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April 1, 2010 by Mariel

Homemade Foot Soak – Great Gift Idea!

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, see the disclosure policy.
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Hi there! My name is Sosae, the happy co-creator (along with my dashing husband, Dennis) of Virtue Natural! We spend our days hand-crafting natural and organic skincare for our online shop at Etsy. The rest of the time we’re dreaming up new product recipes, having picnics along the Kern River, playing guitar and knitting the night away! (I do the knitting…) So, anyone want to learn how easy it is to prepare a homemade foot soak? Let’s get to it!

This homemade foot soak makes a great gift! www.orsoshesays.com #homemadefootsoak #naturalproducts #footsoak #gifts #giftsforneighbors #neighborgifts #giftsforwomen

My goal when designing this recipe, was to limit the ingredients to what we could find in an average supermarket. It’s just amazing how many lovely homemade skincare items we can put together with a simple supermarket shopping list!

Let’s get started.

Here’s what you will need to make your homemade foot soak:

– 1 cup sea salt (a great alternative would be Kosher salt)

– 1 cup Epsom salt (usually found in the personal care/pharmacy aisle)

– 2 Tbsp peppermint tea (Be careful not to confuse this with “peppermint flavored” tea: the tea should be 100% peppermint leaves. Tip: if you can’t find it in bulk, buy a box of tea-bags, cut them open and measure!)

– 4 tsp pure peppermint extract

– 3 tsp pure lemon extract

– 1 tsp olive oil

– 1 tsp cornstarch

– 1 tsp baking soda

– measuring cups and spoons

– mixing bowl and spoon

This homemade foot soak makes a great gift! www.orsoshesays.com #homemadefootsoak #naturalproducts #footsoak #gifts #giftsforneighbors #neighborgifts #giftsforwomen

This homemade foot soak makes a great gift! www.orsoshesays.com #homemadefootsoak #naturalproducts #footsoak #gifts #giftsforneighbors #neighborgifts #giftsforwomen

To begin, combine the sea salt and Epsom salt in your mixing bowl.This homemade foot soak makes a great gift! www.orsoshesays.com #homemadefootsoak #naturalproducts #footsoak #gifts #giftsforneighbors #neighborgifts #giftsforwomen

When the two salts are completely blended, add olive oil, peppermint extract and lemon extract. Stir each time you add an ingredient, making sure to break apart any large chunks of salt with your spoon. Once these liquid ingredients have been fully incorporated, your salt mixture will look like moist sand (and it will smell pretty good too!)This homemade foot soak makes a great gift! www.orsoshesays.com #homemadefootsoak #naturalproducts #footsoak #gifts #giftsforneighbors #neighborgifts #giftsforwomen

Now it’s time to add the cornstarch and baking soda. Again, blend thoroughly, breaking apart any large clumps of baking soda or salt.Almost done! Now add the final ingredient – the peppermint leaves. (I add this last, because I’ve found that adding them early in the process causes the leaves to bruise and give off their green color to the salt.) Stir the leaves in until they are fully blended with the salt mixture. Go ahead and take a deep breath while you’re at it – it should have a very refreshing scent!

This homemade foot soak makes a great gift! www.orsoshesays.com #homemadefootsoak #naturalproducts #footsoak #gifts #giftsforneighbors #neighborgifts #giftsforwomen

At this point, if you’re planning on keeping the foot soak for yourself, store it in an air-tight container so it stays fresh. If the container is not air-tight, the beautiful aroma of the extracts and the peppermint leaves will fade. (The soak will still be useful, just not as charming!)

If you’re planning on giving it away as a gift, try spooning it into an ordinary Mason jar. Be creative. Ribbons, tags, whatever you want to add to give the soak a loving, handmade touch.

And how to go about soothing those tired tootsies? Fill a small basin with warm water and stir in ¼ to ½ cup of foot soak. Stir it to dissolve the salts, and soak your feet for 10-15 minutes. Ahhhh…

So what are some of the benefits of this homemade foot soak, you ask?

In my opinion, the best part is that it’s all-natural! No chemical fragrances or artificial colors and preservatives (remember ladies, whatever you put ON your skin absorbs INTO your skin!) Secondly, it’s very effecting at relaxing sore muscles (thanks in part to the magnesium-rich Epsom salts.) It’s also refreshing (peppermint tea!) and softening (olive oil!) and aromatic. Being the all-natural skincare fanatic that I am, I’ve found this recipe to be a real winner, and I hope you do too!

This homemade foot soak makes a great gift! www.orsoshesays.com #homemadefootsoak #naturalproducts #footsoak #gifts #giftsforneighbors #neighborgifts #giftsforwomen~ Sosae

More homemade beauty products:

Homemade Beauty Products
The Asprin Mask Treatment
Homemade Deodorant and Face Scrub

Have you subscribed to the ‘Or so she says…’ newsletter yet? We send out emails with more great ideas, and your first one will include Mariel’s five FAVORITE recipes from the blog. You can sign up by clicking HERE.

For gift ideas for everyone on your list, check out the Gift Ideas tab and be sure to pin Gift Idea Central, to keep the whole collection in one place.

This post sponsored by:

CraftsyOur picks for making this homemade foot soak:

Ball Pint Jar, Regular Mouth, Set of 12, (16 oz)Ball Pint Jar, Regular Mouth, Set of 12, (16 oz)Ball Pint Jar, Regular Mouth, Set of 12, (16 oz)DilaBee 12-Pack 8 Ounce Empty Large Elegant Refillable Clear Plastic Jars with Screw On Lids and labels, Round BPA Free Containers For Kitchen Use, Slime, Beauty Products, Cosmetic, Lotion and moreDilaBee 12-Pack 8 Ounce Empty Large Elegant Refillable Clear Plastic Jars with Screw On Lids and labels, Round BPA Free Containers For Kitchen Use, Slime, Beauty Products, Cosmetic, Lotion and moreDilaBee 12-Pack 8 Ounce Empty Large Elegant Refillable Clear Plastic Jars with Screw On Lids and labels, Round BPA Free Containers For Kitchen Use, Slime, Beauty Products, Cosmetic, Lotion and more2 oz Round Glass Jars (6 Pack) - Empty Cosmetic Containers with Inner Liners, black Lids and Glass Sample Jars with lables (Amber) by THETIS Homes2 oz Round Glass Jars (6 Pack) – Empty Cosmetic Containers with Inner Liners, black Lids and Glass Sample Jars with lables (Amber) by THETIS Homes2 oz Round Glass Jars (6 Pack) - Empty Cosmetic Containers with Inner Liners, black Lids and Glass Sample Jars with lables (Amber) by THETIS HomesBall Mason 8oz Quilted Jelly Jars with Lids and Bands, Set of 12Ball Mason 8oz Quilted Jelly Jars with Lids and Bands, Set of 12Ball Mason 8oz Quilted Jelly Jars with Lids and Bands, Set of 12Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, 5 LbsArm & Hammer Baking Soda, 5 LbsArm & Hammer Baking Soda, 5 LbsARGO Cornstarch - 35oz - CASE PACK OF 2ARGO Cornstarch – 35oz – CASE PACK OF 2ARGO Cornstarch - 35oz - CASE PACK OF 2Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 68 Fl OzColavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 68 Fl OzColavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 68 Fl OzWatkins Pure Lemon Extract, 11 Ounce(Packaging may vary)Watkins Pure Lemon Extract, 11 Ounce(Packaging may vary)Watkins Pure Lemon Extract, 11 Ounce(Packaging may vary)Davidson's Tea Bulk, Organic Peppermint Leaves, 16-Ounce BagDavidson’s Tea Bulk, Organic Peppermint Leaves, 16-Ounce BagDavidson's Tea Bulk, Organic Peppermint Leaves, 16-Ounce BagWatkins All Natural Extract, Pure Peppermint, 2 Ounce (Pack of 6) (Packaging may vary)Watkins All Natural Extract, Pure Peppermint, 2 Ounce (Pack of 6) (Packaging may vary)Watkins All Natural Extract, Pure Peppermint, 2 Ounce (Pack of 6) (Packaging may vary)Traditional Medicinals Organic Peppermint Herbal Leaf Tea, 16 Tea Bags (Pack of 6)Traditional Medicinals Organic Peppermint Herbal Leaf Tea, 16 Tea Bags (Pack of 6)Traditional Medicinals Organic Peppermint Herbal Leaf Tea, 16 Tea Bags (Pack of 6)Epsoak Epsom Salt 19lbs Magnesium Sulfate USP Resealable Bulk BagEpsoak Epsom Salt 19lbs Magnesium Sulfate USP Resealable Bulk BagEpsoak Epsom Salt 19lbs Magnesium Sulfate USP Resealable Bulk BagMinera Natural Dead Sea Salt, 5lbs Bulk - Fine GrainMinera Natural Dead Sea Salt, 5lbs Bulk – Fine GrainMinera Natural Dead Sea Salt, 5lbs Bulk - Fine GrainDiamond Crystal Kosher Salt, 3 lbsDiamond Crystal Kosher Salt, 3 lbsDiamond Crystal Kosher Salt, 3 lbsSherpa Pink Gourmet Himalayan Salt, 5 lbs Fine Grain. Incredible Taste. Rich in Nutrients and Minerals To Improve Your HealthSherpa Pink Gourmet Himalayan Salt, 5 lbs Fine Grain. Incredible Taste. Rich in Nutrients and Minerals To Improve Your HealthSherpa Pink Gourmet Himalayan Salt, 5 lbs Fine Grain. Incredible Taste. Rich in Nutrients and Minerals To Improve Your Health

This homemade foot soak makes a great gift! www.orsoshesays.com #homemadefootsoak #naturalproducts #footsoak #gifts #giftsforneighbors #neighborgifts #giftsforwomen

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Comments

  1. Jen says

    April 1, 2010 at 1:10 pm

    This sounds amazing and so easy! Thank you for sharing Sosae, and I’m going to have to check out your shop!

    I’m thinking this would make the perfect birthday or Mother’s Day present for my mother since her job requires her to be on her feet all day!

    Reply
  2. Jessica says

    April 1, 2010 at 3:27 pm

    What a cute idea!! I’m soo going to make this for gifts! Thank you Sosae!

    Reply
  3. Brie says

    April 1, 2010 at 6:06 pm

    Awesome tutorial and an even more amazing person! Thanks so much for sharing your talent, Sos!

    Reply
  4. Mariel says

    April 1, 2010 at 7:11 pm

    Agreed, agreed, agreed! I love this post AND it really is a perfect idea for Mother’s Day!

    Thanks so much, Sosae! You’ve been fun to work with. Plus,…I love your name. Oh, and your hair. 🙂

    Reply
  5. Virtue Natural says

    April 1, 2010 at 8:21 pm

    Thank you so much – this is the sweetest blog! The honor’s all mine, believe me… 🙂

    Reply
  6. kanishk says

    April 2, 2010 at 3:19 am

    ! Thank you for sharing Sosae,
    free internet jobs

    Reply
  7. Jamie B. says

    October 3, 2011 at 11:09 pm

    Thanks so much for sharing this awesome foot soak recipe. I hope it’s okay that I’ve featured your tutorial and link back here in a hub I’ve written about frugal handmade gifts which is here:
    http://jamiebrock.hubpages.com/hub/Frugal-Handmade-Gift-Ideas-Homemade-Bath-and-Beauty-Recipes

    Thank you again for sharing this awesome tutorial!

    Reply
  8. Brittney_hammons17 says

    November 16, 2011 at 9:21 pm

    is that a pint or quart mason jar?

    Reply
  9. momconformist says

    November 18, 2011 at 8:46 pm

    If you put it into mason jars, how many will it fill?  Love this!!

    Reply
  10. momo says

    April 3, 2012 at 4:32 am

    In your last paragraph you mentioned “olive oil” – but it’s not in the recipe….did I miss something?

    Reply
    • Angela Steelman Goodson says

      April 21, 2012 at 3:12 am

      I don’t see where you got an answer. The olive oil is added in the second step and is in the instructions above.

      Reply
  11. Angela Steelman Goodson says

    April 21, 2012 at 3:13 am

    I am unbelievably excited about this. We recently moved to a new state and at our rent has has a patch of spearmint on the East side of the house and a planter full of Peppermint in the backyard.

    Reply
  12. mama sheila says

    June 20, 2012 at 10:55 pm

    is there a way you could make it with peppermint leaves rather than tea? I have lots of mint growing and want to do something useful with it

    Reply
    • orsoshesays says

      June 21, 2012 at 6:32 pm

      From what I understand of the post, she is just using dried peppermint leaves that are used to make herbal tea, similar to what is sold here: http://www.arborteas.com/organic-peppermint.html?gclid=COesm4f737ACFagbQgodDzYi3g. So, I would imagine just letting some of your mint leaves dry would be perfect. But, that’s just me!

      Reply
  13. Michelle says

    August 27, 2012 at 2:56 am

    Love this! Can you dry fresh mint leaves and use that? I have a ton of fresh mint growing in my yard. Thanks.

    Reply
  14. elorm faith Amegashie says

    October 15, 2013 at 12:22 am

    Can you use ordinary table salt in place of Epson and sea salt

    Reply
    • Mariel says

      October 15, 2013 at 7:37 pm

      The author of this post can only be reached through her Etsy shop now. But, I believe that table salt is not typically used for body scrubs. I would stick to Epson and Sea Salt… you can find both at Wal-Mart. Good luck!

      Reply
  15. Korinthe says

    December 7, 2013 at 1:52 pm

    It looks like a pint jar to me, and the directions only have a little more than 2 cups’ worth of ingredients, total.

    Reply
  16. Rebecca says

    July 13, 2014 at 10:38 pm

    Can you use just mint extract or does it have to be peppermint?

    Reply
    • Mariel says

      July 14, 2014 at 7:02 am

      I didn’t write the post, and the author is no longer around. But, I would imagine you could use any extract you wanted. I think peppermint would be great!

      Reply
  17. Tracy says

    July 26, 2014 at 12:29 pm

    Can you use tapioca starch or potato starch? I have allergies to corn and soy and am also Celiac. So I am trying to make my own things.
    Tracy

    Reply
    • Mariel says

      July 26, 2014 at 1:49 pm

      Hi Tracy, this post is actually 4 years old and the author is no longer around to answer them. Hopefully a Google search can help you find what you need. Have a great day!

      Reply

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Mariel (mahr-eeee-elle) is a mother of 7 kiddos, finish carpenter's wife, and FAMILY enthusiast. Created in 2009, 'Or so she says...' is all about ideas for the family. We like to say we have the MOTHER lode of ideas! Enjoy!! (Oh, and we would love to have you join us on social media, as well... @orsoshesays) See ya around!

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