Cracked heels are a common problem and range in the severity from a cosmetic problem to a painful issue. Some common reasons for the cracked heels are the lack of moisture, dry air, improper foot care, aging, an unhealthy diet, wearing the wrong kinds of shoes, and prolonged standing on the hard floors. Some conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, corns and calluses, thyroid disease, and diabetes can also contribute to this problem.

People with cracked heels can experience some symptoms such as a dry and thickened skin, itching, redness, inflammation and peeling skin. However, if you take some proper precautions right away, you can prevent the cracks of your heels from getting deeper as well as causing the bleeding and pain. In the framework of this writing, AllRemedies.com will introduce to you top 26 best natural home remedies for cracked heels in winter safely and effectively from reliable sources. Nevertheless, it is only for the informational purpose and it is not aimed to give medical advice. Continue reading this article to understand more!

Top 26 Best Natural Home Remedies For Cracked Heels In Winter

1. Rice Flour

Rice flour works as a great homemade exfoliating scrub that can be used to eliminate the dead skin cells on your feet and heels caused from the cracking and dryness. You can use it as one of the natural home remedies for cracked heels.

You will need:

• 3 tablespoons of rice flour
• 2 teaspoons of honey
• 1 to 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• A few drops of olive oil (optional)
• Warm water
• A towel

Directions:

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• You soak your feet into the warm water for about 15 to 20 minutes.
• Then, you rub your feet with a towel to remove the dead skin cells.
• Next, you add apple cider vinegar and honey to the rice flour to make a thick mixture.
• If you use olive oil, you can add it to this mixture and mix them well.
• Now you apply this mixture to your heels and you rub gently.
• You can massage your feet for about 10 to 15 minutes and then you wash them off with lukewarm water.
• You should do this way every day until you can keep the cracks away.

2. Vegetable Oil

You can use some vegetable oils such as sesame oil, olive oil, coconut oil, etc. to provide essential moisture and avoid the dry air. Using these oils became one of the easiest home remedies for cracked heels.

You will need:

• Vegetable oil
• Clean socks
• A pumice stone

Directions:

• First of all, you use a pumice stone to scrub your feet and then you wash them thoroughly.
• Next, you apply a little vegetable oil on your soles and heels.
• Then, you put on your socks and you allow them to stay for overnight. This means that it is better for you to do this way at night before going to bed.
• In the next morning, you can notice softer heels.
• You should repeat the same process regularly for a few days until you get rid of this problem completely.

3. Neem Leaves And turmeric Powder

One of other home remedies for cracked heels is the combination of neem leaves and turmeric powder.

Neem leaves contain antifungal & antibacterial properties that help to treat cracked heels fast.

This remedy is especially good for bleeding heels.

You will need:

• A handful of neem leaves
• 3 teaspoons of turmeric powder
• Water

Directions:

• You add a little water to the neem leaves and you crush them to make a paste.
• Then, you add turmeric powder to this neem leaves paste.
• Next, you apply this paste to your affected areas.
• You allow them to sit for half an hour.
• After that, you wash your feet with water.
• Finally, you use a soft cloth to pat your feet dry.

You should use this remedy for one time per day. However, if the condition of your heels is really bad, you should do it two times per day.

4. Glycerin And Rose Water

Glycerin will soften the skin of your heels and rose water will add vitamins E, D, C, B3, and A which provide the essential moistures. In addition, rose water also contains antiseptic and antibacterial properties that can help to treat cracked heels safely and effectively. Therefore, when they are mixed together, they will become one of the perfect home remedies for cracked heels.

Way 1: Glycerin and rose water

You will need:

• Glycerin
• Rose water

Directions:

• You take equal quantities of glycerin and rosewater.
• Then, you mix them well to make a mixture.
• After that, you rub this solution on your feet and heels. It will be more effective if you apply it at night before you go to bed.
• You allow them to sit for overnight.
• In the next morning, you rinse your feet.
• You should do this way daily for a few days until the cracks of your heels were gone away completely.

Way 2: Glycerin, rose water, lemon juice, and salt

You will need:

• ¼ part of glycerin
• ¾ part of rosewater
• Half a lemon
• Warm water
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• A pumice stone

Directions:

• First of all, you mix glycerin with rosewater.
• Then, you add the lemon juice squeezed from half a lemon to this mixture.
• Next, you add salt into the warm water and you mix them well.
• Then, you soak your feet in this water.
• You allow the feet to be there for 15 to 20 minutes. You can add a little lemon juice to this water in order that the dead skin cells can loosen up quickly.
• Now you rub your feet with a pumice stone to eliminate the dead skin cells.
•  Finally, you pat your feet dry and then apply the glycerin mixture to the affected areas.
• You should do this way at night before you go to bed. When your heels are cured, you apply this glycerin mixture to your heels every day after taking a bath to prevent the recurrence of cracked heels.

5. Lemon

Lemon contains an acidic property that can help to decrease the rough skin by eliminating the dead skin cells which cause the cracks in your heels.

Here are two home remedies for cracked heels containing lemon as a main ingredient.

Way 1: Lemon juice with curd

You will need:

• 1 cup of curd
• A lemon
• A socks
• A mild soap
• Petroleum jelly

Directions:

• You squeeze a lemon to take its juice.
• Then, you add this juice to the cup of curd.
• Next, you mix them well and you apply this mixture to your feet.
• You massage all over your feet properly but should concentrate more on your cracked heels
• After that, you wash it off with a mild soap and you pat your feet dry properly.
• Finally, you apply petroleum jelly and put on your socks.
• You should do this way daily for 2 to 3 weeks to remove the cracks completely.

Way 2: Lemon

You will need:

• A lemon
• A pumice stone and soap
• A towel

Directions:

• First of all, you squeeze a lemon to extract its juice.
• Then, you apply this lemon juice directly on your affected areas.
• Or you can soak your cracked heels in warm water that is mixed with the lime juice for at least about 10 to 15 minutes.
• However, you have to avoid the hot water which will cause your feet to dry more than normal.
• Finally, you rinse your feet by using a pumice stone and soap
• After that, you use a towel to pat your feet dry and you should repeat this way regularly to get rid of this condition.
• Another option, you cut a lemon into two parts and use it to rub on your feet. You lightly squeeze it to extract its juice when scrubbing on your feet.

6. Lemon Oil, Olive Oil, And Lavender Oil

This is one of the effective home remedies for cracked heels you should try! From these oils, you can make a cracked heel cream at home which can help you to treat this condition quickly.

You will need:

• Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
• Lemon oil – a few drops
• Lavender oil – a few drops
• Water
• A small bottle

Directions:

• You add lavender oil and lemon oil to olive oil.
• Then, you stir them well and you pour this mixture into a bottle.
• Next, you add a sufficient amount of water to this mixture.
• Then, you shake them well to make a thick milky solution.
• Finally, you use the homemade cream for your dry cracked heels when needed.
• Remember that before using the solution, you should shake it well.

7. Ripe Banana

Banana is one of other natural home remedies for cracked heels because it can help in providing the essential moisturizer and eliminate the dead skin cells on your feet when applied.

You will need:

• A ripe banana
• Warm water

Directions:

• First of all, you mash a ripe banana to get a fine smooth paste.
• Next, you clean your feet and then you apply this paste on the cracked heel.
• You allow it to sit for at least about 10 to 15 minutes to help your skin to absorb the natural nourishments.
• After that, you gently wash it off with lukewarm water and then you continue soaking your feet in cold water for a few minutes.
• This process will help to close your skin pores and then you apple the moisturizer to your skin
• You should do this way daily for several weeks to restore the smooth and soft heels without any cracks.

8. Avocado, Coconut Flesh, And Ripe Banana

Avocados and coconuts can help to gently eliminate the dead skin cells that cause dry and cracked heels.

You will need:

• ½ of a ripe avocado
• A ripe banana
• Flesh of half a coconut

Directions:

• You mash a ripe banana to make a paste.
• Then, you add a ripe avocado and coconut flesh to this paste.
• Next, you blend them thoroughly to make a thick and creamy mixture.
• Finally, you apply this mixture on your cracked heels and allow it to sit for about 30 minutes
• After that, you rinse your feet with normal water and you pat them dry completely.

9. Oatmeal And Jojoba Oil

The combination of jojoba oil and oatmeal is one of other home remedies for cracked heels thanks to their excellent moisturizing effect.

You will need:

• 1 tablespoon of oatmeal powder
• Jojoba oil

Directions:

• You mix jojoba oil and oatmeal to get a thick paste.
• Then, you apply this paste to the cracks and massage this paste over the cracks.
• You allow it to sit for about 30 minutes.
• Finally, you wash them off with water and pat them dry.
• You should do this way every day till your cracks are gone.

10. Paraffin Wax And Mustard Oil

When the condition of your feet is really bad causing a lot of pain, paraffin wax will help you get quick relief from this problem.

You will need:

• 2 tablespoons of paraffin wax
• ½ to 1 cup of mustard oil
• Socks
• A pan
• A jar

Directions:

• First of all, you heat this mustard oil in the pan.
• Then, you add the paraffin wax to this oil and you stir them continuously to make a paste.
• You allow it to cool down a little.
• After that, you apply this paste to your heel cracks at night time before going to bed for better results
• Next, you put on the socks so that you cannot disturb it.
• You can store the remaining of the mixture in the jar for further usage.
• You should do this way for about 7 to 10 days until you got rid of the cracks of your heels.

11. Milk And Honey

Milk has rich sources of calcium and vitamin A that can help to repair and rebuild your skin. Besides, honey works as humectants that can help to trap and seal the moisture. Moreover, honey can also help to remove the bacteria opening the cracks that run deeper. Therefore, the combination of both becomes one of other home remedies for cracked heels you should try!

Way 1: Milk, honey, coconut oil, and warm water

You will need:

• 1 cup of milk
• 4 tablespoons of sugar or salt
• ½ cup of coconut oil
• 5 to 7 cups of warm water
• A foot basin

Directions:

• First of all, you add warm water and milk in the foot basin.
• Then, you soak your feet in it for about 8 to 10 minutes.
• After that, you add sugar or salt to the coconut oil and mix them well to get a paste scrub.
• Next, you apply this scrub to the affected feet and you rub in circular motions gently.
• You should do this process for about 5 to 8 minutes.
• After that, you wash them off with lukewarm water and pat dry the feet.
• Finally, you can apply moisturizer or a little oil to your feet.
• You should follow this way at night time before going to bed.

Way 2: Milk, organic honey, and orange juice

You will need:

• 1 cup of organic honey
• 2 tablespoons of milk
• Orange juice
• A pumice stone

Directions:

• First of all, you warm organic honey to make this honey easier to spread.
• Then, you add this warm honey to milk and orange juice and mix them well.
• Now, you use a pumice stone to slough the callused skin.
• Then, you apply this mixture to your cracked heels thoroughly.
• You allow it to stand for about 30 to 45 minutes and then you rinse it off with warm water and you dry your feet thoroughly.
• You should repeat this way for about 2 times per day, once in the morning and once at night before going to sleep.

12. Honey

Epsom is one of other home remedies for cracked heels because it can help to promote circulation. In addition, the magnesium in this salt can also promote your skin health and draw out toxins.

You will need:

• ½ cup of Epsom salt
• Warm water
• A foot tub
• A pumice stone

Directions:

• First of all, you add this salt in the foot tub that is filled with warm water.
• Then, you soak your feet in this water for about 10 to 15 minutes.
• Next, you use a pumice stone to rub your feet gently for a few minutes.
• After that, you put the feet back in this Epsom salt to continue soaking for another 10 to 15 minutes.
• Finally, you apply a moisturizer on your feet after drying your feet thoroughly.
• You should repeat this way daily for about 2 or 3 days.

13. Petroleum Jelly

When you apply petroleum jelly on your dry and rough skin, it will make your skin softer by moisturizing this area. So when it is applied on your cracked heels, it will make your feet soft and prevent this problem.

You will need:

• Petroleum jelly
• Socks

Directions:

• First of all, you scrub the dead skin cells around your feet and then you apply petroleum jelly on the entire heel area.
• Next, you wear your socks so that this jelly can be soaked into your skin properly.
• This process will help to prevent your heels from getting cracks as well as make them soft and well moisturized.
• You should follow this way every day before you go to bed to get rid of cracked heels completely.

14. Honey

One of other home remedies for cracked heels is honey. Apart from a natural moisturizer, it contains antibacterial properties that can help to treat your dry and cracked heels quickly.

Way 1: Honey

You will need:

• 1 cup of honey
• ½ bucket of warm water

Directions:

• First of all, you add honey to warm water.
• Next, you stir them well and then you soak your feet in this water for about 15 to 20 minutes
• After that, you scrub your feet and wash them thoroughly.
• You should follow this way regularly to cure the cracked heels problem.

Way 2: Honey, olive oil, lemon juice, and brown sugar

You will need:

• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• ½ bucket of warm water

Directions:

• First of all, you mix honey, brown sugar, lemon juice, and olive oil to make a thick sticky paste.
• Then, you pour the warm water into a basin.
• Next, you soak your feet in the warm water for about 10 minutes.
• After that, you apply the brown sugar on your feet and you rub it in circular motion.
• You should do this for a while until these sugar granules melt away.
• Then, you wash your feet with lukewarm water.
• You should repeat this way 2 to 3 times per week and then one time per week.

15. Vaseline With Lemon

White vinegar has acetic acid that is gentle on the feet skin and makes it softer. However, you avoid applying it directly on your heels because its acetic acid may dry up your skin further. You should follow one of the simplest home remedies for cracked heels using white vinegar.

You will need:

• ¼ cup of white vinegar
• Water
• A natural moisturizer like Shea butter, cocoa butter

Directions:

• First of all, you pour water in a foot basin
• Then, you add the vinegar to this water.
• Next, you soak your feet in this basin for about 5 to 10 minutes.
• You should gently scrub your feet while they are soaked in it.
• After that, you wash your feet with water and pat them dry.
• Then, you apply any natural moisturizer on them.
• You should do not soak your feet in this vinegar water for more than 1 to 2 times per week.

16. Vaseline With Lemon

The oils in this mixture of lemon juice and Vaseline will help to soften your dry and cracked heels. This is one of the easiest home remedies for cracked heels you should follow.

You will need:

• 1 teaspoon of Vaseline
• A lemon

Directions:

• First of all, you extract the juice from a lemon.
• Then, you add Vaseline into this juice and mix them well.
• Next, you exfoliate your feet and rub this mixture on your cracked heels until it is absorbed properly.
• You should repeat the same process regularly to heal this problem.

17. Roasted Cumin Seeds, Candy Sugar, And Roasted Coriander Seeds Powder

In fact, excessive heating up of your digestive system can also cause cracked heels. So when you have externally this combinational herbal mixture, it will help to reduce the heat of the stomach as well as to cure cracked heels.

You will need:

• 3 tablespoons of roasted cumin seeds powder
• 3 tablespoons of Roasted coriander seeds powder
• 3 tablespoons of candy sugar (powdered)

Directions:

• First of all, you crush or grind candy sugar in crystal form into powder form.
• Then, you add all cumin seeds powder, coriander seeds powder and candy sugar powder into a small bowl and mix them well.
• You can store this mixture in a container with a tight lid.
• Before using this herbal powder, you mix ½ teaspoon it with ½ cup of water and you have it.
• You should consume it for about 2 to 3 times per day.

18. Shea Butter, Beeswax, Magnesium Flakes, And Coconut Oil

One of other home remedies for cracked heels is using a foot ointment that is made from Shea butter, beeswax, magnesium chloride, and coconut oil. This natural ointment can be absorbed quickly by your skin and make you not to feel greasy. It will finally leave the skin soft and supple.

You will need:

• ¼ cup of Shea butter
• ¼ cup of coconut oil
• 3 tablespoons of beeswax
• ¼ cup of magnesium flakes
• 2 tablespoons of boiling water

Directions:

• First of all, you mix magnesium flakes with boiling water and then you stir them well to make a thick paste. After getting this magnesium paste, you can keep it aside.
• Next, you melt the beeswax, coconut oil, and Shea butter. To do this, you place them in a small bowl. Then, you heat a pan with 1 inch of water in it and you put this bowl into the pan.
• When the things are melted, you remove the bowl and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
• When the mixture gets a little liquid-solid (neither fully liquid nor solid), you use a blender to blend it slowly.
• While blending, you pour the magnesium flakes mixture into it. You should pour it slowly – a few drops at a time.
• Next, you place the prepared gel in your refrigerator for about 10 to 15 minutes.
• After that, you blend it again until it becomes a buttery consistency.
• You can store it in a container with a tight lid.
• At night, you apply this ointment with a thick layer on the cracked heels and wear socks.
• You should do it every night until you cured cracked heels.

19. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is one of other natural home remedies for cracked heels you should follow. You need to mix this gel with certain herbs to cure cracks and get smooth feet. The method is also good for people who suffer from diabetes. When their feet are cracked, they may harbor germs and bacteria leading to further complications. Holy basil leaves that are an antimicrobial agent is very good for cracks on diabetic feet.

You will need:

• 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon of holy basil leaves paste
• 1 teaspoon of camphor powder

Directions:

• First of all, you crush the holy basil leaves to make a paste.
• Then, you mix this paste, camphor powder, and turmeric powder with the gel of aloe vera.
• Next, you apply this mixture on your cracked heels.
• You allow it to sit for about 10 to 15 minutes.
• Finally, you wash off with lukewarm water.

20. Homemade Herbal Foot Cream

You can make a homemade foot cream for cracked skin with the following ingredients. This is known as one of the best home remedies for cracked heels.

You will need:

• 100 grams of yellow beeswax
• 100 grams of rock salt powder
• 100 grams of guggilam powder
• 100 grams of black mud
• 100 grams of jaggery powder
• 50 grams of honey
• 100 grams of clarified butter (ghee)
• 5 grams of edible camphor

Directions:

• First of all, you simmer the beeswax in a pan.
• Then, you pour the ghee into it slowly, a few drops at a time to make a mixture.
• When the mixture gets blended, you turn off the heat and you allow it to cool down.
• After that, you add rock salt powder, jaggery, guggilam, honey, and black mud into it.
• Then, you mix the well to make a uniform paste.
• You can store the paste in a container with a tight lid.
• You should apply this cream to the cracked heels for about 1 or 2 per day when needed.

Depending on the severity of cracked heels, the ointment will treat them within 7 to 20 days.

21. Turmeric And Coconut Oil

This is one of the effective home remedies for cracked heels that you should follow. Turmeric that is a humble herb spice used widely in Asian cooking is very rich in curcuminoids. In fact, this component of turmeric contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which is good for the cracked heels due to some infections like athlete’s foot.

You will need:

• 3 tablespoons of turmeric powder
• A few drops of coconut oil
• Warm water
• A mild soap

Directions:

• First of all, you mix turmeric powder and coconut oil together to get a thick paste.
• Then, you apply this paste to your cracked heels thoroughly.
• You leave it for about 20 to 30 minutes.
• After that, you wash off with lukewarm water along with a mild soap.
• You should follow this way regularly to treat this problem completely.

22. Cooked Rice Water

While rice powder is used to exfoliate for cracked feet, cooked rice water is used to help to treat cracked heels. This water is also called rice starch. It contains full of nutrients – folate, zinc, phosphorus, vitamin A, E, and C, and many others. In fact, these vitamins are very good for your skin and can help to promote the growth of new cells in order to give you soft feet. Sometimes, lack of Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc also result in cracked feet. While having these nutrients is essential, cooked rice water can help to absorb zinc in it.

You will need:

• 5 to 6 cups of cooked rice water
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• A foot basin

Directions:

• First of all, you boil rice in water in order to make its starchy water. Once the rice gets cooked, you strain the water and you keep it to use for your cracked feet. You can eat the rice if you wish.
• Then, you pour the rice water in the foot basin.
• Next, you add baking soda into this. It will help to exfoliate your skin and remove the dead cells.
• Then, you soak your feet in this water while it is still lukewarm.
• You should soak for about 15 to 20 minutes.
• Finally, you rinse off your feet with normal water, pat dry and then you apply moisturizer.
• You should repeat this way daily initially and then 1 to 2 times per week.

23. Parsley With Warm Water

Parsley that is a herb is rich in nutrient. It contains vitamin C that can help to produce collagen, which will make your skin smoother. In addition, vitamin K present in it can also help to increase the elasticity of your skin as well as to speed up the process of wound healing. Moreover, it also contains beta-carotene that can aid in repairing your dry and flaky skin. These properties make parsley become one of the effective herbal home remedies for cracked heels.

You will need:

• 10 to 12 sprigs of parsley
• ½ bucket of warm water
• A foot basil

Directions:

• First of all, you chop these parsley sprigs.
• Then, you add them into warm water in the foot basin.
• Next, you soak your cracked feet into this water for about 20 to 30 minutes.
• You should repeat this remedy daily.

24. Patchouli Essential Oil

Patchouli essential oil, which derived from the Patchouli leaves, contains cytophylactic and cicatrisant properties. Cytophylactic properties can help to regenerate the new skin cells to give you a younger and smooth skin. On the other hand, Cicatrisant properties can help in speeding up the process of wounds and cuts healing as well as in making scars disappear. These properties can become one of the useful home remedies for cracks heels.

You will need:

• 2 to 3 drops of Patchouli essential oil
• 4 drops of lavender essential oil
• 4 drops of tea tree essential oil
• 2 drops of rose essential oil
• ½ bucket of warm water
• A foot basin

Directions:

• First of all, you pour the warm water into the foot basin.
• Then, you add all the above essential oils into it.
• Next, you soak your feet into this water for about 20 to 30 minutes.
• You should repeat this way daily, preferably at night time before you go to bed.
• After getting rid of cracked feet, you should do it one time per week.

25. Scrubbing

Scrubbing the hard and dead skin away will help a lot in getting rid of this condition. Before scrubbing, you have to soak your feet into the warm soapy water to make the skin softer and easier to scrub.

You will need:

• Liquid soap
• A foot tub
• Warm water
• A pumice stone
• A foot cream
• Socks

Directions:

• Before going to bed, you pour the warm water to the foot tub and you mix the liquid soap into it.
• Then, you soak your feet into this warm water for about 20 to 30 minutes.
• After that, you use the pumice stone to scrub off the dead skin cells.
• Next, you wash off your feet with plain water and use a soft towel to pat dry your feet.
• Finally, you apply a little foot cream and you wear your cotton socks for overnight.
• You should follow this remedy daily till your cracked feet are treated completely.

26. Turnip

Being a natural gel, turnip is used as one of the effective home remedies for cracked heels that you should try!

You will need:

• A piece of turnip
• Socks

Directions:

• First of all, you peel and chop a piece of turnip.
• Then, you boil it by placing it on the heat.
• Next, you mash it well and you apply it on your cracked heels.
• You allow it to leave on for at least about two hours.
• After that, you rinse your feet with lukewarm water and you cover them with your cotton socks.
• You should do this remedy daily for a week and after your feet begin to heal you can do this for two times per week.

If you want to know more about natural, at home remedies for other diseases and conditions go to our main Home Remedies page. After reading the article of top 26 best natural home remedies for cracked heels in winter, hope that it can help you find out the best solution to get rid of cracked heels quickly and easily. However, the article is only for the informational purpose, thus, you should meet your doctor to get advice before applying any at home remedy.

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