Epsom salt is just like other table salts, but you shouldn’t sprinkle it on your fries. It’s very unpleasant. A Epsom salt bath can be a great way to relax and unwind after a long day.
This article will give you an overview of Epsom salt baths’ many benefits, from your muscles to your joints to stress levels. Now it’s time to get in the bath!
Why do people use Epsom salt baths?
They are still being evaluated for their effectiveness. But Epsom enthusiasts claim that soaking in an Epsom salt bath can:
- Soothe tired and aching muscles
- Reduce inflammation and treat skin infections and scratches
- Help people feel relaxed
- Exfoliate skin
- Soothe dry, sunburned skin or symptoms of eczema
Do these claims have any support? It’s not. It doesn’t matter if it feels good or doesn’t hurt.
What is Epsom salt?
Epsom salt (or magnesium sulphate) is a popular remedy for muscle pain. It is a chemical compound that is made up magnesium, sulfur, oxygen.
What are Epsom salt baths good at?
The supposed benefits of Epsom salts may come from their magnesium content.
Numerous studies have not been able to show that magnesium can be absorbed by skin when it is applied in creams or lotions.
And even if that’s possible, it’s not clear whether absorbing magnesium through your skin is better for you than taking supplements. It might be a relaxing bath after all this science. Is there anything wrong with that?
How to take Epsom salt baths
Some researchers still question the efficacy and safety of Epsom salt baths. But if you just want to chillax and add some minerals to your soak in the process, what’s to lose? Here’s how to get your salty bath just right.
What amount of Epsom salt are you using for a bath?
Your magnesium levels won’t be affected by Epsom salt. A research review found that if magnesium is not absorbed through the skin, it won’t be enough to increase your magnesium levels.
You will find the recommended dosage on the package of any Epsom salt product that you purchase. It is usually between 1 to 2 cups of Epsom Salt for an average-sized tub of water.
You might start with less than half a cup of Epsom salt if you have sensitive skin. Then, increase your dosage.
A compress of Epsom salt dampened on the inside of your arm can be applied to allergy-prone skin. To test for allergic reactions, leave it on for 10 minutes.
How to make Epsom salt baths
To give yourself a little more time, follow these steps:
- Buy some Epsom salt (duh). They’re available for purchase online. It should have a USP (United States Pharmacopeia) label. Also, a drug facts box. These boxes show that it has been tested for safety in humans.
- Add the Epsom salt to your hot water bath. This will allow the salt to dissolve under the running water.
- You can also add essential oils if you wish (pick your favorite scent and indulge in it).
- To make the bath more comfortable, add cold water to the tub.
- Make sure salts are dissolved.
- You can languish in this bubbly salty business for as long as you like.
How often can you take Epsom Salt Baths?
An Epsom salt bath can be taken once a week, or every 2 to 3-days. There is no medical benefit to Epsom salt baths. Therefore, there aren’t any strict guidelines.
As stated above, ensure that you only buy from USP-approved sources so that the instructions are clear. Packaging that is misleading or deceptive is not something anyone needs.
If you have any concerns about your health, consult your doctor before taking a bath. It’s not easy to get a magnesium overdose by simply soaking in a tub. Your body can do a great job of flushing out magnesium in your urine.
An Epsom salt bath won’t cure your skin problems or ease muscle pain. It’s very unlikely that you will cause any severe damage by using one. If you find it comfortable, create a bathing routine that works for your body.
How to make Epsom salt baths even more enjoyable
This could be turned into a pampering session.
- Play some relaxing music to your playlist.
- You can turn the lighting down or off completely.
- Make sure to light some fragrant candles.
- Lock the bathroom door if you have children in your home. You don’t have to be awakened every five minutes to get a drink or referee a dispute.
- Grab the loofah that you have been putting off. You can scrub your entire body with this or a brush. This will get rid of any dead skin cells, and may make your skin more open to possible absorption.
- Keep a cool, long drink near the tub to keep you hydrated. (Not booze – alcohol dehydrates. You can opt for cold, infused water, or iced tea with a touch of lemon. If it’s that kind of weekend, grab a cocktail.)
- Relax in the tub The more time you can remain in the water the better. You can ignore any calls from the kitchen or knocks at the door. This is your chance.
Are Epsom salt baths really effective?
It all depends on the claim you are looking at.
Relaxation and stress management
The claim: Magnesium helps your brain produce sleep-promoting and stress-reducing neurotransmitters, and melatonin, a hormone that makes you sleepy.
This is the reality: That’s all, though.
One 2015 research study showed that there is currently no evidence to examine the effects of magnesium stress levels. A 2012 research review showed that participants did not experience an increase in melatonin levels when given magnesium.
Magnesium supplementation
This is the claim: A 2003 research review found that certain compounds can prevent dietary magnesium from being absorbed. This could make it easier to absorb the important mineral through the skin.
This is the truth: It is simply not possible to absorb enough nutrients through your skin to make any difference. This claim is based upon weak studies with no control groups.
After an exercise, you can feel the relief in your muscles
This is the claim: This allows them to recover faster.
The reality: Nuh-uh, try again. A relaxing bath after an intense workout is the dream – but adding Epsom salts doesn’t mean that more magnesium is coming your way. It won’t absorb enough magnesium.
Swelling and pain relief
The claim: Some people with fibromyalgia and arthritis report finding sweet relief from inflammation after an Epsom salt bath.
It might be helpful for some people. This was found in a small 2015 study. This is not sufficient evidence to recommend it as a pain relief treatment.
The verdict: You might find an Epsom salt bath relaxing and soothing your pains. However, there isn’t much evidence to support their benefits.
Side effects of Epsom salt baths
Warm baths can help dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure.
This is great news for those with high blood pressure. However, it is not good news if your blood pressure is low. Before you take a hot bath with or without Epsom salts, it is a good idea that you consult your healthcare provider.
To avoid shocks to your system, you should reduce the water temperature and enter the tub slowly.
What is the history of Epsom salts?
Natural remedies were sometimes a viable alternative to traditional medicine in times when many people didn’t have the means to visit a doctor.
It was shown that an English farmer from Epsom in Surrey dug wells to water his cattle. The farmer noticed that the wells had a salty residue at the edges, which the moo-moos didn’t like to drink.
Even cows thought it tasted of dirt. The farmer discovered that the water could heal sores and scratches on both humans and animals.
Epsom became a popular spa town. People came from all walks of the globe to enjoy its purported healing properties. A physician in the area noticed that the water also had a .laxative .effect (which the farmer was likely pretty relieved he didn’t discover in the cows first).
Voila! Epsom salt was patented worldwide and is now available for sale.
Takeaway
Epsom salt baths can be as soothing as any hot bath and relieve stress, aches, or pains. However, the benefits of Epsom salt baths as a supplement to magnesium are still unknown.
Epsom salts can be added to bathwater for a few reasons. Epsom salts were a big deal in the 17th century Britain. The 21st century can also be a drag.
It gives you a reason to have some fun. Relax in your tub. Add Epsom salt to taste if you wish. Turn on some chilled music and enjoy.
