General characteristics

The human foot has 26 bones, 33 joints, 107 ligaments, 19 tendons, 19 muscles, 200,000 nerve endings and makes up almost 25% of all the bones in the body. They are truly a bio-mechanical marvel, unique to us as humans. Our feet are designed to give us flexibility and movement, provide us with stability and balance whilst stationary or in motion, absorb shocks from impact with the ground, provide important sensory information to the rest of the body and to bear the weight of the body.

Feet can suffer from numerous disorders ranging from fungal or bacterial infections to structural problems and poor circulation, diseases such as diabetes, weak kidney function, toxicity and general poor nutrition can also profoundly affect the state of the feet.

Useful herbs

A useful herbal tea mix to address nutrient levels, circulation to the feet and strengthen muscles could contain ginkgo, horsetail, nettle, oatstraw, raspberry leaf and alfalfa. Use equal parts of the herbs and drink 2 strong cups daily, adding a pinch of cayenne to each cup to restore strength, circulation and suppleness to the feet.

Make a footbath in a bowl of warm water and add 3 tablespoons of crushed balm of gilead buds to it. Soak the feet for at least half an hour each night, topping up with warm water. Balm of gilead will moisturise and soften the skin, help deal with fungal and other infections and soothe tired, strained or sore feet.

There are many herbs used as a lining in shoes to prevent sore or tired feet in general or before a long walk or journey. These include the fresh leaves of plantain (Plantago lanceolta or major), the alder tree, ivy leaves (that have been soaked in cider vinegar overnight), mugwort, cabbage, common or marsh mallow or birch leaves..