When it comes to self-care, does it ever feel like there’s something missing? You’ve probably tried all sorts of things like massages, facials and long baths, but have you ever given thought to how your feet are doing? On our blog we’ve discussed putting essential oils in the bath, on your face, in home DIYs and in your recipes, but now we’re going to talk about how you can take care of your feet with essential oils and infuse a whole new element of self-care into your life. These tips are easy, simple and effective, so all you have to do is kick up your feet, sit back and let us show you the ropes!

Best essential oils for feet

 While this list could go on for days, here are some of our favourite foot-care essential oils:

YL tip: Apply 3–4 drops of any of these essential oils to the bottom of your feet for an essential oil foot massage. If you want to mix it up, try one of our DIY blend recipes listed later in this post!

Bare feet on a bed

Why should you put essential oils on your feet?

There are many reasons putting essential oils on your feet may be the key to your self-care routine. 

  1. Essential oils can be easily absorbed through your feet. Did you know that the pores on the bottoms of your feet are the largest on your body? This makes your feet a uniquely absorbent place to apply essential oils that can help support your self-care routine. 
  1. Applying oils to your feet will help you feel extra pampered. After a long day, the first thing you likely want to do is kick back and relax to your favourite TV show, snacks in hand. A simple foot massage on tired, worn-out feet is a great way to add an extra sign to your body that it’s time to relax and help instill your schedule with specific relaxation time.
  1. The skin on your feet is less sensitive. From the time you first started walking, your feet have gotten their fair share of wear and tear. As a result, the skin on your feet is thicker and less sensitive than the skin on other parts of your body. This means that you are less likely to have a reaction when using essential oils on your feet. But, as always, make sure to spot test new oils on a small area of skin to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction.
  1. Your feet are full of pressure points. According to the ancient Chinese medicinal practice of foot reflexology, specific areas on your feet correspond to different organs and parts of your body. Massaging oils into these specific pressure points can be linked to positively affecting the corresponding body parts.
Father and son giving foot massage

DIY foot massage oil blends

You can place essential oils on your feet any time of day, but it is especially effective as part of your routine first thing in the morning or as you wind down at night. That’s why choosing the right essential oil for the right time is so important! If you associate the scent of a particular oil with relaxation and rest, it’s probably best to use that at night as part of your bedtime routine, whereas an oil with a scent that you find invigorating and exciting should be used in the morning as you prepare for the day. If you’re not sure which oils are right for your routine, experiment with some of these combinations!

For a drop of excitement:

Prepare for the day with these rejuvenating oil blends to kick-start your morning.

  • 6 drops Eucalyptus Globulus oil + 3 drops Tea Tree oil + 3 drops Thyme oil
  • 6 drops Tea Tree oil + 6 drops Peppermint oil
  • 8 drops Lemon oil + 4 drops Rosemary oil
  • 4 drops Lemongrass oil + 4 drops Cypress oil + 4 drops Geranium oil

For something more meditative:

Smooth your bedtime transition with these meditative blends that are perfect for use as you wind down at the end of your day.

  • 6 drops Lavender oil + 6 drops Ylang Ylang oil
  • 6 drops Roman Chamomile oil + 3 drops Clary Sage oil + 3 drops Bergamot oil
  • 6 drops Marjoram oil + 6 drops Lavender oil

To make, combine the essential oils from one of the blends above (or create your own blend of 8–12 drops of essential oil) with ¼ cup (2 ounces) carrier oil, like V-6, into an empty glass bottle. Shake before each use.

V-6 massage oil

How to give yourself an essential oil foot massage

Massaging essential oils into your feet is simple and only takes a few minutes. Follow these steps for a relaxing massage:

  1. Wash your feet with your favourite body wash/soap for clean, refreshed skin. Towel dry your feet.
  2. Grab your DIY massage oil and find a comfortable place to sit. Apply about a teaspoon of oil to your hands and rub together.
  3. Massage the skin between each of your toes for around 5 seconds. (The skin here is thin, which allows the oils to absorb most easily).
  4. Massage your way down the bottom of your foot, from your toes to your heel, in small circular motions. Then work your way back up from heel to toe. Pay extra attention to the areas that feel extra sensitive or sore. (Add more massage oil if needed to aid in a comfortable massaging glide).
  5. Relax and deeply breathe in the oil blend’s aroma.
  6. Put on a pair of comfortable socks to help the oils soak into your skin and to prevent getting oil on your floor or bed sheets.

Disclaimer: If you feel pain during your massage, lighten pressure or stop immediately if it is too uncomfortable.

We hope these tips and tricks help you add a new element of self-care, luxury and intention to your day, from the moment you wake up and apply an exciting essential oil blend, to the moment you drift off to sleep with a relaxing scent in the air.

This post is also available in: French