Herbs for Heel Spurs

Calcium buildups along the plantar fascia on the bottom of the foot can lead to heel spurs. Before resorting to surgery to remove them, try an herbal treatment, which can ease the pain, reduce swelling and even prevent the heel spurs from forming in the first place.

Linseed Oil

• Linseed oil, a clear to golden yellow oil, comes from the flax seed or plant. Put some of the oil in an average pan, then heat it up but don't bring it to a boil. Next, take a cheesecloth or white cotton cloth and dip it in the oil. Get it well saturated, then place it against your heel. Cover the cloth with a larger segment of plastic, then put a heating pad over the whole thing to keep the cloth warm. Leave the cloth on your heel for one and a half to two hours, and apply it as needed.

A Bath or Poultice for Pain

• Sprinkle chamomile or arnica into a bucket or tub of hot water, then soak your foot in it to target your heel spurs.

  Alternately, prepare a poultice---a traditional natural remedy that helps to reduce inflammation and speed healing. Put the herbs in a wet cloth and apply the poultice to your heel. The website moondragon.org recommends crushing or chopping the chamomile or arnica, then blending it with water and flour to create a thick paste. Spread the paste across your heel, and wrap with a warm cloth.

Proper Supplements

• Calcium and magnesium help to reduce abnormal calcium deposits. Take 1,200 mg of calcium and 600 mg of magnesium daily. Check with a dietician about either taking mineral supplements or eating the right amounts of foods rich in both of these minerals.

Anti-Inflammatory Treatments

• To reduce inflammation and pain associated with heel spurs, take evening primrose oil, kelp, aloe vera (processed into a cold juice) and bromelain, which comes from fresh pineapple. Check with an herbalist or homeopathic practitioner as to which will best and what amount to take. Typical doses include one tsp. of kelp a day or 500 mg of evening primrose oil a day.