---
title: "Cracked Heel Balm"
id: "3479"
type: "remedy"
slug: "cracked-heel-balm"
published_at: "2026-05-10T01:21:49+00:00"
modified_at: "2026-05-27T04:19:14+00:00"
url: "https://flowersandherbs.com/remedies/cracked-heel-balm/"
markdown_url: "https://flowersandherbs.com/remedies/cracked-heel-balm.md"
excerpt: "A rich 4 oz foot balm with plantain, calendula, yarrow, mango butter, tea tree, lavender, and peppermint."
taxonomy_remedy_type:
  - "Herbal Recipes"
  - "Salves and Balms"
taxonomy_remedy_ingredient:
  - "Calendula (Dried Flowers)"
  - "Dried Yarrow Herb"
  - "Lavender (Essential Oil)"
  - "Peppermint (Essential Oil)"
  - "Plantain (Dried Leaf)"
  - "Tea Tree (Essential Oil)"
taxonomy_remedy_condition:
  - "Dry Skin"
---

# Cracked Heel Balm

This cracked heel balm is a heavier foot-care recipe for dry heels, rough soles, and thickened skin that needs more than a light lotion. Plantain, calendula, and yarrow are infused into oil to create an herbal base, while mango butter adds a smooth, cushiony feel.

The essential oil blend is fresh and clean, with tea tree for foot-care aroma, lavender for softness, and a small amount of peppermint for a cooling finish.

## Benefits

**[Plantain leaf](/plants/plantain/)
:**  
 Plantain is a useful herb for hardworking skin and fits well in salves for feet, hands, and outdoor wear.

**[Calendula](/plants/calendula/)
:**  
 Calendula adds a gentle skin-supportive quality to balance the stronger foot-care essential oils.

**[Yarrow](/plants/yarrow/)
:**  
 Yarrow is included as a traditional skin herb for rough, weathered areas that need a more robust salve.

**Mango butter:**  
 Mango butter makes the balm feel smoother and less waxy, which helps it spread over thick heel skin.

## Ingredients

- 5½ tablespoons* plantain, calendula, and yarrow infused olive oil
- 1 tablespoon mango butter
- 1¼ tablespoons beeswax pellets
- ¼ teaspoon vitamin E oil
- 7 drops [tea tree essential oil](/essential-oils/tea-tree-essential-oil/)
- 6 drops [lavender essential oil](/essential-oils/lavender-essential-oil/)
- 2 drops [peppermint essential oil](/essential-oils/peppermint-essential-oil/)
- 2 drops [rosemary essential oil](/essential-oils/rosemary-essential-oil/)

**Optional:** Add ¼ teaspoon liquid panthenol (provitamin B5) during cooling for extra moisture support for dry, cracked heels.

*** Recipe note:** The 5½ tablespoons listed above refers to the finished, strained herbal infused oil — not the amount of dried herbs used.

For this small batch, make your plantain, calendula, and yarrow infused olive oil separately first, then strain it well and measure out 5½ tablespoons of the finished oil for the balm.

You may need to make a little extra infused oil because some oil is usually lost when the herbs are strained.

## Recommended Supplies

A wide-mouth jar works best for foot balm because the formula is thicker and easier to scoop than pour once cool.

- Double boiler
- Wide-mouth 4 oz jar
- Cheesecloth or fine strainer
- Spatula
- Cotton socks for use after applying

### Equipment

- Double boiler or heat-safe jar
- Fine mesh strainer
- 4 oz wide-mouth jar
- Stirring utensil

### Method

1. Infuse dried plantain leaf, calendula, and yarrow in olive oil, then strain carefully.
2. Place the infused oil, mango butter, and beeswax in a double boiler.
3. Heat gently until the wax and butter are fully melted.
4. Remove from heat and stir in vitamin E oil.
5. Add tea tree, lavender, and peppermint essential oils and blend evenly.
6. Pour into a wide-mouth 4 oz jar and allow to cool until solid.
7. Label and store near your foot-care supplies.

## How to Use

Massage a small amount into heels and soles before bed. For best results, apply after washing or soaking the feet, then put on cotton socks.

## Storage

Store away from bathroom steam and use within 6–9 months. Keep water out of the jar to maintain shelf life.

## Variations & Substitutions

### Alternative Variations

**Unscented Heel Balm**

- Omit essential oils and use the herbal infusion, mango butter, and beeswax only.

**Extra Rich Foot Butter Balm**

- Increase mango butter by ½ tablespoon and reduce beeswax by ¼ tablespoon for a softer overnight treatment.

## Safety Considerations

- For external use only.
- Do not apply to deep fissures, bleeding cracks, or infected skin without professional advice.
- Use caution on slippery floors after applying to the feet.
- Patch test first, especially if sensitive to tea tree or peppermint essential oil.
- Avoid use on children or during pregnancy unless approved by a qualified professional.

## Additional Notes

This balm is for dry, rough skin, not deep painful cracks. If heels are bleeding, hot, swollen, or infected, seek professional care before applying home remedies.

This recipe is shared for educational home use and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to apply heel balm?

Nighttime is ideal because socks can hold the balm against the skin while you sleep.

Can I use this on hands?

Yes, but the tea tree and peppermint aroma is more foot-care focused than hand-care focused.

Why include yarrow?

Yarrow is a traditional skin herb often used in salves for rough or hardworking skin.

Will this fix deep cracked heels?

It can soften dry skin, but deep or bleeding cracks need professional care.

Can I make it less minty?

Yes. Reduce peppermint to 1–2 drops or leave it out.

Does mango butter make it greasy?

Mango butter gives slip and richness, but the beeswax helps the balm stay protective rather than runny.

## Quick Facts

- **Best For:** Rough heels, dry soles, cracked-looking foot skin, and overnight foot care
- **Skill Level:** Beginner
- **Prep Time:** 20 minutes active time
- **Total Time:** 30 minutes plus herb infusion and cooling time
- **Yield:** 4 oz
- **Batch Size:** 4 oz (113 g)
- **Shelf Life:** 6–12 months
- **Dilution:** Low topical dilution, approximately 1–2% depending on essential oils used
- **Application Method:** Topical

## Recommended Supplies

A wide-mouth jar works best for foot balm because the formula is thicker and easier to scoop than pour once cool.

- Double boiler
- Wide-mouth 4 oz jar
- Cheesecloth or fine strainer
- Spatula
- Cotton socks for use after applying

**Tip:** Apply after a warm foot soak, then wear cotton socks so the balm can soften rough heels overnight without marking the floor.