Especially on icy winter days are in most shoes cold feet, but some people suffer throughout the year from reduced blood flow to the extremities. This undersupply, which is particularly noticeable in the feet, usually affects the feet as a feeling of cold, but sometimes also as tingling or pain, which can be alleviated with simple home remedies, depending on the cause.
What helps against cold feet?
Kneipp applications strengthen the immune system and promote good circulation. In addition to its activity as a supplier of oxygen and nutrients, the blood also has the function of a heat transport medium, which means that the main cause of cold feet is generally considered to be an inadequate blood supply to them. More precise causes of cold feet range from shoes that are too tight or wetness caused by sweaty feet to circulatory, nervous and/or hormonal disorders as well as vascular diseases and psychological triggers such as anxiety (getting cold feet). In addition, diabetics and smokers increasingly suffer from cold feet. Of course, the “cold feet symptom” can be alleviated by proven home remedies, but the cause remains, especially in the case of disorders of the autonomic nervous system. Therefore, if the cold symptoms persist, especially if they are accompanied by pain, (color) skin changes, swelling, cramps or fever, a specialist suitable for diagnosis (doctor or alternative practitioner) should be consulted. In the case of chronically cold but otherwise healthy feet, various home remedies and simple tips are available. In addition to exercise that strengthens the circulation (including foot gymnastics, possibly with a “hedgehog ball”) and avoidance of smoking products, a balanced and healthy diet contributes significantly to the prevention of circulatory disorders and, subsequently, cold feet. Further measures to avoid or reduce cold feet are alternating baths and Kneipp applications. On the one hand, these challenge the immune system, which is strengthened as a result, and on the other hand, they promote blood circulation in the limbs. The procedure with alternating cold and warm water can also be carried out in the course of the daily shower, with a subsequent foot massage additionally “heating up” the blood circulation.
Quick help
As the body adapts to cool and wet weather to keep its center with vital organs as well as the brain warm, blood circulation is mainly concentrated in these regions. Thus, the extremities are less supplied with blood, which is noticeable, among other things, by cold feet. In this case, the following “steps” (in addition to wearing warm socks and tight but not too tight shoes) promise quick help. Hot drinks such as herbal teas provide the body with immediate and long-lasting warmth and also improve blood circulation. A natural care cream with a high fat content (not a moisturizer) applied to the warm massaged feet provides an optimal protective layer against cold and wetness “on the legs”. In the case of people who are prone to perspiration, immediate drying of the feet, including a change of socks, is considered effective in order to prevent the sweat from evaporating and thus the feet from cooling down. (Incidentally, baby powder or the like reduces foot perspiration quite well from the outset). A warm foot bath for about ten minutes with two squeezed lemons or a dash of mountain pine oil, followed by a foot and leg treatment with a massage brush, warms and invigorates the feet in equal measure.
Alternative remedies
As an alternative remedy to warm not only “ice feet” but the whole body from the inside, it is recommended to use a sliced piece of ginger or a teaspoon of rosemary oil, steeped in a cup of hot water for a few minutes and then drink briskly. Another “alternative recipe” for cold feet: mix a few finely chopped cloves of garlic with a little lard or Vaseline, let it steep for a day and rub it into the feet and legs before going to bed. (By the way, garlic is considered to be a food that stimulates blood circulation and purifies the blood). An intensive and thorough massage of the feet and legs (either with the hands or with a massage glove) allows the warming blood to circulate in the cold feet. Walking barefoot in the morning on a summer dewy meadow or even through a winter snowy landscape, if done regularly, hardens the feet and strengthens the immune system in the long term (as long as no cold pains occur).Afterwards, thoroughly dry the revitalized and well-blooded feet and pamper them with a natural care cream.
