Foot odor, medically known as bromodosis, is a common issue that is caused by the growth of bacteria on the feet.
This problem can lead to embarrassment, discomfort, and a lack of confidence, especially for those who spend extended periods on their feet. Fortunately, there are natural remedies that can stop foot odor and keep your feet smelling fresh and clean.
Here are top 10 natural remedies for feet odor:.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a popular natural remedy for foot odor due to its excellent anti-bacterial properties. It helps to kill the bacteria that leads to foot odor, thus keeping your feet fresh and clean.
To use apple cider vinegar, add half a cup of it to a basin filled with warm water. Soak your feet in this solution for about 20-30 minutes. Rinse off your feet with clean water and dry thoroughly.
Do this once a day for a week or until the foot odor disappears.
2. Black Tea
Black tea has tannic acid which helps to prevent sweating and keep your feet dry, hence reducing foot odor. It also has anti-microbial properties that help in preventing infection and kill bacteria.
To use black tea, boil two tea bags in 3 cups of boiling water. Allow the water to cool down until it’s warm. Soak your feet in the cooled tea for 30 minutes, twice a day.
3. Epsom Salt
Epsom salt can help to get rid of the bacteria and fungus that causes foot odor. This salt helps to absorb moisture too from feet, thus reducing the bad odor.
To use Epsom salt, add 2 tablespoons of salt to a basin filled with warm water. Soak your feet for 20-30 minutes, then rinse and dry them properly. Do this daily until the foot odor is gone.
4. Baking Soda
Baking soda is also an effective natural remedy for foot odor due to its anti-bacterial properties. It helps to neutralize the feet’s pH level, hence reducing the growth of bacteria.
To use baking soda, mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with lukewarm water. Soak your feet in the solution for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse and dry your feet. Repeat this process two times a day to eliminate the foot odor.
5. Ginger
Ginger has natural anti-fungal properties that can help to get rid of the bacteria responsible for foot odor.
To use ginger, boil 3-4 slices of ginger in 2 cups of boiling water for 10 minutes. Let the water cool down until it’s warm. Soak your feet in ginger water for 20-30 minutes. Rinse your feet with clean water and dry them completely.
Repeat this process twice a day until the odor is gone.
6. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is acidic, which makes it an effective way to kill the bacteria on the feet that causes odor. It also has natural astringent properties that can dry out the skin and prevent sweating.
To use lemon juice, squeeze the juice of two lemons into a basin filled with water. Soak your feet in the solution for 20-30 minutes. Rinse your feet with clean water and dry them properly. Repeat once a day until the odor disappears.
7. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to get rid of the bacterial and fungal growth on the feet. It also has a pleasant fragrance that can mask foot odor.
To use lavender essential oil, add 10 drops to a basin filled with water. Soak your feet in the solution for 20-30 minutes. Rinse your feet with clean water and dry them properly. Do this once a day until the odor disappears.
8. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil with antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help to kill the bacteria responsible for foot odor and prevent further growth.
To use tea tree oil, mix 10 drops of tea tree oil with a basin of warm water. Soak your feet for 20-30 minutes, then rinse your feet with clean water and dry them properly. Do this twice a day until the odor disappears.
9. Peppermint Leaves
Peppermint leaves have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and deodorizing properties that can help to reduce the foot odor and soothe the skin. .
To use peppermint leaves, boil a handful of leaves in three cups of water for 10 to 15 minutes, then let the mixture cool down. Soak your feet in the solution for 20-30 minutes, then rinse your feet with clean water and dry them thoroughly.
Repeat the process once a day until the odor goes away.
10. Sage Leaves
Sage leaves contain antimicrobial and antiseptic properties that can help to eliminate foot odor and control sweating.
To use sage leaves, boil a handful of leaves in three cups of water for 10 to 15 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool down. Soak your feet in the solution for 20-30 minutes, then rinse your feet with clean water and dry them thoroughly.
Repeat the process once a day until the odor is gone.
These natural remedies are effective, safe and affordable ways to treat foot odor, which can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. Choose the remedy that works best for you and stick with it until you see results.