Benefits of soaking in epsom salt

BENEFITS OF SOAKING IN EPSOM SALT

Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — 

Healthaholics 

An Epsom salt detox is a warm bath with Epsom salt that may help improve the body’s natural detoxification process and promote healing.

The two main ingredients of Epsom salt 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.

Epsom salt detox bath may have the following benefits:

Soothe the skin

Epsom salt bathwater can soften rough, dry skin, and exfoliate dead skin cells. It may also soothe skin affected by skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis.

Reduce soreness and pain

An Epsom salt bath may provide pain relief and reduce swelling in people living with certain types of inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, and psoriatic arthritis.

Magnesium can ease the pain in people with arthritis. People who have lots of pain, fatigue, headaches, depression, anxiety are magnesium deficient. 

Epsom salt contains magnesium and may help the body get rid of toxins responsible for exacerbating inflammation while also reducing swelling, stiffness, and pain.

Reduce stress

Healthy magnesium levels can boost brain neurotransmitters that are responsible for inducing sleep and reducing stress.

Magnesium may also promote melatonin, a sleep-inducing hormone.

People feeling stressed and overwhelmed may benefit from taking an Epsom salt bath. 

Some research has found that people who are suffering from mental and physical stress benefit when their magnesium levels are managed. 

While the study looked at oral supplements of magnesium (not epsom salt orally), soaking in Epsom salt  could have a similar effect.

Taking a warm bath with Epsom salts can also help a person relax by allowing them to release muscle tension and recuperate after a long day.

Promote foot health

Epsom salt may help treat athlete’s foot and ingrown toenail infections. 

A person can bathe in a tub with Epsom salt water or soak feet in warm water and Epsom salt to help feet heal faster and relieve itching.

Soaking the feet in Epsom salts may also help reduce foot odor.

Draw out splinters

Splinters can be difficult to remove without pushing them further into the skin. Soaking in an Epsom salt bath for about 15 minutes can reduce inflammation in the affected area, soften the splinter, and make it easier to remove.

the only benefit of drinking Epsom salt is as a laxative when someone is constipated.

While oral consumption of Epsom salt is safe in very small doses, there is no credible evidence that consuming it has any detoxifying effects.

To take an Epsom salt bath, add 2 cups of Epsom salt when running a bath in a standard size bathtub. The salt will quickly dissolve if put under running water.

The water should be warm but not too hot. Temperatures between 92°F and 100°F (33°C and 37°C) are ideal.

A person can then soak in the bath for 20 minutes, or longer if desired, and they should avoid using soap.

People should rest for at least 1 hour after a detox bath or take a bath at bedtime so that they can go to sleep afterward.

If you donot have a bath, soak your feet in a dish of water containing half cup epsom salt for 20 minutes a day to help up your magnesium levels.