DIY Foot Scrub: Making Rosemary Foot Scrub at Home

Using Rosemary Beyond the Kitchen

Rosmarinus officinalis is a tender perennial typically treated as an annual in colder climates (north of Zone 5). Rosemary thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. It can be harvested at any time, but is best when the stems are without flowers. Remove stems and strip off leaves for fresh use. 

Rosemary is an invigorating “wake-up” herb because of its intense, enchanting fragrance. Steep the leaves in distilled water for stimulating bath blends, hair rinses, and cleansing balms.

How to Make Rosemary Foot Scrub

Use the homemade foot scrub to cleanse the skin of dead cells, then soften and heal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup distilled water 
• ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, divided 
• ¾ cup organic cornmeal 
• 1 tablespoon sweet almond oil

*Distilled water is preferred for use in skincare recipes because nearly all impurities and/or chemicals that irritate the skin have been removed. Distilled water also tends to have a neutral pH (acid/alkaline level), which is better for use in skincare. If the pH is too high, skin will feel dry; if too low, skin tends to be oily. Water with a neutral (or near-neutral) pH eliminates the risk of dryness or oiliness and enables the skin to better absorb the herbal healing ingredients. Distilled water can be purchased at many supermarkets and pharmacies.

Sweet almond oil, made from almonds, is popular as a base oil in skincare recipes because of its skin-softening effect and the numerous nutrients that it contains. It has little to no fragrance; it will not overpower the aroma of your herbs. Use unrefined or virgin almond oil, which retain more of the beneficial nutrients.

Instructions

1. Brew a rosemary infusion: Bring distilled water to a boil in a glass saucepan. Remove the pan from heat and add ¼ cup of fresh rosemary leaves. Cover and allow to steep for 15 minutes. Remove leaves from the water by filtering through a cheesecloth. Discard leaves or add them to a compost pile. 
2. In a small, nonmetallic bowl, combine cornmeal and almond oil. Pour ¼ cup of the rosemary infusion over the cornmeal and mix until it has the texture of a smooth paste. Add the remaining fresh rosemary leaves and stir until well mixed. 

To use: Massage feet immediately, rubbing in a circular motion, then rinse clean. This scrub does not store well.

Indulge in a luxurious foot treatment while harnessing the benefits of rosemary, a versatile herb known for its stimulating and cleansing properties. This DIY recipe is not only easy to make but also provides a cost-effective and natural alternative to store-bought foot scrubs.

You can also use your rosemary to make rosemary vinegar!