Most shoes are in most shoes, especially on icy winter days cold feet, however, some people experience decreased blood flow to the extremities year round. This undersupply, which is particularly noticeable on the feet, usually has the effect of feeling cold, but sometimes also tingling or pain, which, depending on the cause, can be alleviated with simple home remedies.
What helps against cold feet?
Kneipp treatments strengthen the immune system and promote good blood circulation.In addition to its function as a supplier of oxygen and nutrients, the blood also has the function of a heat transport medium, which means that the main cause of cold feet is generally a poor blood supply.
More precise causes of cold feet range from tight footwear or wetness caused by sweaty feet to circulatory, nerve and / or hormone disorders and vascular diseases to psychologically-related triggers such as anxiety (getting cold feet). In addition, more diabetics and smokers suffer from cold feet.
Of course, the "cold feet symptom" can be alleviated with tried and tested home remedies, but the cause remains mainly in the case of disorders of the autonomic nervous system. Therefore, if you have persistent cold symptoms, especially if these are accompanied by pain, (color) changes in the skin, swelling, cramps or fever, you should consult a specialist (doctor or alternative practitioner) who is suitable for diagnosis.
In the case of chronically cold but otherwise healthy feet, there are various home remedies and simple tips. In addition to circulatory-strengthening exercise (including foot gymnastics, possibly with a “hedgehog ball”) and avoiding tobacco products, a balanced and healthy diet contributes significantly to preventing circulatory disorders and, as a result, cold feet.
Further measures to avoid or reduce cold feet are contrast baths and Kneipp treatments. On the one hand, these challenge the immune system, which is strengthened by it, and, on the other hand, promote blood circulation in the limbs. The process with alternating cold and warm water can also be carried out during the daily shower, with a subsequent foot massage additionally “heating up” the blood circulation.
Quick help
Since the body prepares itself in cool and wet weather to keep its center with the vital organs and the brain warm, the blood circulation is mainly concentrated in these regions. This means that the extremities are less supplied with blood, which is noticeable, among other things, by cold feet. In this case (in addition to wearing warm socks and tight, but not too tight shoes) the following “steps” promise quick help.
Hot drinks such as herbal teas give the body immediate and long-lasting warmth and also ensure improved blood circulation. A natural care cream with a high fat content (no moisturizing cream) applied to the warmly massaged feet provides an optimal protective layer against cold and wet "on your feet".
For people who are prone to sweat, immediate drying of their feet, including a change of socks, is considered effective in order to prevent the sweat from evaporating and thus the feet from cooling down. (Incidentally, baby powder or the like reduces the perspiration of the feet quite well from the start.) A ten-minute warm foot bath with two squeezed lemons or a dash of mountain pine oil and a subsequent foot and leg treatment with a massage brush warms and invigorates the feet at the same time.
You can find your medication here
➔ Medicines for cold feet and handsAlternative remedies
As an alternative remedy to warm not only "ice feet", but the whole body from the inside, a sliced piece of ginger or a teaspoon of rosemary oil is recommended, which is left in a cup of hot water for a few minutes and then drunk quickly.
Another “alternative recipe” for cold feet: mix a few finely chopped cloves of garlic with a little pork lard or petroleum jelly, let it steep for a day and rub it on your feet and legs before going to bed. (Incidentally, garlic is considered to be a very blood circulation-enhancing and blood-purifying food.) An intensive and thorough massage of the feet and legs (either with the hands or with a massage glove) allows the warming blood to circulate in the cold feet.
Walking barefoot in the morning on a summer meadow or through a winter snowy landscape hardens the feet with regular use and strengthens the immune system in the long term (provided that there are no cold pains). Thoroughly dry off the feet, which are revitalized and well-supplied with blood, and pamper them with a natural care cream.