Epsom salt isn’t for cooking, rather, it’s for helping the body with all sorts of ailments. Epsom salt baths have been used for centuries to help rid the body of toxins and ease the pain of aching joints and muscles. Taking an Epsom salt bath can be one of the many tools you can use to help keep your body in excellent physical condition. Besides that, the curative properties of an Epsom salt bath can also do wonders for your mental and emotional well-being.
Benefits of an Epsom Salt Bath
There are many uses for Epsom salt baths. A soothing soak has the following benefits:
1. Promote Skin Health
Epsom salt baths are great for softening skin. The rich minerals certainly help, but so does exfoliating with the crystals before they dissolve. If you have skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, Epsom salt can make your skin feel better. Just lie back and soak – there’s nothing fancy to it!
2. Reduce Wrinkles
Many factors, such as sun exposure, smoking and simple aging, can have an impact on your skin. Those with wrinkles that they don’t want to show off can indulge in an Epsom salt bath to help alleviate the appearance of wrinkles. This works by hydrating your skin and keeping it supple, thus reducing the appearance of fine lines.
3. Detoxify the Body
By using reverse osmosis, Epsom salt can draw toxins out of the body. A salt bath regime of a few times per week for 15 to 20 minutes can show valuable relief from the things that ail you. Just lay back, relax and let the warm water do the rest.
4. Release Pain
Epsom salt baths are wonderful for reducing the pain in muscles, including that of muscle fatigue and muscle cramps. It can also help with inflammation, which can be great for those who suffer from arthritis. Two cups of Epsom salts added to a bath of warm water provides a gentle, healing soak.
5. Decrease Stress
Did you know that a low level of magnesium in the body is directly tied to stress? You can help reduce stress by soaking in a beneficial bath that allows your skin to absorb the magnesium you need. Besides that, Epsom salt baths can help you relax, give you a sense of well-being and even release more serotonin in the body, which can make you feel even better.
6. Aid in Digestion
Sulfates do some really good things in the body, including building proteins and brain tissues. Sulfates can also prompt your pancreas to release more enzymes that help your body break down food. Proper digestion makes your entire body feel better.
7. Work with Therapeutic Cures
Some doctors might recommend Epsom salt baths to help combat different medical issues. Epsom salt can be used to improve blood circulation, control blood pressure, prevent hardening of the arteries, improve oxygen use in the body and possibly even help correct irregular heartbeats. Some studies have shown that an Epsom salt bath helps with reducing migraines and even reduces the severity of diabetes by helping the body use insulin more effectively.
How to Take an Epsom Salt Bath
Ready to enjoy the benefits and relaxation that comes with an Epsom salt bath? You can take the easy route or enhance your bath with the items of your choosing. Here’s a quick tutorial on how to make an Epsom bath you can get lost in:
1. Simple Epsom Salt Bath
Epsom salt baths are usually made up of two cups of salt to one big tub of water. If you have a bigger tub than usual, then you might want to use even more. Keep in mind, however, that more doesn’t mean more benefits. You can get just the same benefits by using those two cups. Keep the water warm, not hot – hot water can dry out your skin and undo many of the benefits of the Epsom salt. Make sure the salt crystals have dissolved before you get into the tub. Soak for 15 minutes three times per week.
2. Fortified Epsom Salt Bath
If you want to make your bath a truly luxurious experience, you can try out several different enhancements to your bath.
- Start by enhancing the water with a bit of baking soda, or even using ascorbic acid (also known as vitamin C powder) to help reduce the chlorine in the water.
- Follow that up with your favorite essential oils for a scent that will help you relax.
- Don’t forget to dim the lights to a level that makes you comfortable and helps you relax into the warm soak.
- Music is something you might want to consider as well; something tranquil and elegant will allow you to close your eyes and soak in a tub while your mind goes on wonderful journeys!
An Epsom salt bath can be a true luxury that is proven to be beneficial in many ways. But before you enjoy that bath, be sure to speak with your doctor about whether it is a good idea for you. Individuals with diabetes, those who deal with high blood pressure or those with certain skin conditions might be hurt by an Epsom salt bath. Though this is very rare, it is much better to be safe than sorry! If you have any concerns about what an Epsom salt bath can do for you, speak with your doctor before you sink into the bath.