It’s not just an old wives tale, Epsom salt has been used for centuries to improve overall wellness. Scientific research from the 21st century has backed these benefits and health experts worldwide have embraced the use of Epsom salt. As more and more people are turning to natural remedies for their health and wellness needs, Epsom salt is an great option worth exploring.
What is Epsom Salt:
Epsom salt is not actually salt, however, it does resemble the mineral in that it is a crystalline solid and soluble in water. However, Epsom salt is actually a naturally occurring mineral-rich compound of magnesium and sulfate. The name originated from Epsom, England, a town where it was first discovered in the local water in the 1600s.
Uses of Epsom Salt:
- Pain relief: Epsom salt baths have many muscle-soothing benefits and can help relieve pain, which can be beneficial for sore muscles, bronchial asthma and migraine headaches.
- Inflammation reduction: Dissolving in water, Epsom salts release magnesium ions that can aid in reducing inflammation in tissues and joints, offering relief from swelling for individuals with conditions such as arthritis and other inflammatory ailments.
- Detoxification: Epsom salt can also aid in removing toxins from the body. When added to bathwater, the salt’s minerals draw out harmful toxins and salt out of the body through the highly porous membrane of the skin.
- Skin Improvement: The skin benefits of epsom salt vary, including exfoliation, improved skin texture and added hydration. Plus, it can help alleviate the symptoms from common skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and acne by drawing out toxins and impurities.
- Stress relief: Epsom salt baths aid in enhancing mood, relaxation and sleep quality by replenishing magnesium levels in the body, which can be depleted by stress and increased adrenaline.
How to Use Epsom Salt:
- Bathing: Epsom salt is most commonly used dissolved in water for bathing. To do so, pour about 2 cups of Epsom salt into a bathtub with warm water. Many spas incorporate the use of Epsom salt or saline pools, allowing guests to experience the benefits.
- Soaking: Epsom salts can also be combined with water to soak certain areas of the body that need the added benefits, most commonly the feet. To do this, fill a bowl with warm water and dissolve a few tablespoons of Epsom salts (depending on the size of the bowl).
- Showering: Another at-home use includes Epsom salt as a scrub for the shower. Combine Epsom salt and olive oil or coconut oil to create a paste. Add in essential oils for added aromatherapy benefits.
As we celebrate World Bathing Day this June, it is important to remember the cultural traditions associated with the act of bathing and how beneficial it can be for our physical and mental wellness. Bathing in Epsom salt baths or pools is just one of the many ways to increase your connection to water. Bathing in hot springs and mineral water is also a great reminder of the link between our overall well-being and our planet.
