Healing Benefits of Natural Treatments for Cracked Heels

Many people spend a lot of time caring for the skin on their faces and forget about the importance of their feet.

The skin on your feet is like a shield that protects you from dirt and toxins. If you don’t take care of your feet properly, the skin becomes cracked. This can lead to pain and inflammation.

Cracked heels result when the skin on your feet is damaged and unable to retain moisture. As the skin dries out, it begins to break and form tiny splits.

The good news? Healing cracked heels isn’t difficult. In fact, there are several effective natural therapies that are easy to administer.

Here are the most effective natural treatments for cracked heels.

What Are Cracked Heels?

Many adults suffer from cracked heels – it’s a common foot problem. Cracks develop when the skin on your heels splits. This is caused by dryness and excessive pressure.

People who spend long hours on their feet are prone to cracked heels. As the skin fails to retain moisture, it becomes fragile and starts to break. If untreated, small cracks can turn into more serious cracks called fissures.

This can lead to bleeding pain, inflammation.

Causes of Cracked Heels

Along with dryness, pressure, and damage to the skin of the feet, there are other factors that contribute to the formation of cracked heels. Here are some of the most common causes:

• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
• Spending long hours on your feet
• Obesity (resulting in increased pressure on the feet)
• Wearing open footwear
• Poor hygiene
• Wearing shoes that don’t fit
• Ageing

The good news is that there are many natural therapies for protecting and rejuvenating the skin on your feet.

Ayurvedic Treatment For Cracked Heels

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian holistic healing system. Ayurveda focuses on promoting optimal health through balancing the mind, body and spirit.
Here are some specific Ayurvedic treatments for cracked heels.

Pada abhyanga

Pada abhyanga is a kind of Ayurvedic foot massage. It is revitalizing and soothing and helps to balance disturbances in the autonomic nervous system.

In Ayurveda, it is believed that 5 out of the 107 marmas, or vital areas, are in each foot. Pada Abhyanga foot massage helps to release negative energies from these areas and promote healthy feet.

Sesame oil is often incorporated into foot massages. It is a powerful antioxidant that can ease inflammation and nourish the skin. This treatment helps to repair cracked heels and nourish damaged feet.

Swedana

Another traditional Ayurvedic treatment, Swedana refers to inducing sweating through the use of steam.

The steam is generated from herbal concoctions. Swedana is an effective detoxification therapy which helps to heal cracked heels.

Swedana helps to increase circulation, and reduce inflammation. This helps to reduce the pain associated with cracked heels and promote fast recovery.

Neem

An Ayurvedic herb, neem contains powerful health-promoting properties. As an effective healing agent, neem has been in use for thousands of years.

Neem was first discovered in ancient India, where it is still consumed today for its many healing benefits. Neem is known is promote healthy skin and blood. It also has a detoxifying effect, helping to boost the body’s immune system.

Neem is also an effective treatment for cracked heels. It contains anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties that help to promote smooth and soft feet.

Neem leaves can be crushed together with turmeric and a little bit of water to create a herbal paste. You can then apply with to your cracked heels for around 30 minutes before rinsing your feet with cold water.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is often used in cooking. Along with its many health benefits, coconut oil can also help treat cracked heels. Coconut oil is made by extracting oil from dried coconut kernels or whole raw coconuts.

Coconut oil has long been an effective treatment for dry skin and other conditions including acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

Because it helps your skin retain moisture, coconut oil may be most effective when applied after a foot soak. Coconut oil helps to rejuvenate your skin and kill off microorganisms like bacteria and fungi.

In fact, studies have shown how the medium-chain fatty acids present in coconut oil can inhibit the growth of fungal species. Furthermore, coconut oil aids in wound healing by improving antioxidant levels and increasing collagen production.

Aloe Vera

The amazing health benefits of aloe vera cannot be overstated. Not only does this plant help to relieve the symptoms of gastrointestinal issues like IBS, but it’s also great for your skin.

Aloe vera gel can be applied to your cracked feet overnight for maximum benefit. Why? Because your skin begins to heal itself while you sleep and aloe vera can help accelerate this process.

Choose a gel that is organic or even extract it straight from your own plants!

You can make an aloe vera mask by mixing the gel with coconut oil and lavender essential oil. Mix everything in a bowl and massage into your feet daily.

If your feet are feeling tired and achy, you can also try an aloe vera and lemon foot soak. Mix aloe vera gel and lemon juice with one tablespoon of Epsom salts and a few drops of tea tree oil.

Soak your feet in this mixture for 10 to 15 minutes. This soak helps to soften your feet, remove dead skin cells and repair cracked heels.

Natural Treatment For Cracked Heels

Cracked heels are a common concern among adults who spend lots of time on their feet. There are several things that can cause cracked heels, including excessive dryness and pressure.

Cracked heels can become painful and inflamed if left untreated, leading to deeper cracks called fissures. Healing cracked heels is possible by using natural remedies such as coconut oil, neem and aloe vera.

Are you looking to explore alternative treatments for your cracked heels or other health conditions? If you’d like to find out what Ayurveda can do for you, book an appointment today.

• March 1, 2021
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• Dr. Stomy Jose