Foot Powder - homemade or store bought?

[thinkgreen]

My store bought foot powder is running out. It was made locally but really wasn't very good and was quite expensive. I wondered if you would share with me what foot powder you use. Do you make it yourself? If so, would you provide your recipe? Or perhaps there's a store brand you find very good. Any advice is appreciated.

[herbgeek]

What's the foot powder for? Odor? Dampness? For the first I'd use baking soda, for the second cornstarch or rice powder.

[Zoebird]

i don't use foot powder, so i don't know what it's for.

it would be easy to make with cornstarch, and if you want it scented, you can add herbs to the corn starch. Fresh lavender or rosemary or similar would dry in the corn starch over time, but also leave a nice scent. you'd just need to mix it up and keep it in a jar.

[Mrs-M]

Awesome ideas/suggestions above! My husband used baby powder for the longest time, and it worked fabulously! Only PITA side to baby powder, I was vacuuming all the time!

[herbgeek]

And baby powder used to made with talc, which was Very Very bad to inhale into your lungs

[thinkgreen]

The foot powder is for odour. My brother uses it in his socks and shoes.

Mrs. M. I sure know what you mean about the vacuuming.
Herbgeek I like your idea of using the baking soda or cornstarch or perhaps both mixed together.
Zoebird, good idea about the fragrances. Maybe I will add some essential oils.

Thanks for your ideas.

[Mrs-M]

Herbgeek. They don't make baby powder with talc anymore? I haven't bought baby powder in so long. I still have two bottles from when my kids were babies that we're still using.

Thinkgreen. How about a quality foot balm? Something with a strong mint base to it? Plus side to a balm, no vacuuming!

[thinkgreen]

Good suggestion Mrs. M. However, my brother has limited use or his hands and wouldn't be able to manage the balm. It sounds so soothing. The foot powder can be used in his shoes without having to take off his socks or massaging it in. Thanks for your ideas.

[herbgeek]

Mrs M- talc was replaced by cornstarch a number of years ago, but they still add that same fragrance

[Mrs-M]

Thinkgreen. I'm sorry to hear of your brothers struggle with limited use of his hands. I did a little searching (net) and found this great recipe for you. It looks so good. So good on fact, I'm going to make some for my husband.

-1/2 cup cornstarch
-1/2 cup baking soda
-Peppermint Essential Oil (approx. 12-14 drops)

* Mix well and set aside overnight to dry thoroughly. If there are lumps in the mixture once it’s dry, you can sift.
* Store in an airtight container and use as needed.

I think it would be soothingly refreshing and absolutely superb for controlling odour.

Herbgeek. Thank you for the information. I know the dangers of talc (breathing it in and all), but I can't help but feel a sense of sadness (and loss) whenever age old recipes (so many of us have grown to become so familiar with) related to products are changed/altered. I see it as a little bit of history erased, and because I'm a lover of all things old-fashioned, news like this tends to not sit well with me. (Time to put away one of those old baby powder containers as a conversation item).

Question for you Herbgeek. You know how the old (talc) baby powder had a sort of crushed diamond/shimmer sparkle to it, I gather the new doesn't?

[herbgeek]

Talc is a mineral, I'm guessing the shiny sparkle was particles of mineral (but I don't know)? Acts similar to asbestos in the lungs.

[Mrs-M]

Makes perfect sense. So glad to hear the old scent was retained. Silly as this may sound, I can't wait to buy the new!

[HappyHiker]

I use Gold Bond Body Powder as my foot powder. I use it in the summer to sprinkle in my sandals and flats to keep my feet from sweating and becoming smelly during the summer's heat. Sometimes, I sprinkle between my toes if I'm going to the gym or for a long walk before putting on my socks. This powder's been made since 1908 and seems to do the trick for me. Sorry, can't read the ingredients on the back, it's worn off.