The Benefits of an Epsom Salt Bath
After my husband had back surgery we tried to find a few ways to help relieve his pain and ease his sore muscles. I started reading about what Epsom salts can do for your body so we decided to give it a try.
The bath he has been using has a mixture of Epsom salts, baking soda, and lavender essential oil. The baking soda helps to relieve skin issues such as itching or irritation, and can also soothe eczema. It also alkalizes that water and has been known to help boost the immune system. Lavender oil has been known to reduce anxiety and emotional stress, eliminate nervous tension, relieve pain, and enhance blood circulation.
What is Epsom salt?
Epsom salt is a combination of sulfate and magnesium and when added to a warm bath it can help to relieve stress and help soothe muscle pain. It can also help strengthen parts of the digestion tract and this added strength makes it easier for the body to release toxins that may have been building up in the digestive tract. Magnesium helps remove toxins by helping to improve multiple functions throughout the body. The two ingredients work in harmony to remove toxins by stimulating the pathways where toxins may have built up.
Benefits of an Epsom Salt Bath
A warm bath with Epsom salt has multiple benefits including soothing the skin, reducing muscle soreness, promoting circulation, reducing stress, and promoting foot health in a variety of ways.
Epsom salt baths work to exfoliate rough, dead skin cells in order to treat dry skin. This is especially helpful during the winter months when skin tends to be at its driest. People with mild skin conditions often turn to Epsom salt to relieve redness or bumps on the skin.
Epsom salt baths are often used by people who are experiencing soreness or pain on varying levels. Many people use Epsom salts to simply provide relief from minor soreness in the muscles. It is also used in baths by people with all types of inflammatory conditions or to ease the inflammation of conditions like arthritis.
The magnesium in an Epsom salt bath has been known to help reduce both mental and physical stress. Additionally, magnesium has been linked with the production of melatonin, a known contributor to providing a good night’s sleep and an overall sense of relaxation and calmness.
How to Make an Epsom Salt Bath
Mix a 1/2 cup of Epsom salt, 1 cup of baking soda, and 5 drops of lavender essential oil to a warm bath. Soak for 20-40 minutes. Try not to make the bathwater too hot, you want to make sure that you are soaking for at least 20 minutes, if not more. You can soak in an Epsom salt bath once a week. Be sure to drink water while you are soaking to avoid dehydration. Resting after an Epsom salt bath will help to provide maximum results.
NOTE: Do not soak in an Epsom salt bath if you are pregnant or dehydrated. If you have a medical condition, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart problems, contact your doctor before use.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this site is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not meant to offer specific medical advice, nor is it meant to be used as a substitute for competent medical advice from a licensed professional physician. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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This post was originally published in 2016 and has been updated for 2020.
