Feet are often, the most neglected part of the human body. We seem to take our feet for granted, lavishing care only when we experience discomfort and foot pain. However, regular care, foot hygiene and exercise can go a log way to healthy feet which will look good and support the body weight easily.
There are many websites and books on home care that will give suggestions and tips on how to do a pedicure. However, in this article, we will not discuss the method to do a pedicure, but rather foot care tips in general and also advise some herbal home remedies for relief for common foot problems.
Foot care starts with good posture. It is important to stand straight, well balanced on both feet with the toes pointing straight ahead. Do lift the arches of your feet slightly so that body weight is supported by the outside edges of the soles of the feet. This will help in even distribution of the body weight providing your feet with less weight to handle per square inch.
Good shoes are important for healthy feet. The shoes should not be too tight and should not squeeze the toes. They should allow space to move the toes. High heels are a strict no, for everyday usage and should be restricted to special occasions. These high heels put excessive strain on the back and the ankle (bones) of the feet.
When the weather is hot, it is advisable to wear open sandals to provide maximum ventilation. This will help avoid excessive sweating of the feet and will help avoid fungal and bacterial infections from developing.

Foot Care Regimen

It is suggested that everyone go in for a basic pedicure every two weeks. Feet dipped in warm water to which a little shampoo and vegetable oil has been added provides a good starting point. Let the feet soak for 10 - 15 minutes, before rubbing them (especially soles) with a pumice stone. This is the time to clean the nails and remove all old nail polishes.
Regular foot exercise helps to keep feet fit. Curl your toes simulating the action of trying to pick up something with your feet. Do this for ten minutes every day to strengthen muscles and provide relief to aching feet
Get a foot massage done every two weeks by a professional. The rotating and kneading action, stimulates blood circulation and provides relief to aching foot muscles.
Another easy way to improve blood circulation in the feet are and to give relief to aching feet is a simple Hot and Cold foot bath. Prepare two basins. Put hot ( bearable) water in one to which a little (20 ml ) mustard oil has been added. In the second basin, put cold water. Let your feet soak in the hot water for up to 3- 4 minutes and then shift the feet to cold water basin. Repeat this between 5 to 7 times and then dry the feet thoroughly with a rough dry towel. It is advisable to apply some moisturizing cream on the feet after they are dry to replenish skin oils. Enjoy the sensation of relaxation that will envelop your feet.

Herbal - Natural Foot Care Tips

To soften rough feet, try this regimen every night before going to bed, for two weeks. Dip the feet in warm water containing a teaspoon of (preferably herbal) shampoo and one teaspoon of baking powder. Let them soak for 10- 15 minutes, before drying them. Apply a foot cream and then go to sleep.
Treat dry skin on the feet and cracked heels with this herbal remedy. Prepare a mixture with equal quantity of glycerin, fresh cream and honey. Apply this mixture to the feet, especially to the cracked heels and let it stay on for 15 minutes. Wash off with warm water. Try this every three days ( before sleeping) to find smooth feet and heels.
A easy pedicure which is fast and effective can be done easily at home. It is herbal and natural and fast acting. Add a few (four to five) drops of vinegar to four or five table spoons (40-50 grams) of curd and mix well in a dish. Rub this mixture well on the feet, ankles, heels and the soles of the feet especially between the toes. Let it stay on for ten minutes and then wash off with warm water. This process will rejuvenate the skin on the feet, removing dead cells and stimulating blood circulation.
If you have a tendency to develop cracks on your heels and are suffering from this painful condition, your feet require regular care. Try this natural remedy every three days before bed time. Immerse feet in warm water to which 10 ml lemon juice and 20 ml coconut oil has been added. Scrub the heel area after twenty minutes with a pumice stone. Dry thoroughly and apply a foot cream. The improvement can be seen after the second treatment and this can become a weekly feature after the first month.
Incase, you are looking for a home made moisturizer for the skin specially the feet, you can prepare one easily. Simply mix rose water and glycerin ( glycerin) in equal proportion and store, to be used when ever required, especially after foot care treatment. Replace this mixture every one month.

I have shared many useful foot care tips and natural remedies in the above article. It is now up to you to take the initiative and start caring for your feet. Keep 15 to 20 minutes of your time before you go to sleep for your feet and the feet will thank you forever.