In fancy terms, we call it magnesium sulphate. In everyday language, we refer to it as Epsom salt. All across the world, Epsom salt serves as a popular remedy for a wide array of illnesses. It’s not uncommon to find a small bottle of it resting atop a bathroom cabinet, no matter whose home you go to.
One of the best things about Epsom salt is that you can acquire its benefits in the form of a bath. You could practically kill two birds with one stone; clean yourself up while taking care of your health. If you don’t believe us, then take a look at the perks of an Epsom salt bath for yourself.
Table of Contents
The Benefits of an Epsom Salt Bath
1. Provides pain relief while patching you up
It’s true. A bathtub full of Epsom salt has proven to serve as a great way to numb the pain caused by all manners of bodily aches. This includes migraines, sore muscles, and cramps. It can also help reduce the discomfort caused by bronchial asthma and treat the aches felt straight after childbirth. Besides providing relief from pain and preventing inflammation, Epsom salt also quickens the healing process of bruises and sprains. Therefore, epsom bath salt is the most relaxing bathing experience you’ll enjoy.
2. Carries an important nutrient for the body
As we mentioned above, one of the chemical elements that constitute Epsom salt is magnesium. What’s so great about that? Well, magnesium is an extremely important nutrient for the body. Numerous enzymes within the body rely on magnesium to carry out their biological functions. Additionally, magnesium supports oxygen intake and improves blood circulation, along with enhancing the performances of the body’s nervous system and muscles.
Now, you’re probably wondering how on Earth you’d be providing your body with magnesium by just lying in a bathtub. That’s where your skin has a role to play. As you probably know, the human skin is covered with pores through which the body excretes toxins, excess water, and waste. Well, your skin not only removes substances through its pores, but also absorbs them. When you expose your skin to a bathtub containing Epsom salt, the Epsom salt diffuses through the skin pores and into your bloodstream, ready for use.
3. Treats constipation
Constipation is by no means pleasant. It can be both irritating and painful, which is why you’d be pleased to know that an Epsom salt bath is a great way to treat it.
Generally, salts containing magnesium can serve as a laxative. They aid in the functions carried out by your gastric regions, stimulating your intestines and colon. Simply put, Epsom salt gets your gut moving. Not only can this cure constipation, but overall it carries a detoxification effect on your body. By promoting the removal of harmful waste products from your digestive system, Epsom salt can make you feel better and fit.
While we’re on the discussion of detoxification, let us talk about the role the sulphate ions within Epsom salt have to play. The sulphur carried by the sulphate ions reacts with dangerous substances within our liver, causing them to bind together. Once stuck together, these hazardous substances not only become less dangerous, but easier to expel from the body. This is because the sulphur converts the toxins from fat soluble to water soluble, meaning that they can be dispelled in the form of urine.
4. Can improve mental illness
As we previously discussed, Epsom salt provides magnesium for the body. What’s important to note here is that magnesium deficiency is linked to anxiety, depression, and stress. By bathing in Epsom salt, and by providing your body with the much needed nutrient that is magnesium, you can help improve your overall mental health.
Another great thing about Epsom salt baths is that it can help sort out your sleeping pattern, making you less susceptible to feelings of irritability and fatigue. In a bid between shower vs. bathtubs, bathing has a more calming effect.
5. It’s great for your feet
Epsom salt baths can do many favours for your feet. First of all, Epsom salt battles any odours that your feet may omit. So, upon returning home from a long day out, you may want to consider taking your shoes off and dipping your feet into a bathtub of Epsom salt.
That’s not all. Epsom salt also prevents foot fungus, such as athlete’s foot, and to top it all off, a soak in an Epsom salt bath can treat ingrown toenails, reducing inflammation and pain simultaneously.
How to take an Epsom Salt Bath?
By now, you’re probably filled in with all the great ways Epsom salt can be beneficial for your body and health. Now it’s time to look into just how to prepare an Epsom salt bath. Here’s some tips in making an Epsom salt bath for yourself.
1. Quantity
For a normal, adult-sized bathtub, the ideal amount to add is 2 cups. If you’re uncertain on how much to add, check the back of the package you bought. Consider adding the Epsom salt into the bathtub in small amounts to avoid excess being added.
2. Making sure it dissolves
The best way to ensure the Epsom salt dissolves is to pour it into the water while it’s warm and while the tap is running. Stir the water around with your hand to make sure the amount you’ve already added has completely dissolved before adding more. The moment the Epsom salt stops dissolving, you know you’ve added enough.
3. When to avoid an Epsom salt bath
While Epsom salt carries many benefits for your body, it can be harmful in some cases. It’s best to avoid an Epsom salt bath if you have any deep wounds or cuts on your skin, if you’re pregnant, or are dehydrated. Also, if you have a history with cardiovascular disease, be sure to check in with a doctor before taking an Epsom salt bath.
4. Making the most out of it
If you aren’t suffering from any of the conditions mentioned above, then you’re good to go.
In order to gain the full benefits of the Epsom salt bath, it’s recommended you spend around 20 minutes in the bathtub. You may consider adding essential oils to your water to compliment the effects of the Epsom salt. For example, lavender and peppermint both help in relaxation. It will help further if you have one of the best bathtub designs to enjoy.
And with that, all that’s left to say is good luck with your Epsom salt bath!