It's NOT just for use after a long day at work or a lovely day in the garden!! The Epsom salts bath is probably the most simple of all bathing rituals ~ pure Epsom salts in warm water. It may not sound very exciting. It doesn't bubble or have a pretty scent. It IS, however, very GOOD for you. It's easy, by the way to enjoy a non-chemical, scented version if you prefer. Stay tuned!
What is Epsom Salt?
Well, it's not actually a 'salt' per-se, but a naturally occurring mineral combination of Magnesium & Sulfate. There are posts all over the internet regarding the many possible uses for this special compound ~ gardening, house-cleaning, beauty issues & health too.
For this post, of course, it's all about HEALTH. Research has shown that both Magnesium & Sulfate are easily absorbed through our skin, which helps us to enjoy fabulous health benefits. You may be surprised at the long list below and be tempted to pick up some Epsom salts today and jump into a warm bath!
Health HIGHLIGHTS of Epsom Salts Bath:
Magnesium has the ability to help muscle & nerve function, reduce inflammation, improve circulation + prevent atherosclerosis.
Sulfates stimulate pancreatic enzymes, help to improve the absorption of nutrients, can ease migraine headaches, encourage the flushing of toxins.
Here's a list by researchers from the web site of the Epsom Salt Industry Council:
- Improved heart and circulatory health, reducing irregular heartbeats, preventing hardening of the arteries, reducing blood clots and lowering blood pressure.
- Improved ability for the body to use insulin, reducing the incidence or severity of diabetes.
- Flushed toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances.
- Improved nerve function by electrolyte regulation. Also, calcium is the main conductor for electrical current in the body, and magnesium is necessary to maintain proper calcium levels in the blood.
- Relieved stress. Excess adrenaline and stress are believed to drain magnesium, a natural stress reliever, from the body. Magnesium is necessary for the body to bind adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of well being and relaxation.
- Reduced inflammation to relieve pain and muscle cramps.
- Improved oxygen use.
- Improved absorption of nutrients.
- Improved formation of joint proteins, brain tissue and mucin proteins.
- Prevention or easing of migraine headaches.
Studies have shown that both magnesium and sulfate are easily absorbed through the skin, which makes Epsom salt baths an optimum bathing choice to encourage healing. Magnesium is the second most abundant element in our body and helps to regulate over 325 enzymes.
Most of North Americans are 'magnesium-deficient', having reduced by 50% in the last 100 years due to changes in our diet and in the agricultural system. (i.e. industrial farming and over-use of soil).
The diet of mainstream North America contains too much salt, sugar, fat and excess protein which can deplete Magnesium from our bodies. Advertisements for Calcium are everywhere and a big focus courtesy of the pharmaceutical industry. We need Calcium ~ don't misunderstand, but often we have an excess of it. (It is thought that the best ratio is 2:1 --> Calcium:Magnesium. Most North Americans have 5 times more Calcium than Magnesium. Unfortunately, research shows that Magnesium supplementation is not very effective as Magnesium is not well absorbed through our digestive system. (stomach acid, certain foods, or drugs or body imbalances)
The ANSWER?
Studies show that we can increase our Magnesium levels by soaking in a
soothing, healing EPSOM SALT BATH!!
If you can manage the time, experts recommend 3 Epsom salts baths every week for the best results. I encourage people to have these baths and alternate with "hot & cold shower" hydrotherapy for optimum health.
BASIC EPSOM SALT BATH:
Add 2 cups of Epsom Salts to a warm tub of water. Enjoy 15-20 minutes, topping up with warm water when necessary.
Soothing Scented Detox BATH
2 cups epsom salts
½ cup baking soda
10 drops lavender essential oil (optional)
As above. Enjoy the added benefits of soothing baking soda and the scent of pure Lavender essential oil
What is YOUR favourite bath???
Share your favourites in the comments section below.. It's easy to do.
Love to hear from you.
Today starts a mini-series of life-enhancing bathing ideas!!!
Want to learn more about HOW to increase you and your family’s health?
Want to learn some DIY herbal remedies ~ for use ALL year 'round!
Check out my ebook “Cold + Flu Season ~ Are YOU Ready?”
Treat yourself to one of these healing baths + make this a soothing
new habit ~ til next time .. Carol xo
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Karen in Texas
Soaking in my Epsom salt bath right now! Helps my swollen feet and my back and my hip! I have rheumatic fever with swollen joints and my pregnant daughter bought some for her viscious hemorrhoids... One soak later and they were gone!!! Yes, the vascular benefits cannot be denied.
Best bathsalts
A homemade Epsom scrub can provide a boost of magnesium and super soft skin. Mix 1 cup of Epsom salt with ¼ cup of almond oil and your favorite essential oil. Epsom salt has beneficial properties that can soothe the body, mind and soul.
Carol Little
Yes. Scrubs are easy to make and one of my favourite 'home spa' projects! Thanks for sharing.
Pam Schwetz
I found some lavendar epsom salts at the Dollartree store...it is a one pound bag...I open a new bag and it looks about three quarters full so I fill it up to the top with baking soda and reseal the bag and shake it around....I use about a third of it per bath. It really helps with aches and pains from fibromyalgia and arthritis. I find soaking in that usually 45 min to an hour really helps my aches and pains. I also have water jets and air jets that I run for usually I guess around fifteen to twenty minutes in a walkin tub....it really helps me. I used to have to put some type of muscle rub on pretty much daily and reapply it...now muscle rub stuff is few and far between so it is definitely helping...just straight epsom salt baths help too without the essential oils smell and baking powder....
carollittle
Great news Pam. Thanks for sharing your experience.
ELINOR ROGERS
JUST FOUND THIS SITE. YES, EPSOM SALTS IS EXCELLENT FOR THOSE ACHING MUSSELS & A SIMPLE REMEDY FOR SO MANY CONDITIONS. 1ST HEARD ABOUT ITS WONDERFUL HEALTH VALUE FROM A FLIGHT ATTENDENT OVER 20 YRS. AGO. MY FEET WERE SWOLLEN + MY LEGS SO TIRED AFTER A LONG FLIGHT. SHE INFORMED RE THE BENEFTS OF EPSOM SALTS & WAS USING IT DAILY AFTER LONG FLIGHTS. SO, I STARTED & YES IT DID WORK & TODAY I AM AN AVID PROMOTER. MY PARENTS ALSO STRONGLY BELIEVED IN ITS BENEFITS & ALWAYS HAD A DAILY FOOT SOAK. SO GLAD I CAME UPON THIS SITE TODAY AS I LEARNED NEW INFORMATION. I NEVER ONCE HEARD THE MEDICAL PROFESSION SUGGEST THIS GREAT THERAPY. THANK-YOU
carollittle
Hello Elinor. So glad that you have found relief and healing with Salt bathing..
Lori
I love Epsom Salt baths. They are very beneficial to me. Especially with lavender essential oil. So relaxing.....
Thanks for the great article.
KimH
I do this almost daily.. and have been for at least the last 12-15 years.. I just pour the ES into my tub and add 3 or 4 drops of Lavender EO into the water.. Its a nice relaxing soak about 30-45 minutes before bed..
tom schulte
Interesting find - by my wife.
A month ago I was officially diagnosed with atrial fibrillation..
Now, as the saying goes, desperate times call for desperate measures.
My brain keep asking - if Epson salt is such 'good stuff', why has NO ONE in the medical profession ever suggested that I try this. I can still picture 8-10 people hovering around the monitor (strategically placed out of my viewing)as I was having a deep cut in my arm repaired. They were apparently greatly entertained as they watched my arrhythmia on the screen. They (doctors) all grabbed the ball - and ran. Yes, they had a live one on the table.
Do you know something that the medical profession wants to keep a secret?
Looks like I'm on my own here (except for my wife).
Xoliswa
Can I use the Epsom salt bath to ease my aching knees and my swollen ankles even though I am six months pregnant? I am assuming it is safe.
Mel Ting
We used damp epsom salts directly on my moms knees and layed a damp rag on top of them with a heating pad over that and it healed her knees of the swelling and the fluid after a hip replacement. Do it regular. Miracles worked with epsom.
Margaret
I suffer many health issues due to post polio and fibromyalgia. I am never free of pain night or day. However, I have been using epsom salt in my bath water and it is truly amazing how much it has helped. Even my deformed feet get relief.
carollittle
Thanks for sharing Margaret. Wonderful to hear.
Carla Crane
I use Epsom Salts (I buy the Walgreens all natural) combined with a few sprigs of mint and eucalyptus stuffed into the toe of an ankle sock panty-hose. Really helps keep the congestion at bay, clears out the sinuses, and just feels and smells SO good! Combined with the lights of a few candles, and the jets in the Jacuzzi tub, yeah, it sends a simple soak into a whole new universe of relaxing!
carollittle
Sounds Delightful!
Sue
I've recently had surgery, the Whipple procedure. For those who don't know what that is, it's a procedure where the lower part of the stomache, duodenum & head of the pancreas has been removed. The fact that epsom salts stimulate the production of pancreatic enzymes, could this provoke attacks of pancreatitis? Since my surgery in January 2013, I have suffered through many attacks....... twice after bathing with epsom salts.....
Donna
Thanks for the foot soak suggestion.
carollittle
I hope that you find relief.
Lee Brasehr
"In chemistry, salts are ionic compounds that result from the neutralization reaction of an acid and a base. They are composed of related numbers of cations (positively charged ions) and anions (negative ions) so that the product is electrically neutral (without a net charge). Magnesium sulfate (or magnesium sulphate) is an inorganic salt (chemical compound) containing magnesium, sulfur and oxygen, with the formula MgSO4. It is often encountered as the heptahydrate sulfate mineral epsomite (MgSO4·7H2O), commonly called Epsom salt, taking its name from a bitter saline spring in Epsom in Surrey, England, where the salt was produced from the springs that arise where the porous chalk of the North Downs meets non-porous London clay. Epsom salt occurs naturally as a pure mineral. "
So chemically Epson Salt is a true salt.I never realized some other the other benefits you mentioned. Thanks for the article.
carollittle
Thanks for sharing. I appreciate your knowledge and yes, I had read about the history. Very interesting.
Kristina Kloth
I'm wondering how often do you need to take an epsom salt bath to get the most benefit and how long does it take to see a difference.
Diana
Can you please site your sources. The research I've read about Epsom salt baths says that very little magnesium is actually absorbed through the skin. Not enough to make a difference. However, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence to support your claim. I would love to get my hands on the clinical studies that proves its benefits, because being a massage therapist, I get asked about these baths all of the time. Any info would be greatly appreciated! Thanks
carollittle
HI Diana. Thanks for your question.
Here's one for you. Carolyn Dean N.D. who wrote a book entirely about Magnesium.
http://www.epsomsaltcouncil.org/news/articles/the-doctor-of-the-future-says-many-americans-need-more-magnesium.php
Good wishes! Carol
Mitch Davis
Here is a link to the original research on skin absorption of Magnesium Sulfate.
http://www.mgwater.com/transdermal.shtml
Mel Ting
I mix magnesium sulfate, half and half with boiling water to dissolve, put into a spray bottle and rub it on body and my daughter massages my back with it. They call it magnesium oil but it really is not oil . Very good for the body. Reduces pain and inflammation if you use regularly. Goes a long way and very inexpensive. So many natural remedies out there for us to use. Magnesium is very beneficial to many things in our body and I have learned absorbing through the skin is the best way to receive it. I love the baths also. Most doctors will not advise us of any home remedy. Enjoy!
carollittle
Thanks so much for sharing your ideas. We can all benefit when we do!
Jeanne Kimball
I prefer showers over baths but I hope I can receive some benefits by soaking my feet.
carollittle
Absolutely, you can and will derive great benefits from foot baths with Epsom salts.
Joy Healey
Thanks for this great reminder about Epsom Salts. I regularly bang on about Magnesium deficiency, but I'd forgotten about Epsom Salts. Hope you won't mind if I mention this post in my blog!
carollittle
Thanks Joy~ Yes, please.. Spread the word. It's such a beneficial habit and Magnesium such an important mineral!
Green Wishes to you -
aasm
hi
i need to know that where can i buy chemical free epsom salt from?
carollittle
Hello there. I buy Epsom Salts from health food stores + reputable pharmacies.
It should have "Magnesium Sulfate" on the label, and that's it.
Christina
I love this place to get all different kinds of salts. Please check them out. They also use NO chemicals, preservatives, etc. Earth friendly company I highly recommend! CHeck out http://www.saltworks.com
julie
I don't think there is an epsom salts with chemicals With the possible exception of the scented ones.
carollittle
There are no chemicals unless you are talking about products which start out with Epsom salts and for whatever reason, have chemical scents or chemical compounds added to the salts. This is a common problem. Buy the good stuff and add your own essential oil REAL scent if you like scented! It's easy!
Good wishes, Carol
Kathy Caton
I am wondering if this is a good idea for those of us allergic to sulfites??
carollittle
Hello Kathy.
Magnesium Sulfate is not a Sulfite. I am not a chemist, but my understanding is that those who have sensitivity to sulfites would not have a problem with a sulfate. "Different chemical components" totally. I hope that this is helpful. I've not personally heard of anyone who cannot use Epsom Salts. Please let me know if you find out different information. Thanks sincerely.
melissa w
Do you think it would affect people with Sulfur allergies? I thought it could...
carollittle
HI Melissa. I must admit, I don't know. Do you have a pharmacist who you trust?
I don't think so, but I am not a chemist. Maybe one of our community members will be able to help here.
Can you let me know what you find out?
Thanks. Good wishes, Carol
Danna
I have allergies to sulpha drugs and have never had a problem soaking in it. IDK about internal use, but I doubt it would be a problem.
Jill Gibb
I have Sulfa allergies and don't have any problems with epsom salts. Try it in small amounts if you are unsure.
carollittle
Thanks Jill
Teena
https://www.zimmernutrition.com/learning-center/health-articles/article/allergic-to-sulfa-drugs-can-you-take-sulfur/
carollittle
To quote the article Teena has shared:
Sulfates contain one sulfur atom surrounded by 4 Oxygen atoms. Sulfates are very important molecules for everyone’s health and do not cause allergic or sensitivity reactions. Sulfates are used as escort molecules for a number of supplements including glucosamine sulfate and vanadyl sulfate. Sulfates are different from Sulfites and Sulfa Drugs. Thus, people who are sensitive to Sulfites and Sulfa Drugs will not be sensitive to Sulfates. GREAT NEWS!!!
Sharon Stevens
I am allergic to sulfur and use Epsom salts all the time without any problem. It is wonderful.
Stella B
I have not done any research on the subject, but I personally have an extreme Sulfa drug allergy, and Epsom salts have no ill effects for me. They are great for muscle soreness, and I had no idea until now that you were giving yourself such a great vitamin supplement at the same time - I will definitely be taking more of them.
carollittle
so glad to hear the you are able to use Epsom salts without issue. Good wishes!