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Grandma's Cold Feet Remedies
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When the weather is cold, the body maintains its temperature by shutting off the blood flow to the hands and feet. This ensures that the main organs, such as the heart and brain, stay at the temperature necessary for them to functions properly. Unfortunately, it also causes the extremities to cool off.
Some people complain of cold feet, even when in a warm place, may be showing signs of poor nutrition or nicotine abuse. If there is no underlying organic disorder, the problem may be alleviated by eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals and exercising regularly. But once you start naturopathic applications like mentioned along with footbaths, foot exercises and massages, you will notice an improvement in the blood flow, it's important to continue such measures over a considerable period of time.
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Natural Remedies for Cold Feet
Regular Exercise:
Aerobic activity, such as running, hiking and cycling, can help prevent cold feet. This kind of activity is especially useful for people who sit or stand a lot in the workplace. Believe it or not, walking through the early morning dew stimulates blood flow in the feet. For best results, regularly walk barefoot through the dewy grass for about 2 minutes, or in the winter, walk about 1 minute through the snow.
Foot Exercises
Foot exercises dilate and strengthen blood vessels and improve circulation. Try the following exercises several times daily.
- Take 10 steps each on tiptoe, on the heel and on the inner and outer edges of our feet in succession. Repeat several times.
- Try to use your toes to pick up a handkerchief or a pen from the floor.
- While seated, rotate each foot clockwise at the ankle joint 10-20 times; repeat counterclockwise.
- Stand, heels apart, with your big toes touching. Rise up on the balls of our feet, and then slowly lower your heels back to the floor. Repeat 10 times to improve circulation in cold feet.
Water Application to Stimulate Circulation:
Cold, warm or hot footbaths and showers stimulate the flow of blood. The alternating footbath is particularly invigorating to the circulatory system. Fill one bucket with hot water and another bucket with cold water. Soak your feet and lower legs in the hot water for 6-10 minutes, and then dip them in the cold water for 10-15 seconds. Alternate five times, ending with the cold footbath. Pat dry immediately and put on warm socks.
Foot Massage to Promote Blood Flow:
Massaging the feet stimulates blood flow. Beginning with the toes, use your fingertips and thumb to massage each foot with circular movements. A warming oil, such as tiger balm or eucalyptus, will enhance the effect. Also try a foot massage with a porcupine ball; place your feet lightly on the ball and roll gently back and forth.
Cold Shower for Lower Legs
Run a water jet (handheld shower) from the little toe of your right foot over the side of the instep to the heel, and then along the outer side of your calf up to just below the hollow of our knee. Massage for 10 seconds, using slow, circular movements. Then run the water jet down the inner side of your calf to the inside of your hell. Finally, run the jet up the left and down the right side of your shinbone. Move to your left foot. Run the jet from the little toe along the outer side of your calf to the hollow of the knee; repeat the circular movements for 10 seconds. Run the water jet down to the inside of the heel, then up the left and down the right sides of our shinbone.
Lavender Bath
Before adding lavender to the bathwater, you need to steep ½ pound of the flowers in cold water overnight. The next day, simmer gently while tightly covered; strain. Then add the flowers to a moderate-temperature bath. If you prefer a sponge bath, use only ¼ ounce of lavender in ½ gallon of bathwater.
Fruit and Vegetable Juices
Drink the following juices to stimulate the metabolism and the circulatory system: apricot, peach, cherry, plum, grape, beet, artichoke, watercress, tomato and onion.
DISCLAIMER:
The statement's made here have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure or prevent any disease. This notice is required by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.
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