Cracked heels can be both uncomfortable and unsightly. They occur when the skin on your heels becomes dry, thick, and calloused, often leading to painful cracks and fissures. Fortunately, there are several herbs with natural healing properties that can help soothe and repair cracked heels. Here are some of the most effective herbs to incorporate into your cracked heel remedy.
1. Aloe Vera
Benefits:
- Aloe vera is renowned for its soothing, moisturizing, and healing properties. It helps to soften the skin and promote the healing of cracks.
How to Use:
- Extract fresh aloe vera gel from the leaves and apply it directly to your cracked heels.
- Massage gently and leave it on overnight. Wear socks to keep the gel in place.
- Wash off with warm water in the morning.
2. Calendula
Benefits:
- Calendula, or marigold, has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties. It helps to soothe irritated skin and promote healing.
How to Use:
- Prepare a calendula-infused oil by soaking dried calendula flowers in a carrier oil (like olive oil) for a few weeks.
- Strain the oil and apply it to your cracked heels.
- Massage gently and leave it on for a few hours or overnight.
3. Chamomile
Benefits:
- Chamomile has calming, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties. It helps to soften and hydrate the skin while reducing inflammation.
How to Use:
- Brew a strong chamomile tea and let it cool.
- Soak your feet in the chamomile tea for 20-30 minutes.
- Pat dry and apply a moisturizer or herbal oil to lock in the moisture.
4. Lavender
Benefits:
- Lavender is known for its calming and healing properties. It helps to soothe and repair cracked heels while providing a pleasant aroma.
How to Use:
- Mix a few drops of lavender essential oil with a carrier oil (such as coconut or olive oil).
- Apply the mixture to your cracked heels and massage gently.
- Leave it on overnight and wash off in the morning.
5. Neem
Benefits:
- Neem has powerful antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to heal cracked heels and prevent infections.
How to Use:
- Make a paste by grinding neem leaves with a little water.
- Apply the paste to your cracked heels and leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Rinse off with warm water and apply a moisturizer.
6. Peppermint
Benefits:
- Peppermint has cooling, soothing, and antimicrobial properties. It helps to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and heal cracked heels.
How to Use:
- Mix a few drops of peppermint essential oil with a carrier oil.
- Apply the mixture to your cracked heels and massage gently.
- Leave it on overnight and wash off in the morning.
7. Turmeric
Benefits:
- Turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It helps to heal cracked heels and prevent infections.
How to Use:
- Make a paste by mixing turmeric powder with a little coconut oil.
- Apply the paste to your cracked heels and leave it on for 20-30 minutes.
- Rinse off with warm water and pat dry.
8. Rosemary
Benefits:
- Rosemary has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It helps to improve circulation and promote healing of cracked heels.
How to Use:
- Brew a strong rosemary tea and let it cool.
- Soak your feet in the rosemary tea for 20-30 minutes.
- Pat dry and apply a moisturizer or herbal oil.
9. Comfrey
Benefits:
- Comfrey contains allantoin, which promotes cell regeneration and healing. It helps to soften and repair cracked heels.
How to Use:
- Make a comfrey poultice by crushing fresh comfrey leaves.
- Apply the poultice to your cracked heels and cover with a bandage.
- Leave it on for a few hours or overnight.
10. Plantain
Benefits:
- Plantain has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to soothe and heal cracked heels.
How to Use:
- Crush fresh plantain leaves to release their juice.
- Apply the juice to your cracked heels and leave it on for 20-30 minutes.
- Rinse off with warm water and apply a moisturizer.