Epsom salt has been used for hundreds of years for a number of ailments. Chemically, known as magnesium sulfate, Epsom salt is a magnesium-based “salt” rather than a traditional sodium-based salt.
According to experts, one way of improving our magnesium levels is by using Epsom salt around the house and in beauty treatments.
Found in Epsom salt are two chemicals that possess beneficial properties – magnesium and sulfate.
Magnesium is ideal for people who are stressed, regulates the rhythm of the heart and relaxes the muscles. Meanwhile, sulfate helps remove toxins from the body and kills microbes on the skin thus preventing sorts of infections. Aside from these, Epsom salt has also been known for its ability to provide relief from constipation and hyperacidity.
Here are the reasons why this magnesium-rich (and inexpensive) household staple should be added on our bathwater:
Helps Reduce Stress
The magnesium content of Epsom salt can help reduce stress and improve sleep by boosting the brain neurotransmitters and promoting melatonin, a sleep-inducing hormone.
By taking a warm Epsom salt bath, a person is able to release muscle tension and recover after a long day.
Helps Soothe Arthritis
Taking the bath can help people suffering from inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, gout, and lupus. It helps get rid of toxins responsible for the inflammation while at the same time reducing stiffness, swelling, and pain.
Can Help Soothe Eczema
When it comes to eczema treatment, the National Eczema Association recommends taking an Epsom salt bath to take the sting out and soothe dry, itchy patches.
Can Help Ease Aches And Pains
According to some experts, the magnesium sulfate in Epsom salt help block receptors from feeling the pain, once it is absorbed by the skin. Due to this, it can help soothe away muscle aches after a day of hard work.
Helps Soothe The Skin
The bathwater can help soften dry and rough skin. It can exfoliate dead skin cells by combing it with coconut oil and using it in scrubbing away dead skin on everywhere from our lips to our toes. It soothes skin affected by various skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
Helps Open Sinuses
Inhaling the steam from boiling water infused with Epsom salts, eucalyptus, and rosemary can help clear away congestion.
Eliminates Toxins From The Body
Adding the right amount of Epsom salt to bathwater triggers the process called reverse osmosis, which actually pulls salt and harmful toxins and heavy metals out of our body.
Helps Minimize Sunburn Pain
Suffering from sunburn? Epsom salt can be your friend. Sunburn is caused by overexposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun. It is characterized by red, swollen, and painful skin. Soaking in a warm Epsom salt bath can help ease the sting of a sunburn.
Helps Make Splinters—And Bee Stings—Easier To Remove
Simply soak the affected area in an Epsom salt bath for 15 minutes to easily remove bee stings.
Helps Muscles And Nerves Function Properly
According to studies, Epsom salt bath can help ensure the proper functioning of the nerves enzymes, and muscle by regulating electrolytes in the body. Magnesium acts as the main conductor of the electric pulses in our body.
Helps Treat Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection. It spreads when our feet make contact with the fungus, which is left behind on wet floors or exercise equipment. Some of its symptoms are itching, burning, and stinging of the feet. According to dermatologists, taking an Epsom salt bath is a natural way to help cure athlete’s foot.
How To Prepare an Epsom Salt Bath
Want to try an Epsom salt bath? Here’s how to take advantage of the various benefits it offers:
Fill your bathtub with warm water and dissolve about 2 cups of Epsom salt in it. Add another 1/2 cup or 1 full cup of Epsom salt if your bathtub is larger than normal. Soak in the bathwater for 12-15 minutes to give the sulfate and magnesium in Epsom salt enough time to carry out their jobs. After that, feel free to stay in the tub for as long as you want.
Reminder:
Make sure that the water is warm and not blistering hot.
