Epsom salt derived from a bitter saline spring in Surrey, England many years ago and is surprisingly not a salt at all! It is a naturally pure mineral made of two very important elements: sulfate and magnesium. This compounded product has valuable effects that can soothe the mind, body and soul. Epsom salt offers a myriad of health benefits that range from curing skin issues, soothing aching muscles, healing cuts, treating respiratory infections and relaxing the nervous system. Epsom salt has quickly become the “go-to” solution to ease pain and stress. Below are some recovery techniques, sore muscle remedies and the overall health benefits of Epsom salt.
Recovery Techniques
Aches and pains are a common occurrence for underused and overworked muscles. There are tons of medications on the market for recovery techniques, but more and more people are turning to natural remedies for muscle pain relief. Epsom salt has been around for centuries and is a leader in the industry for easing the aches of sore muscles and aching joints. Famous actresses such as Victoria Beckham and Gwyneth Paltrow swear by Epsom baths for flatter stomachs, loose muscles and other beauty benefits.
Magnesium is a fantastic additive that provides a variety of recovery techniques including reducing stress. Research shows that healthy and normal magnesium levels can cause neurotransmitters in the brain to advance and produce a relaxing melatonin hormone. Recent studies show that individuals experiencing physical and mental stress can benefit from a healthy magnesium level. The research studied oral supplements but found that Epsom salt could offer comparable effects. Anyone feeling overwhelmed and stressed should try the simple recovery technique of bathing in Epsom salt. This alone will help release muscle tension and allow the mind to relax.
Epsom Bath for Sore Muscles
Individuals who suffer from certain inflammatory conditions such as gout, lupus, rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis can benefit from an Epsom bath for sore muscles, reduction of swelling and general pain relief. Because one of the main ingredients of Epsom salt is Magnesium, the Arthritis Foundation found that this element helps reduce pain, stiffness and swelling within the body. Epsom salt is also shown to regulate electrolytes which helps your muscles function properly, and better!
When mixed with warm water, Epsom salt breaks down into its two main ingredients; sulfate and magnesium. Epsom baths are a topical recovery technique that soaks into your body through your skin relaxing your muscles and loosening your stiff and achy joints. Epsom salt baths can be used for a variety of conditions that cause sore muscles and joints such as:
- Arthritis
- Exercise
- Fibromyalgia
- Chemotherapy
- Swollen feet
- Bloated stomach muscles
To enjoy the health benefits of Epsom salt through a relaxing bath, combine one cup of Epsom salt to warm, not hot, water and soak for 10 to 20 minutes or when the water cools. For a lovely aroma and to induce a calm scent, add a few drops of lavender essential oil.
In addition to relieving sore muscles and stiff joints, an Epsom bath will also provide a body detox, ease the stress of the day and soften your skin. Although there are varied reviews on whether Epsom salt is a “cure-all”, it is an inexpensive and efficient product that is worth a try to improve your health naturally.
Health Benefits of Epsom Salt
Aside from recovery techniques and relieving sore muscles, there are also several other health benefits of Epsom salt. Epsom salt is proven to eliminate toxins, improve blood sugar levels and even help treat athlete’s foot and fungus. For people suffering from psoriasis and eczema, an Epsom salt bath can soothe and treat affected areas. The solution is also known for promotion foot health and is proven to be the simplest way to treat ingrown toenail infections.
We’ve covered how magnesium affects the body in positive ways, but what about the second ingredient, sulfate? Sulfate plays a major role in releasing the toxins from your body which in turn triggers reverse osmosis. To detoxify your body, it is suggested that once a week you add two cups of Epsom salt to a bathtub of warm water and soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
Epsom Salt and Essential Oils
Soaking in a warm Epsom salt bath after a long day can work wonders on your body. There are many health benefits of Epsom salt, but when combined with essential oils your relaxing bath can become even more delightful. Think back to the last time you pampered yourself with a stress-relieving bath and toxic cleanse. For normal, everyday busy people, it’s hard to remember!
The process of adding essential oils to your Epsom salt bath sounds easy, but there are some safety measures to take before adding them straight to water. Essential oil, no matter what the scent, needs to be combined with a carrier oil. This carrier oil, a common choice is coconut oil, will protect your skin from sensitivities such as burns. Each oil contains properties that may not be suitable for baths and your skin. For example, peppermint oil can often irritate skins and warming oils like black pepper, ginger and clove can become too hot if mixed in a warm bath.
There are several ways to use essential oils with Epsom salt. Below are a few recipes but you can be as creative as you want, as long as you research and the combinations before using them. Clary sage, juniper, frankincense and geranium are all essential oils that have a variety of uses and are shown to help with an array of common problems.
- For an even more relaxing and rejuvenating bath, 20 drops of lavender essential oil can be added to Epsom salt.
- To help ease sore muscles, add 20 drops of eucalyptus oil.
- To lighten your mood and relieve stress, combine 30 drops of tangerine, grapefruit and sweet orange essential oil.
- For an energizing and invigorating bath, combine 5 drops of rosemary and 10 drops of spearmint essential oils.
After you bathe in Epsom salt and essential oil, always rinse the mixtures off with a cool shower and drink plenty of water. The health benefits of Epsom salt combined with essential oils is a game-changer. Whether you suffer from physical or emotional pain, your brain will record it as the same pain.
