Posted by Sarwat Jaleel
on June 24, 2026
Like many people in the UK, I've been feeling the effects of this recent heatwave.
Now, anyone who knows me will tell you that I'm always cold. I'm usually the person carrying a hot water bottle around the house or reaching for another layer while everyone else is perfectly comfortable.
But even I've had to admit defeat recently.
After being on my feet all day, I found myself reaching for one of the simplest wellness rituals I know - a peppermint foot soak.
I filled an ordinary washing-up bowl with water, added our Peppermint Foot Soak and sat down for what I thought would be twenty minutes.
Forty minutes later, I was still there.
My feet felt cooler, softer and refreshed. But what surprised me most was that my entire body felt cooler too.
And there's actually science behind this.
Can Soaking Your Feet Really Cool Your Body Down?
The simple answer is yes.
Our feet contain thousands of blood vessels located close to the surface of the skin. When we immerse our feet in cool or lukewarm water, heat is able to leave the body more efficiently.
This helps reduce overall body temperature and can create a cooling sensation throughout the entire body.
This is why many cultures around the world have traditionally used foot bathing during periods of hot weather.
It's simple, effective and incredibly relaxing.
The Science Behind Peppermint Foot Soaks
Peppermint essential oil contains a naturally occurring compound called menthol.
Menthol stimulates cold-sensitive receptors in the skin, creating a refreshing cooling sensation even when the water itself isn't particularly cold.
Research has shown that peppermint can help create feelings of refreshment and alertness, while its invigorating aroma may also support mental clarity.
The scent alone can feel wonderfully uplifting during hot, heavy weather.
For me, the simple act of breathing in the peppermint aroma encouraged slower, deeper breaths and helped me slow down after a busy day.
The Forgotten Art of Foot Bathing
In Indian culture, caring for the feet has long been considered an important part of wellbeing.
Foot bathing isn't simply about cleanliness.
It's about restoration.
After a long day, soaking the feet provides an opportunity to pause, reconnect with the body and let go of the stresses of the day.
In our busy modern lives, we often move from one task to the next without stopping.
A foot soak creates a natural pause.
It's a small ritual, but often the simplest rituals have the greatest impact.
Other Benefits of Soaking Your Feet
Cooling down isn't the only benefit.
Regular foot soaks may also help:
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Ease tired, achy feet
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Encourage relaxation
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Support circulation
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Soften hard skin
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Reduce feelings of stress and tension
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Promote better sleep by encouraging the body to unwind
For anyone who spends long hours standing, walking or exercising, a foot soak can be a wonderful addition to a weekly wellness routine.
How to Create a Cooling Foot Soak at Home
You don't need any specialist equipment.
I simply use an ordinary washing-up bowl.
Fill it with cool or lukewarm water, add your chosen salts and soak your feet for around 15–20 minutes.
Although, if you're anything like me, you may find yourself staying much longer!
For an extra cooling experience during hot weather, follow with a refreshing shower using a peppermint soap bar.
The invigorating scent and natural peppermint essential oil make it the perfect summer companion.
A Simple Summer Ritual
Wellness doesn't need to be complicated.
Sometimes all we need is a bowl of water, a handful of salts and permission to slow down.
During this heatwave, my peppermint foot soak has become exactly that.
A simple ritual to cool down, slow down and give something back to my body.
And perhaps that's something we could all benefit from this summer.
If you'd like to try this ritual for yourself, our Peppermint Foot Soak is available for £14, or two bottles for £20 for a limited time.
Because sometimes the simplest remedies really are the best.
