Marigold for bunions
I am sure I read somewhere that an extract of marigold can be used as a poultice to reduce the swelling of bunions. Both my chiropodist and local health shop said they had never heard of such a thing. Have I got the wrong plant? Help, it’s summer-sandal time and this problem takes all the joy out of shoe shopping.
You are quite right, there is nothing worse than a having a wardrobe full of gorgeous sandals and not being able to sit and swing your Sergios with pride because your “manky” feet are letting you down.
The good news is that you can easily go to task on ropey feet; whether it's fungal infections, hard skin, bunions, thickening toe nails or just plain smelly foot odour spoiling your summer sandal look - but as always, you need to invest in natural products that do what they promise on the packaging.
The reason you have heard that marigold can help with the pain of bunions is that it is an excellent anti-inflammatory topical agent and since these swellings are caused by an inflammation of the bursa (the small fluid-filled fibrous sac that lies between certain tendons and the bones beneath them which allows the tendon to move over bone) this may have been the gist of the article you read.
Because this is, essentially, a joint problem, which can be hereditary or may be the result of chronic pressure from poorly fitted shoes, you need to take Nexrutine; one of the supplements I normally recommend for arthritis and joint inflammation. To learn more about this agent which is made from the rue plant, click here.
For general footcare, I use the specialised products in the Salcura range, including a foot therapy spray (£9.99 for 50ml) to prevent athletes foot and other fungal infections and a brilliant foot balsam (£14.99 for 25ml) made from Siberian fir tree oil to prevent cracking and drying heels. If anyone in the family has a problem with foot odour, then you should add the foot deoroller, (£9.99 for 100ml) - again incorporating Siberian fir tree oil, to your shopping list. You can mail order all these footcare products and the Nexrutine supplement, which is imported from America, from Victoria Health (0800 413596).