The Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Epsom Salt Baths

Description

It’s no exaggeration to say that salt is something of a wonder-miracle. Whether it’s being sprinkled onto our food to add flavour or used to grit roads in icy weather, it’s got a million different uses. But did you know that certain types of salt have some health advantages, too? One such example is known as Epsom salts, commonly used in salt baths and reported to provide a slew of benefits.

But can salt baths really help you, and are they worth trying? That’s exactly what we’ll found out in this beginner’s guide to salt baths.

What exactly is Epsom salt?

Epsom salt is also known by its scientific name, magnesium sulphate, and it’s one of the most ancient traditional remedies in existence. In fact, Epsom salt is so widely considered to be beneficial to the health that it is included on the World Health Organisation’s list of essential medicines. If that’s not proof enough that Epsom salt really does have some medicinal benefit, we’re not sure what is! Interestingly, despite being used globally, the salt is named after the town of Epsom in Surrey, England, because of a bitter salt spring there which produces the mineral.

The benefits of taking salt baths

Before you head to pick up the table salt, bear in mind that the medicinal benefits we’ll explore below are limited to Epsom salt. While classic table salt does have some medicinal uses, it’s not a patch on Epsom salt. Here are the main benefits of taking a bath with Epsom salts:

Muscular aches and pains. If you suffer from conditions which cause muscular pain, or you’re someone who regularly takes part in sports, Epsom salt baths can really help. The magnesium within the salt provides a slight anti-inflammatory effect which, combined with the warm water, can be incredibly soothing on stiff, tight muscles.
A reduction in stress levels. You’ll notice a trend here, because once again it’s the magnesium in Epsom salt providing the core benefit. The magnesium in the salt reportedly has beneficial effects on the stress hormone – cortisol – as well as key neurotransmitters in the brain. This mean that a 30-minute soak in an Epsom salted bath can result in a reduction of stress levels.
Soothing of skin conditions. It’s not just inside the body which can be boosted by Epsom salt – the outside can, too. Specifically, taking a salt bath with Epsom salt can help to moisturise and sooth uncomfortable skin conditions such as eczema and other rashes. In fact, Epsom salt is widely known to be an excellent remedy for the itching caused by poison ivy plants.

How to prepare a bath with Epsom salt

If you think an Epsom salt bath sounds like it might be beneficial to you, preparing one couldn’t be easier. Just follow the steps below:

Start filling your bath as usual.
As the tap is running, start to sprinkle in 300g of Epsom salt, mixing it with the running water. Doing this slowly ensures the salt dissolves properly and doesn’t sit on the bottom of your tub.
Once all 300g of Epsom salt has dissolved into your bath water, simply sit back and enjoy your bath as usual. Generally speaking, soaking for at least 15 minutes in the salt bath will maximise the health benefits of the salts.

Now that you’ve got the lowdown on salt baths, you’ll need the perfect bath in which to use them. And while you’re at it, why not consider a luxurious whirlpool bath too?