Sometimes smelly feet can be caused by psychological problems, says Dr Li.

To treat sweaty feet, TCM uses the principle of dispelling pathogenic heat and dampness inside with herbs or food. Traditional Chinese patent drugs like Er Miao Wan (two herbs pills) made of huang bo (phellodendron) and cang shu (Chinese atractylodes) and Si Miao Wan (four herb pills) with two other herbs - niu xi (achyranthes) and pearl barley are often prescribed to dispel pathogenic heat and dampness as well as improving the circulation.

Foods that help promote urinary health thus helping dispel pathogenic dampness are also recommended. These include pumpkin, carp, shepherd's purse, day lily buds, white guard, crucian carp, horsebean, lily's root, green beans, pearl barley and corn.

To cope with sweaty feet, ventilated shoes and pure cotton socks are a must.

Dr Li advises people to change their socks every day and insolate them after washing. And for those with eczema, Dr Li suggests putting the socks in boiling water before hanging them up to dry.

Cotton five-toe socks are popular and can help absorb the sweat between toes to keep the feet dry. Putting a small bag of tea leaves or bamboo charcoal in shoes can help dry out the shoes and dispel odors. People with sweaty feet should have at least two changes of footwear. Well ventilated sandals are recommended for the summer.

Soaking the feet in a special herbal solution is a more direct and effective way to relieve sweaty feet. TCM prefers a mixture of alum, dandelion, ageratum, tuckahoe and kuh-seng that help restrict sweating, kill fungi and relieve itchiness.

A recipe to soak feet

Ingredients: alum (15g), dandelion (30g), ageratum (12g), tuckahoe (30g) and kuh-seng (15g)

Preparation:

1. Heat the ingredients in a saucepan with water for 5 minutes until the soup turns dark.

2. Add the mixture to some hot water in a basin and then put your feet in it.

3. Keep adding hot water to keep your feet warm.

4. Soak for at least 20 minutes before bed every day.

Function: The alum helps sweaty and dry feet and the other ingredients can help kill fungi and relieve itching.

(Shanghai Daily February 24, 2009)