Natural Remedies for Swollen Feet
Swollen feet are a problem which many people suffer from. Swollen feet are not a disease condition in itself but indicate the presence of other complications. This problem usually occurs when fluid gets accumulated in tissues in feet, and this causes swelling of feet. Executing a good cure for swollen feet is not difficult, but you must be wary of the other conditions the swollen feet could inflict.
Feet can get swollen for varying reasons including being overweight, standing or sitting for a longer duration, pregnancy, and poor blood circulation.
Swelling of the feet can also occur when any surgery involving the feet has been done.
However, there are many natural remedies which offer a viable cure for swollen feet. In most of the cases, this swelling will reduce if these natural remedies are effectively used.
- Contrast Hydrotherapy
Contrast hydrotherapy which includes the use of hot and cold water is effective in reducing the swelling of the feet. Warm water plays a role in improving the circulation while cold water reduces the swelling of the feet.
For using this therapy, two small tubs are to be filled with warm and cold water. The feet are to be soaked in warm water tub for about 4 minutes. Thereafter, the feet are to be soaked in the cold water for around a minute. This alternation between cold and hot water should be done for 15-20 minutes. This exercise should be repeated 5-7 times a day for imminent relief.
- Try Massage
This is considered to be one of the best remedies to provide an effective cure for swollen feet. This message puts pressure on the affected area and which helps in relaxation of sore muscles. This also improves circulation in the feet. For doing massage, you can rub some mustard or olive oil on the area affected by swelling.
The affected area should be massaged for 4-5 minutes upwards. However, too much pressure must not be applied while doing massage. This massage has to be done several times in a day, and the swelling will surely reduce. For best results, this massage should be done before or during the bath.
- Use of Epsom Salt
Swelling of the feet is also reduced through the use of Epsom salt. The use of Epsom also reduces pain and discomfort. This salt is very effective as the magnesium sulfate in Epsom salt gets absorbed into the skin. This helps in improving the circulation and reduces the swelling in the feet also. For using Epsom salt for reducing the swelling, you can mix half a cup of Epsom salt in a tub which is filled with warm water. The swollen feet are to be soaked in the tub for 10 to 14 minutes.
This exercise is to be repeated 3-4 times in a week and swelling will be reduced considerably.
- Use of Ginger
A natural diuretic, ginger is also a great cure for swollen feet. The use of ginger helps in diluting sodium which contributes to a great extent to this swelling. Use of ginger also helps since it has anti-inflammatory properties.
For reducing the swelling, the swollen feet can be massaged with ginger oil a few times during the day. Besides, ginger tea can also be taken 2-3 times in a day. Raw slices of ginger can also be taken for reducing this swelling.
- Use of Dandelion
The cure for swollen feet can also be ensured by the use of dandelion which has diuretic property and helps in reducing the swelling in the feet. Dandelion also helps in regulating the level of sodium in the body. A teaspoon of fresh or dried dandelion can be mixed in a cup of hot water. This mixture can be boiled for 5 minutes and strained after that. The herbal tea can then be taken 3-4 times a day and helps in reducing the swelling in the feet.
Dandelion can also be taken as a supplement, but consultation from a doctor is required in case it has to be done this way.
- Use of Lemon Water
It is common knowledge that by drinking lemon water excess fluid and toxins can be flushed out from the body. This also works as an effective cure for swollen feet other regions of the body which might also swell. Lemon juice also helps in keeping the body hydrated and also has numerous anti-inflammatory benefits.
You can mix 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice in a warm water cup. This can be sweetened with raw honey if the taste is sour. This lemon water can be taken few times in a day for best results.
In case, these natural remedies take visible time to show results, consultation with a doctor is highly recommended. Natural and allopathic medications can be taken simultaneously also if so desired.