Ideas for treating tired, aching feet and fungus problems such as athletes foot (ringworm of the foot aka tinea pedis).

Pau D’arco tea is supposedly effective for athlete’s foot (as well as candida), according to:
http://www.mall-net.com/mcs/afung.html

“…simply soak your feet in a thin layer of the tea each day, works in under a week, but you might see a change with one treatment. Dormant spores take a while to kill, so keep it up for the full week.”

Tea tree oil is an often used remedy for fungal infections, including athlete’s foot.* Garlic oil, vinegar, and baking soda have also been reported to be effective. As is vitamin E applied to the site.

Another recommendation that I’ve heard is to place some raw honey on a cotton ball and insert between affected toes before bed. Cover with old sock to protect bedding.

In Natural Foot Care Herbal Treatments, Massage, and Exercises for Healthy Feet, Stephanie Tourles suggests using 2 tsp tincture of bezoin combined with a few drops each of lavender and thyme essential oils as a herbal remedy for athlete’s foot.

For children suffering from athlete’s foot, she suggests making a nighttime massage oil of 2 tsp castor, jojoba, soybean, or extra virgin olive oil, combined with 2 drops tea tree essential oil, 1 drop lavender essential oil, and 1 drop clove or thyme essential oil. Stephanie recommends massaging it into their feet nightly for several weeks.

Calendula is great for cracked skin.

Use peppermint tea for a nice foot soak after a long day (Heaven!).

*Footnote (heh): Pure tea tree oil can also be applied directly to the feet without dilution (aka “neat”).

**Some suggest using cornstarch to dust feet and/or shoes, however it has been said that cornstarch can actually encourage fungal growth.

Also see recipes for Anti-Fungal Foot Spray and recipe for Refreshing and Freshening Foot Spray and Simple Home-Made Herbal Foot Bath Recipes for Tired Aching Feet.

Recommended reading:
Natural Foot Care: Herbal Treatments, Massage, and Exercises for Healthy Feet
The Herbal Home Spa: Naturally Refreshing Wraps, Rubs, Lotions, Masks, Oils, and Scrubs (Herbal Body)

The use of essential oils is not recommended for the very young or aged, or pregnant/nursing women. It is the belief of this site that essential oils should not be used internally, only externally and topically. A skin test should always be done before using an essential oil, especially important for those more sensitive or vulnerable. Consult a reputable and experienced aromatherapist for guidance. If you are under the care of a physician, it is recommended that you contact them before using essential oils.