Swollen feet feel heavy and ache endlessly. If you want to reduce the swelling in your feet effectively, you have come to the right place. Here, we have listed the home remedies for swollen feet that you can use. But first, let’s learn some more about swollen feet.
Any swelling in the body is called edema. It causes the accumulation of body fluids in a particular region. (Here, it is the feet.) Long, exhausting days and wearing high heels are some factors that can cause swelling in your feet. This swelling is persistent. It may take a few days to subside and disrupt your daily routine.
In some cases, foot swelling can be due to an underlying medical condition. But if it is not caused due to a medical condition, it can be managed effectively with some natural home remedies. You can relieve the discomfort of swollen feet by following them. In this article, we have discussed everything about swollen feet and compiled a list of home remedies to handle them. So, what are you waiting for? Have a look!
In This Article
What Are Swollen Feet?
Medically, any swelling in the body is called edema. When the body fluids accumulate in one part of the body, in this case, the feet, they become swollen. This swelling can or cannot be accompanied by pain, and it depends on the cause of the swelling (1, 2).
Dr. Matt Tanneberg, DC, CSCS, a sports chiropractor, says, “Swollen feet and ankles can come from a multitude of different health issues that can be inconsequential or need attention. Dehydration and previous injuries are the other common sources of swelling in the feet and ankles. If you have previously rolled your ankle, sprained a ligament, strained a muscle, etc., our bodies can still treat that area like a problem and continue to send inflammation to try and heal it. Another typical problem, in relation to swelling in the feet and ankles, is restricted blood vessels.”
Stylecraze Trivia Taking calcium blockers, steroids, ACE inhibitors, and combined oral contraceptives may cause swollen feet.
Here are some easy remedies and practices you can adopt to get rid of swollen feet right in the comfort of your home. They are all easy to do and very cost-effective. Most of them use equipment and cures that are found in every home.
How To Reduce And Treat Swelling In Feet Naturally
- Epsom Salt
- Tonic Water
- Contrast Baths
- Baking Soda
- Essential Oil Soak
- Lemon Solution
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Parsley
- Barley Water
- Coriander Seeds
- Ginger Essential Oil
- Grapefruit Oil
- Ice Pack
- Dandelion Tea
- Cucumber
- Cabbage Leaves
Home Remedies For Swollen Feet
1. Epsom Salt
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You Will Need
- 1/2 cup Epsom salt
- A bucket or tub
- Warm water
Note: Depending on the level of swelling, you could add up to 2 cups of Epsom salt per bath.
What You Have To Do
- Fill half the bucket with warm water.
- Add salt to it and mix well.
- Soak your swollen feet in this saline solution for 10-15 minutes.
You can also use common salt instead of Epsom salt.
How Often You Should Do This
You can try this remedy any time you experience swelling. It is best done at night before retiring to bed.
Why This Works
This is probably the most common remedy for tired and swollen feet. Epsom salt contains crystals of hydrated magnesium sulfate. These are very useful in curing muscle soreness and will give you immediate relief (3).
2. Tonic Water
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
- Tonic water
- A tub
What You Have To Do
1. Fill the tub with enough tonic water to cover your entire foot (or feet). The tonic water should be cool or at room temperature.
2. Soak the affected foot in this water for 10-15 minutes.
3. Rinse the area using regular water later.
How Often You Should Do This
Use this if you have swollen feet and have tonic water handy at home.
Why This Works
For those of you living in the medical Dark Age, tonic water is carbonated water to which a little quinine has been added. Initially used as a cure for malaria, tonic water is also a good way to reduce the swelling of the feet. The quinine acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and the fizz in the carbonated water is a great relaxant (4).
3. Contrast Baths
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
- Hot water
- Cold water
- 2 buckets
What You Have To Do
1. Fill half a bucket with hot water and half of the second bucket with cold water.
2. Soak your feet in the hot water bucket first for 10 minutes.
3. Switch to the cold water bucket for another 10-12 minutes.
4. Switch back to the hot water one last time. This time, soak your feet for five minutes.
How Often You Should Do This
A single routine of contrast bath will give you a lot of relief from the swelling.
Why This Works
This is another way to alleviate swelling of the feet, and it uses the easiest of all mediums – water. One of the best natural remedies for swollen feet. The different temperatures of water work by encouraging better blood circulation in the feet (5, 6). As a bonus, you get some free time to read, listen to music, meditate or just chill!
Caution
Do not use scalding hot water.
Related: Hot Water Bath Vs Cold Water Bath – Which One Is Better According To Ayurveda?
4. Baking Soda
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You Will Need
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons rice water
What You Have To Do
1. Boil rice and use the starchy water that you get once the rice is almost cooked.
2. Mix the baking soda with the rice water to make a paste.
3. Apply it over your feet and keep it on for 10-15 minutes.
4. Rinse your feet with water and moisturize them to keep them soft.
You can also take a larger quantity of this paste, add some water to it and soak your feet in it.
How Often You Should Do This
Use this paste as a quick remedy to reduce the swelling in your feet.
Why This Works
This simple, unassuming ingredient has many remedial benefits. The baking soda in this mix possesses anti-inflammatory properties (7). In combination with the rice water, it absorbs the excess water that has accumulated in the feet. This remedy also improves blood circulation in the affected area.
Related: 20 Beauty Benefits Of Baking Soda You Must Know!
5. Essential Oil Soak
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You Will Need
- 3-4 drops eucalyptus oil
- 3-4 drops peppermint oil
- 3-4 drops lemon essential oil
- ½ bucket warm water
What You Have To Do
1. Pour the essential oils in the water and stir well. You can add ½ cup to 2 cups of Epsom salts to the soak to increase anti-inflammatory effects.
2. Soak your feet in this blend for 15 minutes.
3. Remove your feet from the water and pat them dry.
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this remedy once every day until the swelling goes away.
Why This Works
Essential oils have nothing to do with the word ‘important’; they mean that the oils contain the ‘essence’ of a particular plant. Besides alleviating the swelling in the feet, the combination of essential oils used in this remedy also acts as a natural relaxant through its beautiful aroma (8, 9, 10).
6. Lemon Solution
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You Will Need
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon milk
What You Have To Do
1. Mix the ingredients to get a paste-y liquid.
2. Apply it all over your swollen feet.
3. Leave it on for a couple of hours. This remedy is best used as an overnight solution for swollen feet.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this before hitting the bed and have soft and swelling-free feet by the morning.
Why This Works
Lemon is commonly used both internally and externally for its anti-inflammatory properties (11). Cinnamon and olive oil also help in reducing swelling as they possess similar properties like lemon (12, 13). Olive oil will also nourish the skin on your feet and make it soft (14). Your feet will soak up all of these beneficial ingredients, and you will wake up without any swelling or stiffness.
Related: Lemon Juice For Weight Loss: How To Make And When To Drink It
7. Apple Cider Vinegar
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2-3 cups warm water
- 2-3 cups cold water
- A towel
What You Have To Do
1. Mix half cup of ACV with warm water and the remaining half cup with cold water in separate bowls.
2. Soak the towel in the warm water first, wring out the excess, and wrap this around the swollen foot.
3. Leave the towel on until it comes down to room temperature.
4. Repeat the wrap with the cold water-vinegar mix. Leave this wrap on for about five minutes.
How Often You Should Do This
You can repeat this process once again after a couple of hours if the swelling does not subside.
Why This Works
Strange, but true. Apple cider vinegar, when applied to swollen feet and ankles, can provide immediate relief. The vinegar has an effective fluid absorption action, which makes the feet lose excess fluid build-up (15). Once the excess fluid is gone, the swelling and stiffness will vanish. This is one of the best swollen ankle remedies.
Related: 8 Side Effects Of Apple Cider Vinegar & How To Use It Safely
8. Parsley
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You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley leaves
- A cup of hot water
What You Have To Do
1. Steep the leaves in hot water a couple of times.
2. Strain and drink while the tea is warm.
How Often You Should Do This
Drink two to three cups of this herbal tea in a day.
Why This Works
If fluid retention is the culprit behind your swollen feet, you can bust it with this herb. Parsley is a natural diuretic, which will help the body expel the excess fluid that has accumulated in your feet. Parsley also has anti-inflammatory properties (16).
StyleCraze Says You can also add fresh parsley leaves to green juices or use them as a topping for salads to increase your consumption.
9. Barley Water
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
- A handful of barley grains
- 1-2 cups water
What You Have To Do
1. Boil barley until the water takes on a light brown hue.
2. Strain and cool this solution.
3. Consume it either at room temperature or after cooling it in the refrigerator.
How Often You Should Do This
Consume 1-2 glasses per day.
Why This Works
I know it doesn’t really taste good, but this mixture is a wonderful diuretic. Barley helps the body wash out toxins that have built up due to fluid retention and brings down edema in the feet (17).
[ Read: Barley Water Benefits ]
10. Coriander Seeds
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You Will Need
- 3 tablespoons coriander seeds
- 1 cup water
What You Have To Do
1. Boil the seeds in water until it reduces to half of its original volume.
2. Strain and drink this infusion.
You can also soak the coriander seeds in warm water for some time and grind them to make a paste. Apply this paste on the affected area a couple of times, and see the swelling go down in no time.
How Often You Should Do This
Drink this twice a day.
Why This Works
Being a diuretic, coriander will help the body easily eliminate the excess fluid in the swollen feet (18). The edema will go down once this happens and give you relief.
11. Ginger Essential Oil
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
- A few drops of ginger essential oil
- 1-2 tablespoons of carrier oil (Olive oil, jojoba oil or coconut oil)
What You Have To Do
1. Mix the essential oil with the carrier oil.
2. Massage your feet gently with this blend for 5-10 minutes.
3. Leave the oil on overnight.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this before you go to bed.
Why This Works
This oil contains the benefits of ginger without that sting. Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties. It improves circulation and also eases cramping caused by swollen feet (19, 20).
12. Grapefruit Oil
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
- 4-5 drops grapefruit oil
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
What You Have To Do
1. Mix the oils and massage the affected area with the mixture.
2. Leave it on overnight.
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this every night until the swelling subsides.
Why This Works
This essential oil is a wonderful anti-inflammatory agent because of its diuretic properties. It also possesses antimicrobial properties (21).
13. Ice Pack
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
Ice pack
What You Have To Do
1. Place the ice pack for 10-12 minutes on the swollen area.
2. If you do not have an ice pack at home, you can make one with some ice cubes and a wet towel. Place the cubes on the towel, wrap it around and use it.
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat the application of the ice pack after a few hours if the swelling does not subside.
Why This Works
Tried and trusted, our ever-faithful ice pack can help here too! The cold temperature of the ice pack alters the blood flow, which reduces swelling and pain (22). This is also one of the most effective home remedies for swollen feet.
14. Dandelion Tea
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon dandelion herb
- A cup of boiling water
What You Have To Do
1. Make dandelion tea by adding the herb to boiling water and allowing it to steep for a while.
2. This tea is most effective if you have it while it is warm.
How Often You Should Do This
Have 1-2 cups per day till you find relief from foot edema.
Why This Works
This amazing herb has pretty good effects on swollen feet. Dandelion has water expulsive properties and is also rich in antioxidants (23). It alleviates inflammation in any part of the body effectively.
15. Cucumber
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
- A cucumber
- Bandage
What You Have To Do
1. Cut the cucumber into thin slices.
2. Place these slices on your feet and cover them with a loose bandage.
3. Remove the bandage after 20-30 minutes and see the difference.
You can also extract the juice of cucumber, add it to water and apply it to your feet to get similar results.
How Often You Should Do This
You can use this remedy any time you experience swollen feet.
Why This Works
The very name is soothing, isn’t it? Cucumber has amazing soothing properties that will reduce edema and stiffness and make relieve your swollen feet (24).
16. Cabbage Leaves
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
- White or green cabbage
- Bandage
What You Have To Do
1. Take cabbage leaves, wipe them clean, but do not wash them. You may experience more relief if the leaves have been cooled in the fridge (but not frozen).
2. Place them on your swollen feet or tie them there with a loose bandage.
3. Remove the leaves after 30 minutes.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this again after 3-4 hours if required.
Why This Works
Even though this remedy sounds peculiar, it is definitely one of the best ones for swollen feet. Cabbage has great water absorption qualities and will draw out excess fluid in the feet. It also has anti-inflammatory and healing properties (25).
Infographic: Swollen Feet: Underlying Conditions & Treatments
Swollen feet do not always mean you have a serious underlying condition. Even a long flight, prolonged hours of standing, or an injury can cause swollen feet, which should ideally subside in 2-3 days. However, if foot swelling becomes a regular phenomenon, it is a cause for concern, and you must consult a doctor for a diagnosis.
The following infographic gives you an overview of serious underlying conditions of swollen feet and remedial actions to be taken. Take a look!
Swollen feet, or feet edema, is caused due to the accumulation of body fluids in the feet. Staying on your feet all day, tight shoes, certain medications, and some medical conditions may cause fluid accumulation and swelling. Feet edema may or may not be painful, depending on what is causing the swelling. Home remedies for swollen feet include Epsom salt, tonic water, baking soda, essential oils, lemon, apple cider vinegar, dandelion, and cucumber. However, along with these home remedies, you need to rest your feet to relieve the swelling. If you are pregnant and experience swollen feet along with symptoms like infrequent urination, nausea, blurred vision, or abdominal pain, you must seek immediate medical attention.
CAUTION: Pregnant women who develop infrequent urination, vomiting or nausea, blurred vision, and/or abdominal pain, along with foot edema, must rush to the doctor as it can indicate a life-threatening complication – preeclampsia.
There are many alternative therapies like acupressure, acupuncture, and homeopathy for swollen feet. It is best to go for a treatment plan (or solution) that is safe for use and will not give you any side effects. Natural remedies are the best options that easily fulfill this criteria and produce long-lasting results.
For most people, these home remedies have helped them to get back on their feet in a jiffy! So, what are you waiting for? Try these remedies and see the results for yourself.
