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Epsom Salt Bath Uses

Ever taken a hot Epsom salt bath?

Epsom Salt Bath UsesEpsom Salt Bath Uses


You might want to consider it if you’re experiencing the joint pain of arthritis. Maybe you’re sore from working out and don’t want to take any more Motrin or Aleve than you already are. Or perhaps you’re stressed out and need some help relaxing. For a variety of reasons, Epsom Salt Bath Uses are many and varied!

Either way, Epsom salts can help. Epsom Salt Bath Uses – It’s been successfully used for tens of thousands of years, is still in use today, and just might be the all-natural, drug free solution you’ve been looking for.

What exactly are Epsom salt baths?

While you wouldn’t want to sprinkle it on your french fries Epsom salts are, indeed, a salt. All salts are chemical compounds which contain a metal, usually negatively charged, and a positively charged “base” molecule. Opposite charges attract, and the two are loosely bound together. They’ll easily dissolve in water but are very stable solids when they’re not wet.

In the case of table salt the metal is sodium is attached to a chloride ion, hence sodium chloride. In the case of Epsom salts the metal magnesium is bound to a sulfite ion, hence magnesium sulfate. It’s term “Epsom” is used because the hot springs of Epsom, England are exceptionally rich in this compound. They’re still in use today and are basically large, natural Epsom baths.

Epsom salts are different than other types of salt traditionally used in bathing. An example is Dead Sea salts. They’re a blend of several different salts and minerals produced by evaporating sea water in the Middle East. Fancy bath salts typically use Epsom salts or large table salt crystals and in most cases are heavily perfumed. They might smell pretty yet mass produced chemical perfumes can act as irritants and aren’t exactly good for most people’s skin. It’s possible to buy bath salts with natural fragrances and oils but they’re many times more expensive.

How Does Epsom Salt Work?

There’s no doubt that you’ve seen table salt dissolve in water. Epsom salts are just as soluble and break down or “dissociate” into magnesium and sulfate. When you take an Epsom bath both compounds are absorbed through the skin, theoretically easing the pain of stiff joints and relieving muscle soreness. While this hasn’t been scientifically proven there’s literally tens of thousands of years of evidence that they work exactly as intended.

Epsom Salt Bath Uses

Epsom salt bath can prove helpful for:

Epsom Salt Bath Uses

  • Minor pain associated with arthritis
  • Excessive swelling.
  • Bruises.
  • Sprains and strains.
  • Post-exercise soreness
  • The redness and discomfort associated with sunburn.
  • Achy feet.
  • Scaly, itchy skin associated with psoriasis.
  • Other minor skin irritations.
  • Fibromyalgia, a poorly understood condition which results in widespread pain and often debilitating fatigue.
  • Bruises and sprains

You should technically talk to your podiatrist near me before making changes to your healthcare regimen. In reality Epsom salts baths cause no side effects and interfere with no medications you may be taking. If you’re being treated for a specific skin condition you should certainly consult your podiatrist near me but in general Epsom salts are completely safe.

negative effects of an epsom salt soak

The prevailing consensus is that Epsom salt is safe when used as a bath.

If you’ve never taken an Epsom salt bath, think about testing a small area of skin with water and magnesium sulfate first.

Avoid taking an Epsom salt bath with damaged skin.

In the event that you encounter:

  • allergic reactions with itchy skin, such as hives or rash skin infections

Taking an Epsom salts bath:

First, add 2 cups of Epsom salts to the bottom of a standard sized tub prior to filling it. This is important, since the running water will help the salts dissolve. Next, fill the tub using water that’s very warm yet not uncomfortable. Again, this will help the salts dissolve completely. Note: never put Epsom salts into a hot tub, jacuzzi, or whirlpool bath as this can severely damage the filters and water circulation system.

Now you’re ready to bathe. Light some candles, put on some relaxing music, and get in the tub. There’s no recommended soak time so you can soakas long as you like. Simply get in the tub and enjoy!

There’s plenty of anecdotal evidence for the many benefits this type of bath offers. Aside from the more well known benefits such as relieving arthritis pain and soothing sore muscles salt baths have additional benefits which aren’t so obvious. These include:

  • Relief from the itching caused by poison ivy, poison oak, and insect bites.
  • Reducing the discomfort of moderate-severe sunburns.
  • Increasing your body’s levels of magnesium and sulfate, which you’ll absorb through the skin.
  • Softening the skin to aid in removing a splinter.
  • Helping (most) wounds to heal. If you have an infected wound or deep surgical incision consult with your doctor before bathing.

Remember that using Epsom salts is completely safe. Check with your podiatrist near me if you’ve got any doubts but other than that it’s impossible to overdo it.

Treating muscle aches, post-exercise soreness, and other minor complaints with Epsom salts.

For thousands of years people across the globe have used Epsom salts as a safe, natural, do-it-yourself treatment for a multitude of conditions. Here are some tips on preparing the perfect Epsom salts bath:

  • Put about 2 cups of salts in the bottom of a standard bathtub.
  • Draw a bath using water that’s very hot but not uncomfortable. The running water will help the salts dissolve. In general, the hotter the better.
  • Relax! People typically soak for around 30 minutes but there’s no prescribed time limit.

As a final note only use Epsom salts intended for use by humans. If the package is labeled “USP” (United States Pharmacopeia) then you’ll know the product is safe.

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