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7 Uses of Epsom Salt for Health and Wellbeing

Posted by The Salt Box on 5th Jul 2018

For centuries, Epsom salt has been relied on for a myriad of health and wellbeing uses. No matter how it’s been used, the natural mineral has proven its power to revitalise, rejuvenate and restore.

Epsom salt has a range of benefits for your health and wellbeing, from easing aches and pains to managing eczema. 

Ever wondered what makes Epsom salts so special? Well, the naturally-occurring compound is made up of sulphate and  magnesium.

Magnesium performs over 300 biochemical functions in the body, it can purify, relieve and treat ailments. The mineral helps to create a harmonious balance in the body. It can be used for everything from treating skin inflammations, relieving joint pain or even kicking a dreaded cold. Let’s take a closer look at seven uses of Epsom salt for health and wellbeing.

Ease Aches and Pains

Whether after a long day or laborious workout, we’ve all experienced the frustration of common aches and pains. A great way to relax and alleviate strain in the shoulders, legs or back is to take an Epsom salt bath.

A warm, salt filled bath will relieve the inflammation causing sore muscles and joints. When magnesium is absorbed, it relaxes the muscles and prevents them from cramping or spasming. It also helps replenish red blood cells, which have been hard at work providing your body with oxygen during exertion. And it helps reduce inflammation.

Even tired feet can benefit from a therapeutic Epsom salt soak. This will improve circulation, soothe strains and ease discomfort. Try adding a few handfuls of salt to your bath with essential oils to get the most out of this miraculous mineral.

Stress Relief

By now, you’ll be aware of the health benefits of magnesium. It will come as no surprise that dissolving salts into a warm bath will do wonders for your mental wellbeing.

Studies have shown a magnesium deficiency can enhance stress. When magnesium is absorbed through the skin it helps release serotonin. This joy-producing chemical will leave you feeling revived and improve neuropsychiatric disorders.

For those regularly suffering from stress or tension headaches, you’ll be relieved to hear a recent study at UC Irvine concluded Epsom salt baths are a “long-lasting and versatile treatment” for chronic tension headaches.

To reap all the stress relief benefits of Epsom salt, mix two cups of salt into a tub of warm water. Aim to have a relaxing soak three times per week.

Keep Your Heart Healthy

In an increasingly fitness-focused society, we know how important it is to keep our hearts healthy. Epsom salts are capable of improving blood circulation and keeping arteries elastic. This can prevent serious heart conditions and lower the risk of stroke.

The magnesium-rich salt can invigorate you from the inside out, leading to stronger arteries. With frequent salt baths, a risk of blood clots, damage to arterial walls and other heart diseases decreases.

Try soaking in an Epsom salt bath three times per week to alleviate stress, lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health.

Remove Splinters

Feeling the sting of a painful splinter? Epsom salt may be the solution you’ve been looking for! Magnesium sulphate will decrease inflammation around the lesion and soften the surrounding skin.

Try soaking the affected area in warm water and Epsom salt. This will draw the splinter out completely or bring it to the surface of your skin, making for easy extraction.

For an alternative method, place salt on a band-aid and apply directly onto the splinter. Continue about your day and remove the band-aid at night. The splinter will either be pulled out with the band-aid or lifted to the skin’s surface, where it can be removed with tweezers.

Treat Eczema

Eczema (or dermatitis) is a condition causing inflamed, itchy, dry and reddened skin. Anyone who has experienced the uncomfortable disorder knows how annoying it can be to treat. Creams, lotions and over-the-counter remedies often have little impact.

An Epsom salt bath may be just what you need to combat eczema. It has great healing properties, offering relief and rejuvenation. Soaking in the purifying mineral will help control skin roughness, hydration and inflammation.

Try treating eczema with a warm salt bath three time per week. After bathing, apply a hypoallergenic moisturiser to keep dryness at bay.

Combat Constipation

One of the lesser known uses of Epsom salt for health and wellbeingis as a saline laxative, though it was one of the first.

Many laxatives on the market contain chemicals and artificial colouring which may do more harm than good. This natural mineral is a great at-home alternative. The practice not only aids constipation but helps rid the body of harmful toxins.

Magnesium sulphate found in Epsom salt will pull water into the bowel and soften stools. Simply dissolve one teaspoon of Epsom salt into warm water and drink. Be sure to only repeat once per day. If symptoms persist, seek medical advice.

While it is generally safe to ingest Epsom salt in small doses, gastrointestinal side effects may occur. For this reason, it is not recommended for children, pregnant women or those with underlying kidney conditions to ingest the mineral. If in doubt, it’s always wise to have a chat to your doctor.

Kick That Cold to The Kerb

During the flu season, we all come to know how much a viral infection can slow us down. Runny noses, throbbing heads and weary joints are just part of the package. But did you know an Epsom salt bath can provide therapeutic relief for colds and the flu?

An Epsom salt bath is a more natural alternative to cold and flu medication. This will allow your body to recover and detoxify. On top of easing muscle aches, a bath will help you get a restful night of sleep. A restorative soak in this marvellous mineral will also increase your white-blood cell count and boost your immune system.

To try-out these uses of Epsom salt for health and wellbeing, browse our range of  Epsom salts here. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!