Sandal wearing weather will be here before we know it, so now is the perfect time to get our tootsies in tip top shape.  Nothing beats the pampering pedicure treatments that we enjoy at our favorite spa.  However, with a few simple ingredients, it is ever so easy to treat our feet at home too. 

     Begin with a healthy pedicure soak made with an herbal blend that treats the whole foot including the nails. An herbal soaking treatment opens up the pores and lets out toxins and impurities. It also hydrates, increases circulation and relieves tension.

     Steep equal amounts of the following herbs (I don’t measure-a large pinch of each is good though) in about 3-4 cups of very hot water for about 20 minutes:  lavender flower, peppermint leaf, thyme leaf, basil leaf, calendula flowers and eucalyptus leaf.

     Discard the herbs (sprinkle in the garden) and add the strained herbal liquid to a basin, bowl or pot that is large enough to comfortably fit both feet in.  Add more water to bring the temperature to your liking, carefully test the water to make sure it is not too hot.  The water level should be just above the ankles.  Soak for at least 20 minutes and have additional hot water on hand to add to your soak if needed. 

     After an herbal soaking while the skin is soft, it is a good time to apply a natural scrub to slough away hardened skin.  This can be accomplished easily with a rich creamy organic sugar scrub. 

 To a mixing bowl, add some unrefined organic nilotica shea butter, about 4 ounces, drizzle in a touch of cold pressed oil (your choice) and whip until smooth and creamy.  Turn the mixer to low (or fold in by hand) and gradually add some organic sugar, how much is up to you.  The more sugar that is added, the more concentrated and abrasive the scrub will be.  It is impossible to mess up this scrub, so experiment and have fun.  You can also add a few drops of essential oil if you like; helichrysum, rose absolute, lavender and peppermint are all good choices.  Spoon into a very clean jar with a tight fitting lid. 

     To use the moisturizing pedicure scrub, massage an adequate amount into each foot using a circular motion to loosen up and whisk away dead skin.  Rinse well and pat feet dry.  Try doing this at a time when you can rest and relax afterwards and allow the shea butter (you will feel it on your skin, even after you rinse) to soak into your skin to maximize the skin healing and conditioning benefits.  A liberal spritz of organic lavender or peppermint hydrosol finishes this treatment nicely.     

     Pennie Mills is a handmade jewelry designer, candle maker, aromatherapy, all natural health & skincare enthusiast, massage therapist, scrapper, easy sewing seamstress and crafter of all things beautiful!  She sells her handmade gemstone jewelry, soy candles and atmosphere sprays on her website,  Ladies Blend design studio and writes about all topics of interest at the Ladies Blend blog.