Home Remedies For Burning Feet
Burning feet is a frustrating and often debilitating medical condition affecting men and women of all ages around the world. This syndrome results in a feeling of painful burning and discomfort in the feet. Oftentimes the pain can become unbearable, while other times it is just a dull and annoying feeling. Doctors believe this strange condition, like restless leg syndrome, is brought on by poor circulation in the legs or an imbalance in the nervous system. While medication is sometimes prescribed to help fight the effects, many sufferers now turn to natural medication instead. Several herbal supplements are believed to help fight burning feet syndrome, helping those afflicted reduce the pain and live more normal lives.
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B1, also referred to as thiamine, is unique when compared to other common vitamins. Unlike most vitamins, the body does not naturally store B1. This means it must be replenished every day through either a good diet or vitamin supplements. Failure to do this creates a deficiency within the body, which many doctors believe is linked to burning feet syndrome. B-type vitamins commonly help with red blood cell production, circulation, and nerve cell function. While many of these important B vitamins are naturally obtained and stored by the body every day, because B1 is not it is usually the first to become deficient. Even this one deficiency can be enough to lead to burning feet, so the first step toward alleviating the symptoms is to increase vitamin B1 intake. Whole grains and green vegetables are high in B1 and should be added to daily meals. In addition, most over-the-counter vitamin supplements contain high doses of B1.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn is a naturally occurring herb commonly mixed with hot water to create tea. Those who swear by hawthorn as an herbal remedy recommend drinking two cups of hawthorn tea per day, with each cup containing one tablespoon of the herb. Hawthorn is thought to help burning feet syndrome because it dilates the blood vessels. This allows for better circulation through the legs and feet, which will then help reduce the burning sensation. Because hawthorn can be found as most herbal remedy shops and is very easy to use as a drinkable tea it has long been one of the more popular natural burning feet remedies.
Chromium
Chromium is a natural mineral often found in store-bought vitamin supplements or as standalone supplement pills. Chromium is thought to help the body balance its blood sugar level. Instability in blood sugar levels can sometimes trigger the burning feet sensation. Regular doses of chromium are believed to prevent this by correcting that sugar imbalance before it can trigger the burning. The only downside to chromium use is time. It can be several months before regular chromium supplements have a chance to start taking effect in the body. If you are at risk for either high or low blood sugar, or are diabetic, then chromium is a good remedy to try. For everyone else, however, there may be better ways to combat burning feet with different herbs.
Thyme
While most commonly used for cooking, thyme also has a place among the best natural herbal remedies for burning feet. Soaking the feet in both hot and cold tubs of water infused with thyme can help dilate the blood vessels. By switching between the hot and cold water you can promote better blood flow through the feet and lessen the burning and stinging. Start by mixing a handful of fresh thyme in each tub of water and letting it soak for several minutes. Then submerge the feet in a tub for three minutes before switching to the other water for another three. Go back and forth like this for about twenty minutes, one session per day, and you will start to notice the burning becoming less frequent and intense, all without ever having to take prescription medication.
