Epsom salts have been used by many different cultures for hundreds of years. They have a number of different beneficial properties and are used in gardening, household cleaning and detoxifying the body. These salts are very inexpensive and can be purchased at bulk discounts in garden centers nearly everywhere. Using Epsom salt baths is an advanced detoxification strategy that has remarkable health benefits.
Epsom salts are named for a bitter saline spring located at Epsom in Surrey, England. Epsom is different than traditional salts in that it is actually a naturally occurring pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. These minerals have very powerful health benefits that can enhance the detoxification capabilities of the body.
How an Epsom salt bath works
Magnesium and sulfate are both readily absorbed through the skin and into the body’s bloodstream. The skin is a highly porous membrane that both takes in minerals and eliminates toxins every day. Using a powerful mineral base such as Epsom salts in a bathwater medium creates a process called reverse osmosis. This process pulls salt and harmful toxins out of the body and allows the magnesium and sulfates to enter into the body.
Magnesium plays a critical role in over 325 enzymes, helps to improve muscle and nerve function, reduces inflammation and improves blood flow and oxygenation throughout the body. Sulfates are necessary building blocks for healthy joints, skin and nervous tissue. Epsom salts replenish the body’s magnesium levels and sulfates. This combination helps to flush toxins from the body and helps build key protein molecules in the brain tissue and joints.
The use of regular Epsom salt baths has been shown to improve the symptoms of many health conditions including athlete’s foot, gout, toenail fungus, sprains, bruises, and muscle soreness. It is also good for anyone dealing with chronic disease or chronic pain to do regular Epsom baths to help detoxify and de-inflame while improving mineral and sulfur balance in the body.
Contraindications to Epsom baths would be if you are pregnant, dehydrated or have open wounds or burns on your skin. Individuals who are suffering from cardiovascular disease should always consult with a natural health physician who is familiar with the health benefits of Epsom salt baths before starting.
Additional Health Benefits of Epsom Salts Include:
- Muscle relaxation and pain relief: Magnesium, a key component of Epsom salts, helps to soothe sore muscles and alleviate muscle cramps by regulating muscle and nerve function.
- Improved sleep and stress reduction: Magnesium also plays a crucial role in promoting relaxation and reducing stress by regulating the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for mood regulation.
- Reduced inflammation: Epsom salts can help alleviate inflammation by drawing out toxins and increasing blood flow to the affected area.
- Enhanced detoxification: Epsom salts are believed to stimulate the lymphatic system, helping to remove toxins and waste from the body.
- Improved skin health: Epsom salts have natural exfoliating properties, which can help remove dead skin cells and promote a healthy, glowing complexion.
How to take an Epsom salt bath
The first step is to schedule yourself at least 40 minutes, as you need about 20 minutes to remove the toxins, and for the second 20 minutes, the body absorbs the minerals in the bath water.
Fill up your bath with warm water. As an added step, having a water filtration system in your house is great for reducing toxic chlorine, fluoride, dioxins and heavy metals, but if your home doesn’t have one (they can be on the pricey side), regular water works just as well. Add in the Epsom salts in the following amounts:
Children under 60 lbs: Add 1/2 cup of salts to a standard size bath
Individuals between 60-100 lbs: Add 1 cup of salts to a standard size bath
Individuals between 100-150 lbs: Add 1 1/2 cup of salts to a standard size bath
Individuals between 150-200 lbs: Add 2 cups of salts to a standard size bath
For every 50lbs larger – add in an additional 1/2 cup of salts.
Additional strategies to apply with an Epsom salt bath
Adding in a 1/2 cup of olive oil is also very good for the skin, as the polyphenols soak into the skin and give extra antioxidant benefits. Adding ginger or cayenne can increase your heat levels, which will help you to sweat out toxins. You can add anywhere from 1 tbsp to 1/2 a cup to stimulate sweating, and these herbs are loaded with antioxidants that will enhance the detoxification process as well.
Epsom Salt Detox Bath Recipe
To experience the health and detoxifying benefits of Epsom salts, try this simple recipe for an Epsom salt detox bath.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of Epsom salts
- 1/2 cup of baking soda
- 10 drops of lavender essential oil (optional)
- Warm water
Instructions:
- Fill your bathtub with warm water. Make sure the water is at a comfortable temperature, not too hot or too cold.
- While the tub is filling, mix the Epsom salts and baking soda in a bowl. Baking soda helps neutralize chemicals in the water, further enhancing the detoxification process.
- Once the tub is filled, pour the Epsom salt and baking soda mixture into the water. Stir the water to ensure the salts and baking soda dissolve completely.
- Add 10 drops of lavender essential oil to the bathwater, if desired. Lavender oil has soothing properties that can help promote relaxation and reduce stress.
- Soak in the Epsom salt detox bath for 20-30 minutes. Allow your body to relax and absorb the magnesium from the Epsom salts.
- After your soak, gently rinse off with warm water to remove any residual salt or baking soda. Pat your skin dry with a towel.
- Make sure to drink plenty of water after your detox bath to help flush out any toxins released during the soak.
Do not use soap with an Epsom salt bath, as it will interfere with the action of the minerals and the detoxification process. Try to rest for an hour or two afterward unless you have arthritic joints, in which case you will want to stay active as much as possible to prevent congestion in the joints.
Incorporating Epsom salts into your health and wellness routine can offer numerous benefits, from muscle relaxation and pain relief to improved detoxification and skin health. By trying this simple Epsom salt detox bath recipe, you can experience these benefits for yourself and enhance your overall well-being.
