By Liz Mcdonald 
You spend up to 80 percent of your waking hours on your feet, and each day your feet absorb five million pounds of accumulated pressure. So it’s no wonder that, from time to time, your feet end up in a world of hurt. Virtually anything can cause foot pain, including shoes that don’t fit, diseases like arthritis and diabetes, and poor circulation.
Toes and Teas in the Tub
- For a refreshing and stimulating treat for the feet, fill one basin with cold water and another with water as hot as you can comfortably stand. Sit in a comfortable chair, and place your feet in the cold water. After 5 minutes, switch to the hot water. Repeat. This “hydromassage” alternately dilates and constricts blood vessels in your feet, boosting circulation.
- To pamper your feet with essential oils—a ritual dating back to the Bible—fill a bowl with hot water and add 2 drops peppermint oil, along with four drops each of eucalyptus and rosemary oil. Soak for 10 minutes.
- If you don’t have any essential oils at home, brew up a very strong cup of peppermint tea and add it to the water.
- Soak your feet in a warm-water footbath spiked with half an ounce arnica tincture. The improved blood flow almost instantly results in less pain.