Lesser-Known Health Benefits Of Epsom Salt Baths
In general, the use of Epsom salt baths is a simple, easy, and inexpensive way to practice some well-deserved self-care.
It is hard to think of a more comforting experience than a warm and cozy Epsom salt bath on a chilly winter night.
Epsom salts take their name from a bitter saline spring in Epsom in Surrey, England, where the salt was first produced.
Over the years, multiple uses for the salts have been discovered, from the treatment of certain skin issues to using an Epsom salt bath for cough.
Epsom salt is a form of magnesium sulfate. This mineral compound, when placed in a bath, echoes the effects of the beneficial minerals found in natural hot springs.
Health Benefits Of Epsom Salt Baths
Here are some of the most popular health benefits of Epsom salt baths:
1. Relaxation
Probably the most common use of Epsom salts today is for relaxation. People love the natural spa feeling they get from a warm Epsom salt bath.
Many Epsom salt baths on the market contain essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, thyme, or camomile to further enhance feelings of relaxation.
It’s the perfect way to relax after a tough week at work. It is also commonly used by professional athletes after tiring events.
2. Helps In Treating Coughs
Did you know it is possible to use Epsom salt to fight cough symptoms? Adding a few tablespoons of Epsom salt to your bath can help you to feel better.
In particular, Epsom bath salts infused with eucalyptus, for their decongestant properties, is the perfect choice when you are feeling under the weather.
Although Epsom salt baths can help ease cough symptoms, it is probably best to use them as one part of a greater treatment strategy for your cough.
3. Helps Ease Muscle Soreness
A favorite of athletes, Epsom salt is often used post-workout to help ease muscle aches and pains.
The jury on whether or not the salts are truly effective is still out. But the placebo effect of the warm water and spa-like salts is comforting and can help relieve tension and prevent cramps.
So you can’t go wrong with an Epsom salt bath when suffering from muscle soreness. Just give it a try!
4. Soothes And Exfoliates The Skin
Epsom salts can soften rough, dry skin, and exfoliate dead skin cells. It may also soothe skin affected by skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
WARNING: Epsom salts can cause allergic reactions, so if you experience any skin irritation or itchiness after use, stop.
If you have any concerns about whether or not Epsom salt baths are a good choice to ease your skin condition, speak with your doctor.
Also, if you have an open wound or severe burn, the Epsom salts could also cause discomfort.
5. Elevates Your Mood
Epsom salts can help you to create a relaxing and calming atmosphere to lift your mood.
In particular, choosing Epsom salts with an invigorating scent such as mint can also help to pick up your energy levels.
No matter how gloomy you are after a stressful day at work, a warm bath packed with beneficial minerals can only improve your mood. So give it a try!
More Benefits
Now, besides helping you relax, fighting coughs, easing muscle pain, caring for your skin, and boost your mood, Epsom salt can also help you with:
- Restoring your magnesium levels by absorbing it through the skin.
- Detoxing your body by flushing the toxins out of your body with the help of its sulfate component.
- Relieving you from constipation by easing stubborn bowels.
- Fighting chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension by regulating the level of magnesium in your body.
- Promotes sleep by helping your body to produce more melatonin.
As you can see, there are lots of health benefits you can reap if you take Epsom salt baths regularly. Make it a weekly thing and practice some well-deserved self-care at the end of the week.
