Epsom salts have been used for centuries to treat many ailments. Most people might not be aware of the amazing health benefits of Epsom salts as they are quite different from the traditional salts we know.
Epsom salts are naturally occurring pure minerals with magnesium and sulfate. It is a powerful mineral that enhances the detoxification of the human body among other health benefits. These salts are quite inexpensive and can be purchased in bulk at various retail stores.
The salts are named after a bitter saline spring in Surrey, England. Apart from the many health benefits, Epsom salt is well known for its other benefits in household, beauty, gardening, and related uses. Research has shown that the sulfate and magnesium in the salt are easily absorbed through the skin, making the salt ideal for baths and a great way to get it into the body to enjoy its numerous health benefits.
The magnesium in the salt plays a crucial role in the body being the second most abundant element in the human cell. Magnesium helps regulate over 325 body enzymes and play other roles in normal functions of the body like energy production, muscle control, and electrical impulses.
Health Benefits of Epsom Salt
Most of us are quite deficient in magnesium levels in our bodies. According to the National Academy of Sciences, the magnesium deficiency levels in America account for most stress related illnesses, stroke, heart diseases, osteoporosis, joint pain, arthritis, digestive maladies and chronic fatigue. Our magnesium levels have dropped greatly in the past few years due to changes in agriculture and our diet.
Magnesium levels in the body are usually affected by stress which drains it increasing the levels of adrenaline. Dissolve the Epsom salt in water and take a bath with it. The salt gets absorbed through the skin replenishing the levels of magnesium in the body. The magnesium then helps in the production of serotonin, a mood elevating hormone that brings a feeling of relaxation and calm.
Further research has shown that magnesium helps increase stamina and energy production by enhancing the production of ATP (the energy packets made in the cells). Most people who bathe with Epsom salts for three weeks usually feel better, look better and gain more energy. The magnesium ions help your body relax reducing irritability and lowering the effects of adrenaline in the body. Individuals with good levels of magnesium in their bodies are usually relaxed and have better sleeping patterns.
They also tend to have high levels of concentration as the magnesium helps the nerves and the muscles to function properly.
Lists Of Magnesium Health Benefits
1. Relieves Muscle Cramps And Pain
The salt is known to relieve inflammations and ease pain in individuals. It is used in the treatment of sore muscles, bronchial asthma, and migraine headaches. Epsom salt has been used to heal cuts and even reduce the soreness from childbirth. A paste of the salt is usually mixed with hot water and applied to the affected area to create a soothing effect.
Aching feet and toes can be soaked in a mixture of Epsom salt and warm water for several minutes. The salt will soften the skin, reduce the pain and even neutralize the effect of smelly feet.
2. Functioning Of The Nerves And Body Muscles
Epsom salt has been shown to help regulate the electrolytes in our bodies. Magnesium plays a crucial role in the proper use of calcium in the body serving as the main conductor of electrolytes in our bodies. This ensures that there is a proper functioning of the body’s enzymes, muscles, and nerves.
3. Makes Insulin More Effective
The effectiveness of calcium in the body has been shown to greatly improve with high levels of calcium in the body. This helps prevent or lower the risks associated with diabetes in people.
4. Prevents The Hardening Of Arteries And Blood Clots
Epsom salt is good for the heart and helps prevent cases of heart diseases in people. The salt improves the blood circulation throughout the body and protects the elasticity of arteries. This ensures the arteries do not harden over time preventing strokes and other heart diseases. Most sudden heart attacks in the United States nowadays are caused by sudden blood clots that prevent the normal flow of blood in the arteries.
5. Helps With Constipation
Taken Internally, Epsom salt has been found to relieve constipation in people. It is a detoxifying agent used to cleanse the colon. It usually acts as a laxative helping to increase the amount of water in the intestine bringing about temporary relief to the affected persons. However, you’re advised to use Epsom salt for the relief of constipation only after consulting a doctor.
6. Helps With The Removal Of Toxins From The Body
Epsom salts play a crucial role in the removal of toxins and other heavy metals from the body. This is achieved through the sulfates in the salt that flush out the toxins and heavy metals from the cells. This eases pain in the body and eliminates all the harmful substances. This is achieved through a process called reverse osmosis which tends to pull salts out of your body. The human cells are very porous and allow the entry of the right minerals through.
As the reverse osmosis pulls the salt out, it pulls the toxins along with it. This is why you’re advised to have a detoxifying bath at least one every week. In a short while, we shall look at how to use the Epsom salt for detoxification which also brings the other health benefits discussed above.
How To Take an Epsom Salt Bath
The first step in properly taking an Epsom bath is setting aside at least 40 minutes. You need the first 20 minutes for removal of toxins from the body while the other 20 minutes is for the body to absorb the minerals in the bath water.
Go ahead and fill your bath with warm water. The water used must pass through a filtration system and not the usual tap water that contains chlorine. The filtration system helps remove the chlorine, dioxins, fluoride and other heavy metals in the water. The Epsom salt can then be added in the following amounts:
- Add half a cup of salts to a standard bath size for children below 60 lbs.
- Add one cup of salts to a standard size bath for individuals between 60-100 lbs.
- Add one and half cups of salt to a standard bath for individuals between 100- 150 lbs.
- Add two cups of salt to a standard bath for individuals between 150-200 lbs.
- Add half a cup extra for each additional 50 lbs.
The ratio of the amount of salt must match well with the weight of an individual or body size as this is what determines the amount of minerals the body can absorb. In addition to the salt, one can also add things like olive oil which is quite good for the skin. The polyphenols in the olive oil soak into the skin and give it additional antioxidant benefits.
Cayenne and ginger can also be added occasionally to help improve your heat levels which help sweat out toxins. Ginger and cayenne of about half a teaspoon to half a cup are good in stimulating sweating.
What Not To Do
Do not mix soap with the Epsom salt while taking a bath. The soap interferes with the ability of the minerals to be absorbed properly and deliver on its benefits. The whole detoxification process can be affected by additional soap. Do not engage in any rigorous activities afterward but instead, simply rest. People with arthritic joints should stay active afterward to prevent the congestion of the joints.
Other Health Benefits Of Epsom Salt
- Treats toenail fungus – you can soak your affected toes in hot water that has a handful of Epsom salt three times a week.
- Treats athlete’s foot – soak the affected foot in a mixture of warm water and Epsom salt to help relieve the symptoms of athlete’s foot.
- Soothe bruises and sprains
- Remove splinters
Epsom Salt Bath Soaking Health Benefits Conclusion
Epsom salt plays a very crucial role in our lives and using it on a regular basis is highly advised. You don’t need to consume the salt to get the benefits it has to offer but instead, use it while taking a bath.
Mixing your Epsom salt with the bath water and soaking your body for a period of 10-20 minutes (after that initial 40 minute soak) will help absorb the salt into your body. Epsom salt is easily absorbed through the skin where it replenishes it at the same time.
However, you should not use Epsom salt for any other function other than the described functions above. If you have to take it for purposes of relieving constipation, do so with the help of a health physician.
Epsom salt is readily available in most stores at a very affordable price. Magnesium is one of those few minerals your body should not lack and thanks to Epsom salt, relief is readily available.
