The Curative Properties of Epsom Bath Salt

Epsom bath salt (or magnesium sulphate) was first discovered in its naturally occurring form (epsomite) in Epsom, Surrey: hence its name. It is principally used as a bath salt and has surprisingly beneficial effects. Magnesium is, in fact, the second most abundant element in human cells and plays an important role in many body functions including muscle control, electrical impulses throughout the body, energy production and the elimination of harmful toxins. Magnesium deficiency can account for a range of diseases including high rates of heart disease, stroke, arthritis, digestive maladies and stress among others. Magnesium sulphate cannot be easily absorbed through the digestive tract; in fact the best way to absorb it is through the skin by taking a bath with Epsom salt.

Since its discovery, people have known that a relaxing Epsom bath salt has remarkable properties: it relaxes muscles, is a sedative for the nervous system, relieves stress, draws out harmful toxins from the body and can even help to reduce bruising and swelling and draw out splinters! You can use it as a foot soak to rejuvenate tired feet. It is also a natural emollient and exfoliation. By washing your face in a mixture of water and Epsom bath salt it acts as a natural cleansing cream.

Because of changes in agriculture and diet, our magnesium levels have dropped by half in the last century – principally because mechanized farming has depleted magnesium from the soil but also because our diet contains much less magnesium than it used to. In fact a diet high in fat, sugar, salt and protein can in fact work to deplete magnesium levels. Whilst much attention has been paid to the importance of calcium in our diets, calcium in fact is absorbed much more readily if sufficient magnesium is also present in our bodies.

Epsom salt is hydrated magnesium sulphate and studies have shown that both magnesium and sulphate are most easily absorbed through a bath enriched with magnesium salts. Regular bath with Epsom salt have the following health benefits: improved heart function and circulation, help the body to absorb insulin, improve nerve function and electrolyte regulation, relieve stress (by helping to bind serotonin, a mood elevating chemical, in the brain), reduce inflammation (such as caused by arthritis), improve oxygen flow, help to absorb nutrients, improve formation of brain tissue and even prevent or ease migraine headaches. As you can see something as simple as taking a salt bath with Epsom salt can have remarkably beneficial effects. In fact it is suggested that taking a bath in Epsom salts three times a week and soaking for at least 12 minutes will give the maximum benefit.

There are many different brands of Epsom bath salt and while some come with additional fragrances and additives, they all ultimately share the same active ingredient of magnesium sulphate. So if you’ve been looking for an excuse to take a nice relaxing soak in a bath, epsom salts are your answer. Not only is it a great way to relax but it also has remarkable curative properties.