Reasons You Should Try An Epsom Salt Bath

Ease stress:  When we are under stress our body is drained of magnesium and increases our levels of adrenaline. While some short-term stress is actually helpful to our body, long-term exposure can lead to a number of harmful conditions such as high blood pressure, obesity, insomnia, blood sugar regulation problems etc. When Epsom salt is added to a warm bath, the body is ready re-supplied with magnesium. This helps with the production of serotonin, the mood-lifting chemical in the brain that promotes calmness and reduces anxiety. Bathing in Epsom salt at least three times a week will help reduce irritability as well.

Promote restful sleep: If you have a hard time sleeping, like millions of other people, an Epsom salt bath will help promote a restful night. Take a bath about 30 minutes before your bedtime and follow it up with a cup of chamomile tea to bring about relaxation. You can also add a few drops of lavender essential oil to your bath for added relaxation.

Relieve inflammation and pain:  An Epsom salt bath can help not only relieve muscle tension but also reduce inflammation that causes pain. It is a useful way to reduce the pain from migraine headaches as well.

Detoxify:  We are exposed to over 21,000 toxins on a regular basis including medications, herbicides, pesticides and PCB’s.Over 80% of our food have genetically modified ingredients and more than 80,000 metric tons of carcinogens are released into the air each year in North America alone.  

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average US citizen has residues from over 400 toxic compounds in their body.Epsom salt contains sulfates that flush toxins and heavy metals from the body. What is even more staggering is that there are 82,000 chemicals in use today in the United States but only one-quarter of them have ever been tested for toxicity.

As mentioned, the skin is a highly porous membrane and when Epsom salt is added to a warm bath,  salt and toxins are pulled out by a process known as reverse osmosis. This also strengthens the immune system as it doesn’t have the burden of all of the toxins.

More benefits from taking an Epsom salt bath include:

1. Improved ability of the body to use insulin, reducing the chance of diabetes.
2. Improved heart health – preventing hardening of the arteries and reducing blood pressure.
3. Improved nerve function due to electrolyte regulation.
4. Improved oxygen use.
5. Better absorption of nutrients.

The best way to take an Epsom salt bath

Although you may like to have a bath in steaming hot water, a warm bath is best. Add two cups of Epsom salt (such as this Epsoak Epsom Salt) to your bath (standard size tub)  and soak for about fifteen minutes a few times a week for best results. If you tub is larger, use more salt.

If you don’t have time for a full bath, you can also make a shower paste. Simply add ¼ cup of organic olive oil and enough Epsom salt to make a paste. Use the scrub in the shower. Make a warm compress with Epsom salt to put on bruises or sore muscles.

More ways to use Epsom salt

• Foot soak – 1 cup Epsom salt to hot water and soak feet for twenty minutes.

• Hair mask –  Mix equal parts of your usual hair conditioner with epsom salt and leave on your hair for twenty minutes. Rinse with warm water.

• Sunburn or itchy skin relief – Dissolve 1 tablespoon Epsom salt in ½ cup water and let cool. Pour in small spray bottle and use when needed. You can also use this same mixture on bug bites or stings. It will reduce redness and inflammation.

• Remove splinters – Mix equal parts warm water and Epsom salt and soak for fifteen minutes to remove the splinter.

To explore more wonderful ways to use Epsom salt, read our popular article: 20 Mind-Blowing Reasons Why Epsom Salt Should Be In Every Home

If you want to look and feel your best, consider adding a bag or two of Epsom salt to your medicine cabinet.

Source: naturalliving.com