The Magic of Epsom Salts
My favorite way to end the day is by taking an Epsom salts bath, my guilty pleasure. A bath can be a relaxing experience. Light a candle, listen to an audiobook or your favourite music and relax in the bath. If you're someone that had difficulty falling asleep this ritual can make you sleepy by increasing your body temperature before bed.
The two main ingredients in Epsom salts are magnesium and sulfate. It is believed the combination of both ingredients stimulates detoxification pathways.
Magnesium, nature's muscle relaxer, is a natural substance that aids a variety of bodily functions and can assist in the removal of toxins. Sulfate can strengthen the walls of the digestive tract, aiding toxins to be released easier.
There is little scientific research documenting the detoxifying effects of Epsom salts.
Taking an Epsom salts bath may have the following benefits:
Soothe the Skin
A bath in Epsom salts can soften dry skin or helps with skin conditions including psoriasis and eczema.
Reduce Soreness and Pain
An Epsom salts bath may help to relieve soreness in people living with inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Low levels of magnesium can help ease pain in people with arthritis. Epsom salts contain magnesium and may help the body eliminate toxins that may contribute to inflammation and helps to reduce pain, swelling and stiffness.
For any athlete, Epsom salts baths can help ease muscle soreness after a long endurance event or hard workout.
I like to suggest an Epsom salts bath to my clients after a massage. This is a nice home care that can help you to relax and create a sense of calm.
Reduce Stress
People feeling stressed and overwhelmed may benefit from taking an Epsom salts bath. Some research shows that people suffering from mental and physical stress benefit when magnesium levels are managed.
Healthy magnesium levels can boost brain neurotransmitters that are responsible for inducing sleep and reducing stress. Magnesium may promote melatonin, a sleep inducing hormone.
Taking a warm bath can help to relax a person by releasing their muscle tension and help to recuperate after a long day at the office or post- workout.
Promote Foot Health
Epsom salts can help treat infections from “athletes foot” or ingrown toenails. Soaking the feet in an Epsom salts bath may reduce foot odour. For a foot soak dissolve 1/2 cup of Epsom salts in four litres of warm water.
Should I Drink Epsom Salts?
The only benefit to drinking Epsom salts is as a laxative when someone is constipated. If you do drink it, dissolve the Epsom salts in plenty of water. You could add lemon to taste. Anyone considering this should consult with a doctor first.
How to take an Epsom Salts Bath
To take an Epsom salts bath, add two cups of Epsom salts when running a bath in a standard size tub. The salt will quickly dissolve in running water. You can add your favourite essential oil or bubble bath if you wish.
Water temperature should be warm, not too hot. Between 33-37 degrees is ideal.
Soak for 12-20 minutes or longer if desired.
A bath before bedtime can help you feel sleepy. If you're too warm, a cool shower can feel nice after your bath.
Drink plenty of water.
Relax and enjoy!!!
If you want the scientific explanation on how Epsom salts work I recommend reading Paul Ingraham’s Epsom Salts article to learn more.