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and chamomile. For an invigorating footbath, try eucalyptus and orange peels, or mix lavender with rosemary and lemon. Cooler water tends to be more refreshing; warmer soaks aid in relaxation.

Tossing in a small handful of oatmeal softens the skin, as does adding half a cup of cider vinegar—which has the added bene t of being antifungal. In winter, open and sni the bottles and packages on your herb and spice shelf for such delightful ingredients as clove, cinnamon, cardamom, and rosemary. Ginger is stimulating and makes a great addition to a footbath. You might even try steeping an herbal tea bag or two in the bath—berry blends and oral-scented teas are nice. Be creative, but be sure not to overwhelm sensitive young noses.

Jodi Simons recommends not fretting too much about seeking out special herbs or foot tubs. “You can just add a little bit of mild soap, and simply using warm water and a dish bucket or wide bowl is o en enough for little feet,” she says. You can also put the herbs in a muslin tea bag (sold at many health-food stores) or cheesecloth bag.

Some toddlers don’t enjoy the textured feel of owers or herbs on their piggies, so keep additives to a minimum when rst trying this out. I’ve had one youngster withdraw her tender toes from some oating owers she’d put in the footbath herself. It’s also tempting for little ones to want to put toys in a footbath and play. Having experienced what was to be a quiet foot soak turn into an experiment in toy otation, I recommend telling your child that, a er a certain time

(you decide), both of you will play in the water tub together, should this situation arise. Editor’s note: Also let your child know that getting essential oils, especially mint, on hands that then touch the eyes or nose is unpleasant. My best method for getting a reluctant child involved in the gentle sighs of a quiet foot soak is to do it for myself rst—it sets an irresistible example a child will want to try for him- or herself.

e bene ts of footbaths extend beyond better health or just calming your roost. Tending one another’s feet provides a nurturing atmosphere that can lead to meaningful conversations, and even giggly fun. Next time things are beginning to feel a little too wild, or are getting cranky or just plain exhausting, try sitting everyone down with a footbath—you might nd yourself creating your own tradition of peace, wellness, and sanity.

Want more ideas for nourishing body and soul? Log on to www. mothering.com/links and nd these past articles: “Saturday Night Spa,” by Ellen Wren, and “Meditating Mamas,” by Rebecca Cunningham and Susan Whelehan.

A mother of two, Angela Cannon-Crothers is a naturalist, freelance writer, and educator with a special interest in herbs and all things wild. Her novel, e Wildcra er, is

available through Lulu Press.

Tending
one another’s
feet provides
a nurturing
atmosphere
that can
lead to
meaningful
conversations,
and even
giggly fun.

TIPS
For children,
cut by half
the amount
of oil used
in the footbath.
Use smaller quantities
when adding whole herbs
and owers to a bath.
Check with your
health provider
before using anything
on a child who has
a preexisting
health condition,
such as diabetes
or an open wound.