As soon as you read or hear the term Epsom salt, the first thing that comes to mind is a relaxing bath. Well, that’s exactly what it does, Epsom salt relaxes your body like no other, but Epsom salt bath benefits don’t just end there. There’s a reason why so many women around the world use it to relax their mind and body. Epsom salt is made up of magnesium and sulfates, both of which stimulate detoxification. Magnesium is a natural substance that helps with a number of bodily functions and the removal of toxins. Sulfates, on the other hand, strengthen the digestive tract walls, making the release of toxins an easy process.
- Epsom salt bath benefits
- - Soothes the skin
- - Relieves sore muscles
- - Reduces stress
- - Improves foot health
- - Eliminates toxins from the body
- How to use epsom salt for bath and foot soak
- Did you know? - Other uses of epsome salts
- FAQs about epsom salt bath benefits
Epsom salt bath benefits
The benefits of epsom salt were recognised hundreds of years ago. Its beneficial properties work in relaxing and soothing the mind, body and soul. Soaking in a tub of epsom salt after a long and tiring day eases many stress-related problems. Below are all the epsom salt bath benefits explained in detail.
- Soothes the skin
Dead skin cells can often get collected and this builds up over time in a particular area, making it look rough and dry. Epsom salt bathwater softens the skin and makes it easier to get rid of accumulated dead skin cells. It also has the ability to soothe dry and irritated skin. While some people claim Epsom salt may also offer relief from skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, it is always best to consult with your doctor before using it to treat skin conditions.
- Relieves sore muscles
The reason you feel relaxed and better after taking an Epsom salt bath is because, it has the ability to relieve sore muscles and reduce pain. Those with inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, and psoriatic arthritis are known to have found relief with the use of Epsom salt. The magnesium helps the body get rid of all the toxins that are responsible for causing inflammation. It can also reduce swelling, stiffness, pain and even heal cuts. Making an Epsom salt bath a part of your weekly routine can be quite beneficial for the skin and body.
- Reduces stress
When you are stressed, adrenaline levels increase and magnesium levels decrease in the body. The magnesium in epsom salt gets dissolved in the water and enters the body through the skin thereby replenishing the levels of magnesium in the body. This produces serotonin, the mood-elevating chemical and creates a feeling of calmness and relaxation. Experts believe that taking a bath with water that has epsom salt in it thrice a week can help you feel better, look better as well as gain more energy. So, if you are looking for a way to unwind, an epsom salt bath is all you need.
- Improves foot health
Apart from a full-body soak, you can also use Epsom salt to soak your feet in, to relax and treat common concerns related to the feet. Ingrown toenail infections and athlete’s foot are two common infections, both of which can be treated by simply soaking the feet in warm water with some Epsom salt dissolved in it. This will accelerate the healing process as well as relieve itching and irritation. Another benefit of an Epsom salt foot soak is that it helps eliminate foot odor. Make it a practice to soak your feet in Epsom salt water at least twice a week during the monsoon season to keep infections and odour at bay.
- Eliminates toxins from the body
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, epsom salt contains sulfates that help flush toxins and heavy metals from the cells of the body. By eliminating these harmful substances, epsom salt eases muscle pain. Skin is highly porous in nature and using the right minerals in your bath water can draw out toxins and other harmful chemicals from the body. Soaking your body for only 10 minutes can help eliminate toxins.
We have covered the basics of epsom salt bath benefits, now let’s take a look at how to use it for best results.
How to use epsom salt for bath and foot soak
1) Epsom salt bath
Epsom salt can be easily purchased from stores or online, some are infused with essential oils and other nourishing ingredients to enhance the experience for you. To get the innumerable benefits of an Epsom salt bath, do the following.
- Add two cups of Epsom salt while running water in a standard size bathtub. This way, it will quickly dissolve and you won’t have to wait before stepping into the tub.
- Make sure the water is not too hot or too cold, temperatures between 33 - 37 degrees Celsius are ideal.
- Soak in the bath for at least 15-20 minutes or even longer, if desired.
- Avoid using soap as it may interfere with the actions of the salt.
- Try to rest for at least two hours after the bath, it is best to take an Epsom salt bath right before going to bed.
2) Epsom salt foot soak
Your feet bear the brunt every day and it is natural to experience pain or sore feet at the end of a long day. A good way to pamper weary and tired feet is by soaking them in Epsom salt water. If you regularly do pedicures at home, you can use it during the foot soaking step too.
- Add half a cup of Epsom salt to a tub of lukewarm water, once it dissolves, put your feet in it and relax for at least 20 minutes.
- Sit in a relaxing chair, listen to some music or read your favourite book.
- You can follow this up by rubbing your feet with a pumice stone to get rid of dead skin.
- After wiping your feet, mix a few drops of essential oil with your body lotion or foot cream and massage your feet. For best results, avoid stepping out or walking too much after this.
Did you know? - Other uses of epsome salts
- Epsom salt can be used as a DIY ingredient to prepare a hair texturising spray
- It can also remove blackheads, but due to its abrasive nature, it is not highly recommended.
- Helps clean bathroom tiles as well as the detergent build-up in washing machines.
- Since it contains magnesium and sulfates, it can also be used as a fertilizer for houseplants.
FAQs about epsom salt bath benefits
Q. Does Epsom salt kill bacteria?
A. Epsom salt has the ability to draw out toxins, dirt and bacteria from the body, even those hiding in the corner of your nails. So, yes, it does kill bacteria and thereby keeps infections at bay.
Q. How long do you have to be in an Epsom salt soak?
A. For it to work effectively, it is necessary to soak your skin for at least 15-20 minutes. Check with your doctor about how long and how frequently you should soak.
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Written by Sanya Hamdani on 24th Sep 2020
Sanya Hamdani is a skincare enthusiast and lipstick hoarder, she truly believes no two red lipsticks look exactly alike. With a Master's degree in Communication & Journalism and 5+ years of digital writing experience up her sleeve, Sanya has some of the biggest beauty experts in the country on her speed dial. When she's not swatching products or writing about the latest trends in beauty, you will find her watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S. or cooking up a storm in the kitchen.