Soaking in a relaxing Epsom salt bath is a great way to relieve a number of ailments. It reduces inflammation, heals minor sprains, soothes back pain, improves concentration, relieves stress, cures congestion, promotes circulation, lowers the risk of strokes, improves the absorption of nutrients, and helps flush out toxins from the body.
Epsom salt is basically a naturally occurring mineral (magnesium sulphate) found in water. Thus, it replenishes magnesium in the body.
It helps lower blood pressure and increase energy levels in your body. Plus, this salt facilitates proper functioning of the nerves, muscles, and enzymes.
When dealing with gout, you can immerse the affected joint in warm water mixed with two to three teaspoons of Epsom salt for about half an hour to ease the pain and inflammation.
Moreover, Epsom salt can cure constipation and reduce the symptoms of herpes. It is useful for soothing migraine headaches and dealing with bronchial asthma.
In addition, it prevents the hardening of arteries and blood clots, and controls cardiac arrhythmias. Epsom salt baths can be used to manage seizures, too.
Besides, you can use Epsom salt to exfoliate your skin and get rid of eczema, blemishes, etc. In fact, simply applying a paste prepared by mixing a little water in Epsom salt is useful for exfoliating the skin. Those of you who have an oily skin can add this salt in your homemade facial masks.
To add volume to your hair, mix equal parts of your conditioner and Epsom salt crystals, heat the mixture and apply it on your hair for almost 20 minutes and then wash it off.
Apart from various health and beauty benefits, Epsom salt baths have a soothing and relaxing effect because magnesium helps release a mood-elevating chemical called serotonin. You can enjoy Epsom salt baths regularly, at least three times in a week.
This salt can be purchased from a medical or grocery store at an affordable price. Interestingly, you can also sprinkle these crystals on houseplants on a weekly basis to nourish them.
How to Take an Epsom Salt Bath
In order to take an Epsom salt bath, just add two cups of Epsom salt in a bathtub filled with warm water and mix it. Soak in this therapeutic solution for at least 10-15 minutes.
If you want to relax for an hour or two, and benefit your skin, too, consider adding half a cup of olive oil and a few drops of an aromatherapy oil of your choice for fragrance.
Here’s a video explaining how to prepare an Epsom salt bath.
When taking an Epsom salt bath for detoxification, which in turn, assists in weight loss, do not soak in the bath water for more than 20 minutes. You may add a cup of baking soda or 1/8 cup of ginger as well. Drink a glass of water before and after the bath.
Enjoying an Epsom salt bath at night before going to bed is highly beneficial as it relieves the day’s tiredness and promotes sleep. Plus, it helps ease muscle aches after a heavy workout.
When taking an Epsom salt bath, it is suggested not to use soap while bathing in the solution or apply a cream or lotion afterwards as it may interfere with the action of this salt.
In case you do not have time for soaking in a bathtub, you may go for a mere foot bath. For this, you can dissolve half a cup of this salt in basin of warm water and soak your feet in it for 20-30 minutes. It also treats toenail fungus and heals athlete’s foot.
Do not take Epsom salt baths in excess, though, as it may make your skin dry. Individuals suffering from chronic health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and so on should consult their doctor before including Epsom salt baths in their daily routine. Pregnant women, too, need to take the doctor’s advice before following this therapy.
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