5 health benefits of Epsom salt bath
What's the story
A popular remedy for several ailments, Epsom salt helps relieve muscle soreness, swelling, minor aches, pains, and stress.
Also called magnesium sulfate, Epsom salt is a chemical compound composed of oxygen, magnesium, and sulfur.
This salt has also been used to treat ailments like fibromyalgia, insomnia, and constipation for hundreds of years.
Here are five health benefits you can get from Epsom salt baths.
Body detox
Helps detox your body
The essential minerals in Epsom salt remove harmful toxins from the body which relieves stress, treats constipation, aids in weight loss, and improves your overall health.
The magnesium in it helps those with a deficiency, like people with fibromyalgia.
Add Epsom salt to a bathtub filled with warm water and soak in it for 12-15 minutes to detox your body and release stress.
Skin health
Treats skin irritation or inflammation
An Epsom salt bath not only helps you relax but also soothes skin irritation and inflammation caused by contact dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, and athlete's foot.
It can also treat dry and itchy skin caused by insect bites, seasonal changes, or poison ivy.
You can also add therapeutic oils like tea tree oil to get additional relief from skin conditions and exfoliate dead skin cells.
Soothes pain
Treats arthritis, pain, and soreness
A soothing Epsom salt bath can give relief from pain and swelling associated with anti-inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, and lupus.
The magnesium in it helps soothes stiff and aching joints and muscle soreness as a result of exercising.
Mix ginger, warm water, and Epsom salt to make a paste and rub it on the joints to soothe the pain.
Foot health
Maintains your foot health
An Epsom salt bath can help relieve symptoms of athlete's foot, treat toenail fungus and gout pain and inflammation.
It can also eliminate foot odor and exfoliate the skin.
You can either take an Epsom salt bath or soak your feet in Epsom salt water mixed with tea tree oil to exfoliate dry or cracked heels, relieve itching and help your feet heal faster.
Releases stress
Helps relieve stress
An easy and affordable method of self-care, Epsom salt bath helps relieve mental and physical stress and calms you down after a long tiring day.
It also reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression. The high magnesium levels in Epsom salt help to boost neurotransmitters in the brain that promotes better sleep and makes you feel relaxed.
Magnesium also helps promote melatonin, a sleep-inducing hormone.