For centuries, Epsom salts have been employed by many cultures. In addition to possessing a variety of beneficial properties which are useful for gardening and household cleaning, they are also suitable for detoxifying the body.
This is particularly valuable because of how inexpensive Epsom salts are, and how they can easily be purchased in bulk from virtually anywhere in the country. As will be explained, making use of Epsom salt baths proves to be an effective detoxification strategy that has many notable health benefits. But, how does Epsom salt work?
Epsom salts get their name from a bitter saline spring found at Epsom in Surrey, England. Epsom is distinguished from conventional salts by being a naturally occurring mineral compound comprised of magnesium and sulfate. These minerals possess powerful health benefits that can boost the detoxification capabilities of the body.
Every day the skin absorbs minerals and eliminates toxins. The skin is an incredibly porous membrane, and this is no less the case when it comes to magnesium and sulfate.
Under the right conditions, these minerals become absorbed into the skin and then filtered into the body’s blood. In order to create the right conditions, using a mineral base such as Epsom salts in bathwater can be used to allow for a process called reverse osmosis.
This activity works by pulling salt and harmful toxins out of the body; and, in turn, allows magnesium and sulfates to enter the body.
Magnesium plays an integral role in over 325 enzymes. It assists in approving muscle and nerve function, and works to reduce inflammation and improves blood flow and oxygenation throughout the body. Sulfates, on the other hand, are a vital component of healthy joints, skin and nervous tissue.
Essentially, Epsom salts work to replenish your magnesium and sulfate levels. In combination, they work to flush toxins out of the body and to build basic protein molecules in the joints and the brain tissue.
Studies have shown that regular use of Epsom salt baths improves the healing of many health conditions such as athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, sprains, gout, bruises, and muscle soreness. It’s also beneficial for those dealing with chronic diseases or suffering from chronic pain to regularly take Epsom salt baths for the purposes of detoxification and dealing with inflammation, and improving the balance of sulfur and minerals in the body.
Do not take Epsom baths if you are dehydrated, have open wounds or burns on your skin, or are pregnant. Those suffering from cardiovascular disease should always consult with a physician who understands the health benefits of Epsom salt baths.
While Epsom salt has been a popular home remedy for centuries, the scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness is limited.
Many users claim that soaking in an Epsom salt bath allows magnesium and sulfate to be absorbed through the skin, providing benefits such as muscle relaxation, pain relief, and reduced inflammation. However, current scientific research does not fully support these claims.
Several studies have investigated whether magnesium and sulfates can be absorbed transdermally (through the skin), but the results are inconclusive.
For instance, a small, unpublished study in 19 participants claimed that Epsom salt baths increased magnesium levels in most subjects. However, this study lacked a control group and statistical validation, making its findings unreliable.
Most health experts agree that while soaking in warm water can certainly relax muscles and improve circulation, there's no solid evidence proving that Epsom salt baths significantly boost magnesium or sulfate levels in the body.
Instead, oral magnesium supplements are generally recommended for those seeking to correct a deficiency.
Nonetheless, the lack of evidence doesn't necessarily mean that Epsom salt baths are useless.
They still offer a relaxing experience, which can help ease tension and promote a sense of well-being. Many people find comfort in the ritual of a warm, soothing bath after a long day, even if the benefits come more from the heat than the minerals themselves.
The first step is to secure 40 minutes out of your day for your bath. Around 20 minutes is required to remove toxins, and another 20 for your body to absorb the minerals in the water. Fill your tub with warm water, and be sure your house has a water filter in order to avoid bathing in tap water that often has toxic chlorine, fluoride, dioxins and heavy metals. Next, add in the Epson salts in the following amounts, as proportioned to a standard-size bath:
Adding a half cup of olive oil is great for the skin, as the polyphenols soak in and provide additional antioxidant benefits. Putting in ginger or cayenne can up the level of heat, which will help you to sweat out toxins.
Anywhere from 1 tbsp to ½ cup can be added to a bath to stimulate sweating. These ingredients are filled with antioxidants that will augment the detoxification process.
One thing to keep in mind is to avoid using soap with an Epsom salt bath.
Soap will interfere with the action of the minerals and the detoxification process. Also, after your bath, try to rest for an hour or two, except if you have arthritic joints, as, in that case, you’ll want to stay active as much as you can in order to prevent possible congestion in the joints.
Epsom salt baths are often touted as a remedy for athletes seeking muscle relief and faster recovery. Magnesium plays a crucial role in muscle function, making it a key mineral for those who engage in physical activities.
Many athletes believe that Epsom salt soaks help reduce muscle soreness, ease cramps, and improve recovery times after intense workouts.
While direct evidence supporting the transdermal absorption of magnesium through Epsom salt baths is weak, magnesium is essential for athletic performance. It helps the body process glucose and lactic acid more efficiently, which in turn reduces muscle fatigue and improves energy use during exercise.
Many athletes take magnesium supplements to address deficiencies caused by intense training and sweating, which depletes the body of this vital mineral.
Epsom salt baths may still offer indirect benefits to athletes. The warmth of the bath itself promotes blood circulation and muscle relaxation, which can help alleviate soreness. For athletes experiencing muscle cramps or tightness, this alone may offer a soothing and relaxing solution.
For those regularly engaged in high-intensity sports, adding Epsom salt to post-workout routines can be a simple, low-cost method to potentially improve recovery. Even though the exact mechanisms are still debated, the practice remains popular among professionals and amateurs alike.
Leo Tonkin, with a decade of deep expertise in salt therapy, initiated SALT Chamber, a leading entity in the domain of salt therapy products and decor. As the inaugural Chairman of the Salt Therapy Association and Chair of the Respiratory Wellness Initiative from the Global Wellness Institute, he has played a pivotal role in broadening the accessibility and recognition of salt therapy globally. His commitment to developing advanced technology and educating the public on the benefits of salt therapy has solidified his position as a key figure in the industry, enhancing its credibility and trustworthiness.
