Are You Ready to Try an Epsom Salt Bath?
By Donna Stark
It may seem like something from the past or what your great-grandmothers did, but that doesn't mean the health benefits it provides has disappeared with time. Epsom salt baths have been used for centuries and continue to this day to be an amazing tool for the management of joint and muscle pain. Have you ever tried one before? Well, if not, and if your body is hurting, you may want to give it a chance! Besides, who doesn't like hot baths and less pain?
What Is Epsom Salt?
Epsom salt is a naturally occurring mineral that is rich in magnesium and sulfates. The properties of Epsom salt get absorbed through the skin and can help with pain, soreness, tenderness, and inflammation. It's a great pain relief option to consider because it's effective, affordable, and completely all-natural. There are no chemicals, prescriptions, or invasive procedures involved with its use.
How Do You Use It?
It really couldn't be any easier to treat your body pain with Epsom salts. Simply fill your bath with warm water, follow the directions on the package to know how much to use (usually a couple of cups per bath), allow enough time for the salts to dissolve, and jump in. Actually, maybe jumping in is a bad idea. Simply step in and relax for at least 30 minutes to achieve maximum benefits. Take a look at a few of the benefits below.
- Reduces inflammation - Magnesium is known for its anti-inflammatory properties
- Improves circulation - Optimal blood circulation relies on magnesium and Epsom salts are a great source
- Maintains healthy joints - The sulfates found in Epsom salt can help strengthen the body's joints
- Repairs muscles - Epsom salts can also help repair muscle damage and reduce muscle fatigue
- Exfoliates skin - In addition to reducing pain, Epsom salt also rejuvenates skin and repairs damaged skin cells
- Stabilizes moods - Taking an Epsom salt bath can help stabilize moods and relieve stress and anxiety
- Reduces headaches - By relaxing the muscles in the back, neck, and shoulders, an Epsom salt bath may also help relieve headache or migraine pain
When Not to Use It
If you have any type of skin inflammation, infection, wound, or burn, it is highly recommended that you don't use Epsom salts. Contact your doctor for alternative suggestions.
Where to Buy Epsom Salts
Even though most drugstores, grocery stores, and nutritional supplement stores carry a wide variety of Epsom salts, quality is the most important thing you need to consider before purchasing, so be sure to shop around for the best. Ask your primary care doctor or pharmacist for recommendations, because after all, if you have decided to take the plunge, you may as well make it worth it!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Loganville, Ga.