Alternative Health

Q. The sole of my foot has a big crack down the centre. What should I put on it? Also, I have had a dry cough for two months.

A. This is one of those issues that may seem small, but can have an enormous effect on almost everything you do. It’s an issue I deal with myself from time to time as I spend a lot of time in the garden, outdoors, and barefoot.

One of the most effective treatments I have found is to soak the feet every evening in warm water for at least 30 minutes. You can add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, a splash of cold-pressed oil, a few drops of essential oils (peppermint, tea tree, lavender, or eucalyptus are great choices), or some epsom salts if you like to help soften and heal the skin. For bigger cracks and splits in the heel and/or sole of the foot you should also apply a gauze pad soaked in apple cider vinegar, covering it with a sock before you go to bed (you can also wrap it in a bandage to hold it in place).