Epsom salt baths have been used for the last few centuries for relaxation and detoxification. The two main ingredients are magnesium and sulfate. It is believed the combination of both ingredients stimulates detoxification pathways.
Magnesium is a natural substance that aids a variety of bodily functions, including the removal of toxins. Sulfate can strengthen the walls of the digestive tract and make releasing toxins easier. Using both properties together produces great benefits including temporary healing and pain management.
It’s easier than ever to take a salt bath. You can get a bag of Epsom salt at your local drug store for only a couple of bucks. Here are the known benefits of soaking in a salt bath:
Soothe the Skin
The best-known benefit of Epsom salt is that it can exfoliate dry, dead skin cells. It may also soothe skin affected by skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis.
It’s important to check with a doctor before soaking in salt, especially if a person has a skin condition, because it may make the symptoms worse.
Reduce Soreness and Pain
For people living with certain types of inflammatory conditions, Epsom salts may provide pain relief and reduce swelling. This especially applies to those with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, and psoriatic arthritis.
Lower levels of magnesium can help ease the pain of arthritis. Epsom salt contains magnesium that may help the body get rid of toxins responsible for exacerbating inflammation. It also reduces body stiffness, pain, and swelling.
Stress Reliever
When the body gets healthy levels of magnesium, it can boost brain neurotransmitters that are responsible for inducing sleep and reducing stress. Magnesium is also known to promote melatonin, a sleep-inducing hormone. This may help people suffering from insomnia.
People that are feeling stressed or overwhelmed may highly benefit from taking an Epsom salt bath. Research has been done which found people who are suffering from mental and physical stress benefit when their magnesium levels are managed. While the study was done with oral supplements, Epsom salt could have a similar effect.
Taking a warm bath can make the body feel at ease, thus allowing the person to release muscle tension and recuperate after a stressed-filled day.
Heal Sore Feet
Epsom salt acts as a healing property and may help treat athlete’s foot and ingrown toenail infections. A person can soak their feet in a salt bath and help their feet heal faster and relieve itching.
Remove Splinters Easily
Splinters are sometimes difficult to remove without pushing them further into the skin. An Epsom salt bath can help loosen splinters and reduce inflammation in the affected area.