making sure you get the front edges, this will prevent chipping. Polish with 2 coats if desired and finish with a top coat, quick dry, to ensure the nails dry quickly and flawlessly.

And say hello to open toes this spring!

This is a great thing to do with your girlfriends on a rainy spring Saturday!