Cold feet are a sign of poor circulation in the feet. It is quite normal in cold conditions, when the blood vessels in the peripheral parts of your body constrict to reduce loss of body heat, to have cold feet. Your feet may also become cold because of anxiety and stress when hormonal changes slow down blood flow to the feet. However, in some cases, cold feet are a chronic problem associated with an underlying peripheral vascular disease that reduces blood flow to the feet. Certain home remedies are found to be effective in warming the feet by dilating the blood vessels and improving blood circulation in the extremities.
The Following Home Remedies Can Help In Overcoming Cold Feet
1. Alternating Hot And Cold Footbaths
Alternating hot and cold footbath creates a powerful reaction that helps in increasing blood circulation in the feet that assists in restoring the normal temperature of the feet. Fill a bucket with warm water. The temperature of the water should be between 37° and 39°C. Fill another bucket with cool water at a temperature between 15° and 20°C. Soak your feet in the warm water for about two minutes. Then dip your feet in the cool water for up to a minute. Repeat several times and finish with warm water footbath.[1]
2. Sesame Oil
Sesame oil is known to help in stimulating circulation. Massaging the feet for a few minutes with sesame oil helps in keeping the feet warm for a longer time. Slightly warm the oil before using it for foot massage.[2]
3. Ginger And Mustard
Ginger and mustard are known for their warming effect that helps people troubled by cold feet. A footbath that contains ginger and mustard helps in warming the feet and boosting blood circulation. To prepare the ginger and mustard footbath, you will need one tablespoon of powdered ginger or three tablespoons of freshly grated ginger, three tablespoons of mustard seeds and half a gallon of water. Add ginger and mustard seeds to the water and boil for 10 minutes. Pour the decoction in a bucket and add cool water to adjust the temperature. Soak your feet in the water for 10 minutes. Take this footbath daily.[3]
4. Cayenne Pepper
The hotness of cayenne pepper helps in keeping the feet warm. To alleviate cold feet, slightly wet your feet and sprinkle cayenne pepper all over your feet. Now wear your socks or stockings to keep your feet warm throughout the day.[4]
5. Ginger
For relief from cold feet, eat ginger. Ginger is an excellent warming herb. It also acts as a vasodilator and assists in smooth blood circulation. Therefore, if you have cold feet, ginger can help in restoring the normal blood flow in your feet that makes it warm naturally. You may also benefit by taking a warming ginger footbath. Add one to two teaspoons of freshly grated ginger to a basin of warm water and soak your feet in it for 10 to 20 minutes.[5]
6. Thyme
Thyme is a popular culinary herb that is also known for stimulating blood circulation. Prepare a strong infusion of thyme by boiling one to two teaspoons of chopped thyme leaves in water for several minutes. Pour the strong thyme tea in a basin and soak your feet for three minutes. Then dip your feet in cold water for three seconds and then again immerse your feet in the thyme footbath. Repeat this for about 20 minutes. Make sure that the temperature of the footbath stays constant throughout the procedure.[6]
7. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is known to help in warming the body and increasing circulation. Therefore, it is considered beneficial for people suffering from chronic cold feet. Chew and swallow a small piece of cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon. You may even add cinnamon sticks to your regular tea to keep your feet warm.[7]
