For swollen feet (a condition often called edema), the combination of Epsom salt and fresh Mint (the “something green”) is a highly effective traditional remedy. This treatment focuses on osmotic pressure—using salt to draw excess fluid out of the tissues—and the “cooling” effect of mint to constrict blood vessels and reduce inflammation.
This soak provides immediate relief for that “tight” feeling in the skin and helps restore the natural shape of your ankles and feet.
Why Salt and Mint Work Together
- Magnesium Absorption (Epsom Salt): Epsom salt is made of magnesium sulfate. Magnesium is a natural muscle relaxant that helps regulate the body’s fluid balance. When you soak, the magnesium is absorbed through the skin, helping to “calm” the veins and reduce the pooling of fluid.
- The Cooling Power of Menthol (Mint): Mint contains high levels of menthol, which creates a cooling sensation. This causes “vasoconstriction,” where the blood vessels narrow slightly, helping to push blood and fluid back up toward the heart instead of letting it sit in the feet.
- Anti-Inflammatory Chlorophyll: The green chlorophyll and antioxidants in fresh mint leaves help soothe the skin and reduce the redness or heat often associated with swelling.
The Recipe: The “Green Relief” Foot Soak
This soak is designed to be used in the evening to help “drain” the day’s swelling away.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of Epsom Salt (or Sea Salt)
- 1 large handful of fresh Mint leaves (the “something green”)
- Warm Water (enough to cover your ankles)
- Optional: 2 slices of Cucumber (another “green” ingredient that is 95% water and highly cooling)
Instructions
- Release the Oils: Take the fresh mint leaves and “bruise” them by rubbing them between your palms or lightly crushing them. This releases the menthol and aromatic oils.
- Prepare the Bath: Fill a basin with warm—not hot—water. Hot water can actually increase swelling by dilating the vessels, so aim for a comfortable “tepid” temperature.
- Dissolve the Salt: Stir in the salt until it is completely dissolved.
- Infuse: Add the bruised mint leaves (and cucumber slices if using) to the water and let them steep for 2 minutes.
- Soak: Submerge your feet for 15 to 20 minutes. While soaking, gently flex your toes and rotate your ankles to help the circulation move.
- Dry and Elevate: After the soak, pat your feet dry and immediately elevate them above the level of your heart for 10 minutes to maximize the drainage.
A Thoughtful Tip: While the soak works from the outside, remember that your “clear mind and body” are maintained by what you put inside! To help this remedy work faster, try to drink an extra glass of water with a squeeze of lemon to help your kidneys flush out the excess salt that often causes the swelling in the first place.
