Tales about the healing power of Epsom salt have been circulating for centuries, says Dr. Users typically dissolve Epsom salt in bath water to release magnesium and sulfate ions and reap the benefits. Epsom salt is believed to help stabilize mood and relieve stress, anxiety and depression. In fact, some researchers claim that taking magnesium increases serotonin happiness or relaxation hormone production in the brain.
Epsom salt is used to relax muscles and relieve pain in the shoulders, neck, back and skull. For example, by relaxing the muscles surrounding the skull, the magnesium in Epsom salt may help release a headache or migraine. Some researchers also think that magnesium is good for reducing inflammation in internal organs. Centuries of user testimonials speak volumes about the benefits of Epsom salt.
There are no definitive studies showing that magnesium can be absorbed through the skin in sufficient amounts to address potential deficiencies of the mineral. While magnesium sulfate has value as a magnesium supplement, some people claim that magnesium may be better absorbed via Epsom salt baths than when taken by mouth.
Proponents of the theory point to an unpublished study in 19 healthy people. The researchers claimed that all but three of the participants showed higher blood magnesium levels after soaking in an Epsom salt bath. However, no statistical tests were performed and the study lacked a control group 3.
Adequate magnesium levels are essential for sleep and stress management , likely because magnesium helps your brain produce neurotransmitters that induce sleep and reduce stress 4. Magnesium may also help your body produce melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep 5. Low magnesium levels may negatively affect sleep quality and stress. Some people claim that taking Epsom salt baths can reverse these issues by allowing your body to absorb magnesium through the skin.
It appears to be helpful because it draws water into your colon, which promotes bowel movements 6 , 7. Most often, magnesium is taken by mouth for constipation relief in the form of magnesium citrate or magnesium hydroxide. However, taking Epsom salt is also said to be effective, although it is not well studied. Nevertheless, the FDA lists it as an approved laxative. Adults are usually advised to take 2—6 teaspoons 10—30 grams of Epsom salt at a time, dissolved in at least 8 ounces ml of water and consumed immediately.
You can expect a laxative effect in 30 minutes to 6 hours. You should also know that consuming Epsom salt may produce unpleasant side effects, such as bloating and liquid stool 7. Some people claim that taking Epsom salt baths can reduce muscle soreness and relieve cramps — both important factors for exercise performance and recovery. It is well known that adequate magnesium levels are helpful for exercise because magnesium helps your body use glucose and lactic acid 8.
While relaxing in a hot bath may help soothe aching muscles, there is no evidence that people absorb bathwater magnesium through their skin 1.
On the other hand, oral supplements can effectively stave off magnesium insufficiency or deficiency. Athletes are prone to low magnesium levels, so health professionals often recommend that they take magnesium supplements to ensure optimal levels. While magnesium is clearly important for exercise, the use of bath salt to enhance fitness is not well researched. At this point, the supposed benefits are purely anecdotal.
Many people report that taking Epsom salt baths improves symptoms of fibromyalgia and arthritis. Again, the magnesium is deemed responsible for these effects, since many people with fibromyalgia and arthritis are deficient in this mineral. One study in 15 women with fibromyalgia concluded that applying magnesium chloride to the skin may be beneficial for reducing symptoms 9. However, this study was based on questionnaires and lacked a control group.
Its results should be taken with a grain of salt. Most of the purported benefits of Epsom bath salts are anecdotal. On the other hand, oral magnesium supplements may benefit sleep, stress, digestion, exercise, and pain in people who are deficient. These are a lot of wild claims. There is zero evidence magnesium is even absorbed through the skin never mind increasing serotonin. Jason, obviously you know nothing about the ways of the human body, absorption, and or how magnesium really and truly works.
Find another place to air your gripes. I did not know of the benefits, but somehow my body intelligence just made me always go for Epsom salt for my very tired feet. Do you know that for a fact???? I have a lemon tree that would only bare 1 or 2 small lemons per year, and drop and other fruit before it could mature, I mixed 1 cup of Epsom salts into 5 liters of warm water and put this around the lemon tree, This year I have over 50 lemons all big and real healthy looking, what an amazing difference.
As a family hereditary problem, I would get massive blisters on my feet when walking, mostly in the summertime. These blisters were often 1 inch or more and sometimes layered one over the other. It was very painful. I would pop the blister to let excess fluid out then soak my feet in hot water with epsom salts in it, One or two nights of this and I was able to walk again.
Never got an infection from broken blisters! This was passed on to me from my dad and his dad who had the same problem. This really works! I use 2 Tbsp epsom salts in my laundry as a fabric softener. Works as well as the smelly stuff loaded with chemicals that makes me itch! This information is very interesting. I had no idea that epsom salt was good for that much stuff. We use vast amounts in the organic garden that I am the garden manager.
Plus after a ling hard day we soak in a detox bath ofcider vinegar baking soda episode salt sea salt to cleanse our joints. To exfoliate your body just turn the water off after you shower, take a small handful of epsom salt and rub it over your skin, and rinse off.
Be aware that the epsom salt will make the tub slick so be careful not to fall. I mix one half cup of epsom with one half cup of grapeseed or avacado oil.
Put a tablespoon of favorite body wash in and mix. Use this as body exfoliator for the next week. Can make larger batch but keep closed lid tight away from moisturize. Small batches are best. Great for hands and feet too. Keep off face.
Great info-thank you! Also use 1 gal water, 2 cups Epson salt, 2 T Dawn to kill weeds—works great. I thought Epsom salts enhanced plant growth, not killed it!! Save yourself some money and just use the Dawn by itself. Time to restock! Thank you for all these health, beauty and cleaning tips!
I had no idea that bag of Epsom under my sink was so versatile. Just a little note. I did and i believe it was shrinking the tumor. Pain Pain Pain. Awe Theresa hope your healing from cancer just lost my kid brother to cancer of the lungs. Was a long time smoker anyway I believe what you say. And thank the dear Lord. Be blest Theresa. You can Google it. I woulda thought enduring the pain of shrinking tumours would be worth it, if you got cured? Amazing; I never knew that epsom salt could be used for so many different conditions!
This is very helpful advice. Many of the remedies listed I never knew. Going out to buy some Epsom! Moon Phase Calendar. Email Facebook Pinterest 1 Twitter. What Is Epsom Salt? Try some of these remedies: 1. Alleviate Body Aches. Golden Pothos. Dwight J. Rouse, M. Hirtz, M. I had never heard about Epsom salts until a track coach recommended it to me. I tried this out, but I did not feel like it had much of an effect.
I am also too impatient to actually sit in a bath for longer than 5 minutes so that might have contributed to my decision to not continue using it. The fact that there is not much research done on Epsom salts might also be because it is not a very popular item? I was really curious when I used it though to whether the magnesium can actually be absorbed through your skin, like you mentioned in the beginning.
Therefore, people might consider it more convenient to eat their remedy than take a bath in it. I felt that the benefit of the bath was really the warm water and mental break rather than any mineral benefit for my muscles. This was an interesting post to read.
Try some epsom salts.
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