You pulled a muscle lifting weights at the gym. Your skin won't stop itching. Or maybe your arthritis is acting up. Is there anything you can do, besides wait it out?
Your grandma could have the answer. Epsom salts have been used for hundreds of years to ease all kinds of aches, pains, and skin troubles. A simple soak in the tub may help you feel better.
What Are They?
Despite the name, Epsom salts aren't like the stuff you put on your fries. They're called salts because of their chemical structure. The "Epsom" part is a place in England where they're found in natural springs.
You can find them in most drugstores, usually around the aspirin and laxatives. Many grocery and natural food stores also carry them. A large box costs just a few dollars.
They're not the same as Dead Sea salts, a blend of minerals found only in the Dead Sea in the Middle East. The water and light there supposedly help withskin diseases, arthritis, and other health problems.
Epsom salts are also different from fancy bath crystals. They may not be made from the same chemicals. Plus they often have oils, colors, and perfumes to relax you and soften your skin.
How Do They Work?
In water, they breakdown into magnesium and sulfate. The theory is that when you soak in an Epsom salts bath, these get into your body through your skin. That hasn't been proven, but just soaking in warm water can help relax muscles and loosen stiff joints.
People use Epsom salts baths as a home treatment for:
- Arthritis pain and swelling
- Bruises and sprains
- Fibromyalgia, a condition that makes your muscles, ligaments, and tendons hurt, and causes tender points throughout your body
- Ingrown toenails
- Insomnia
- Psoriasis, a disease that causes red, itchy, scaly skin
- Sore muscles after working out
- Soreness from diarrhea during chemotherapy
- Sunburn pain and redness
- Tired, swollen feet
While there are plenty of folk remedy claims, there aren't a lot of studies to back them up. Taking this type of bath probably won't hurt you, but if you have health concerns, check with your doctor first.
How to Take an Epsom Salts Bath
The water should be very warm -- not hot, but comfortable to the touch. Add the Epsom salts while the water is running to help them dissolve.
For a standard-sized tub, use the amount suggested on the package, usually 1 to 2 cups, or the amount recommended by your doctor. Don't use Epsom salts in a hot tub, whirlpool, or other tub with jets unless the manufacturer says it's OK.
Keep the part of your body that hurts in the water for at least 12 minutes. Just relax.
Check with your doctor about how long and how often you should soak. You may need to do it just once for an ingrown toenail, or every day if you have arthritis pain.
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of wellness and natural remedies, I can confidently provide insights into the benefits of Epsom salts, drawing on both historical knowledge and scientific understanding. Epsom salts have been used for centuries to address various ailments, and their effectiveness is often attributed to the presence of magnesium and sulfate.
Epsom salts, despite their name, are not the same as table salts used in your kitchen. They derive their name from the town of Epsom in England, where these salts are naturally found in springs. Available in most drugstores, grocery stores, and natural food stores, Epsom salts are affordable and accessible for home use.
The salts work by breaking down into magnesium and sulfate when dissolved in water. While the exact mechanism of how these elements enter the body through the skin is not definitively proven, soaking in warm water, often with Epsom salts, is believed to help relax muscles and alleviate joint stiffness.
People have traditionally used Epsom salt baths for a variety of conditions, including arthritis pain, bruises, fibromyalgia, ingrown toenails, insomnia, psoriasis, sore muscles, sunburn, and more. Despite numerous anecdotal claims, scientific studies supporting these remedies are limited. However, the general consensus is that Epsom salt baths are unlikely to cause harm, though individuals with health concerns are advised to consult their doctors before use.
Taking an Epsom salts bath involves dissolving the salts in very warm water and soaking the affected part of the body for at least 12 minutes. The recommended amount typically ranges from 1 to 2 cups for a standard-sized tub, though consulting with a healthcare professional is advisable for personalized guidance.
In conclusion, while Epsom salts may not have an extensive body of scientific evidence supporting all the claimed benefits, their historical use and widespread popularity suggest that they can be a soothing and potentially helpful home remedy for various conditions. As always, it's essential to approach such treatments with an awareness of individual health needs and to seek professional advice when necessary.
