Epsom Salts
Skin is the largest organ of the body. An Epsom Salt bath can provide the restorative and detoxifying properties of Epsom Salts through the skin, known as transdermal therapy. Transdermal therapy allows the body to rapidly absorb a substance into the bloodstream for fast and effective benefit at a cellular level. A therapeutic Epsom Salt bath can help soothe sore joints, relieve pain and inflammation and treat fungal conditions.
A foundation for healthy joints, brains and bodies
Epsom Salts were discovered in 1618 in a natural saline spring in Epsom, Surry, England. Epsom Salts are a compound of magnesium and sulphate. Magnesium plays a vital role in energy production, brain and nerve function and detoxifying the body. Sulphates are important for the formation of brain tissue and proteins in our joints. Sulphates also play an essential role in the production of proteins and enzymes which are important for detoxifying the body of waste.
Both magnesium and sulphate are easily absorbed into the body through the skin, making an Epsom Salt bath a fantastic way to replenish the body’s magnesium and sulphate levels to experience the benefits of Epsom Salts.
The therapeutic properties of Epsom Salts have contributed to it being recognised as a simple and effective remedy for hundreds of years. Additional to bathing, Epsom Salts has many health, beauty, household and horticultural applications.
Benefits of Epsom Salts
An Epsom Salt bath can have many health benefits for joints, skin conditions and drawing out toxins from the body.
- Improved joint health by supporting formation of joint proteins
- Detoxifying the body’s cells of toxins and and heavy metals, which also helps to ease muscle pain
- Relief from stress by replenishing magnesium, important in the production of serotonin in the brain, a mood-elevating chemical that helps create a feeling of wellbeing and calm
- Relief for insect bites, sunburn, swelling and bruising due to Epsom Salt’s anti-inflammatory properties
- Treatment of athlete’s foot, tinea, toenail fungus and gout due to the antifungal and antibacterial properties of the sulphates in Epsom Salts.
Using Epsom Salts in the bath
Dissolve two or more cups of Epsom Salts in a warm bath and soak for at least 20-30 minutes to allow the body to absorb the beneficial minerals. The longer you spend in an Epsom Salt bath, the more minerals your skin can absorb as it softens. To get optimum benefit, avoid rinsing off afterwards as the minerals will continue to be absorbed into the skin. If you are using a high quantity of Epsom Salts or have sensitive skin, rinse off afterwards to avoid irritation. At least 2-3 baths per week will provide optimal results.
Half a cup of Epsom Salts can also make an effective foot bath, especially for treating athlete’s foot, tinea, gout and toenail fungus.
Try adding 6-12 drops of essential oil to your Epsom Salt bath to heighten your bathing experience. Combining different types of Bath Salts in your bath can be an effective way of enjoying multiple health benefits.
If you are pregnant or have any health concerns, check with your doctor first.