Skin20 min
Neem and Turmeric Foot Soak for Sweaty Feet
A warm soak of neem leaves and a pinch of turmeric for sweaty, smelly feet in the monsoon, followed by thorough drying between the toes.
Why neem is used this way
Neem is the bitter tree whose leaves, twigs and oil appear in Indian homes for skin, scalp and teeth. It is mostly used on the outside; eating neem is kept to small, occasional amounts.
Damp shoes and socks in the rains make feet sweaty and prone to odour and fungal infection. A neem soak is a traditional refresher; drying well and changing socks daily matter even more.
Ingredients
- A handful of neem leaves
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- A basin of warm water
How to prepare
- Boil neem leaves in two cups water for five minutes; add to the basin of warm water with turmeric.
How to use
- Soak feet for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Dry thoroughly, especially between toes, and wear clean cotton socks.
Helpful habits
- Use fresh green leaves; dry, yellow ones have little smell left.
Precautions
- Skip if you have cracked skin or diabetes-related foot problems; see a doctor instead.
- Never swallow neem oil, and never give it to children.
- Avoid eating neem in pregnancy or when trying to conceive.
- Patch-test on the inner arm 24 hours before using on the face.
- Traditional use; scientific evidence is limited. Do not stop prescribed medicine.
Frequently asked questions
Will it cure athlete's foot?
- Not reliably; itchy, peeling skin between the toes may need antifungal cream.
How often can I soak?
- Two or three times a week.
Can neem be used every day?
- On the skin and scalp, a few times a week is usual; eating it daily is not advised.
