To preserve your health, an Epsom salt foot bath is ideal. It detoxifies the body, reduces inflammation and improves blood circulation. To compensate for slack, preserve your health and regain your well-being, it is important to take care of your body. To this end, Epsom salt has proven to be a formidable ally. Renowned for its detox action, this mineral is becoming more and more common in our homes. And for good reason, it helps cleanse the body of toxins that may have accumulated in excess periods, reduce inflammation, thin the blood circulation and fight stress.
Popular in wellness institutes, Epsom salt, named after the first Epsom spa in the UK, is also known as magnesium sulfate. In the form of small white crystals, the latter is renowned for its use in the bath because it dissolves easily in water to act on the body.
What are the benefits of Epsom salt?
- To detoxify the body
For a detox and relaxing treatment, Epsom salt is an ideal ingredient. According to an article published by The American Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics, the elimination of toxins and heavy metals from cells is favored by its content of sulfate ions. Thanks to its transdermal action in the bath, its mineral-rich crystals promote the elimination of waste and provide general well-being.
- To relieve joint pain
According to Dr. Bruce E. Becker, director of the National Aquatics Sports Medicine Institute in Washington, warm water is one of the most recommended therapies for relieving joint pain associated with arthritis. But for even more efficiency, The Arthritis Foundation recommends adding minerals and in particular Epsom salt. Thanks to its magnesium content, it would strengthen bones and promote good cardiovascular health.
- To reduce inflammation
Its anti-inflammatory action is strongly linked to the magnesium it contains because it penetrates the skin transdermally. As evidenced by an article published in Current opinion in clinical nutrition and metabolic care, a magnesium deficiency predisposes to chronic inflammation, which can lead in the long term to health problems.
- To thin the blood circulation
By fighting hardening of the arteries and the formation of blood clots, Epsom salt protects cardiovascular health. Thanks to magnesium, this ingredient promotes the elasticity of the vessels and the fluidity of the blood circulation.
Other benefits of Epsom salt
As you can see, Epsom salt provides many benefits for the body. And to take full advantage of it, here are other virtues to know:
- Epsom salt reduces stress by promoting the production of melatonin, a neurotransmitter that favors sleep.
- Epsom salt relaxes the muscles thanks to its anti-inflammatory action which helps to relieve cramps, bruises and muscle pain.
- Epsom salt relieves constipation, cleanses the colon and eliminates waste if used as a laxative diluted with a little water.
- Epsom salt eliminates dead cells and exfoliates the skin while restoring its radiance.
How to prepare an Epsom salt bath?
Ingredients
- 1-2 cups of Epsom salt
- 1 cup of baking soda (optional)
- 10-20 drops of lavender essential oil
For a whole bath
Fill your bathtub with hot water, add the Epsom salt and if desired, baking soda and lavender essential oil for an antibacterial, exfoliating and relaxing action.
For a foot bath
Soak your feet in a bowl of warm water and Epsom salt. Relax for 20 minutes, and repeat this ritual 3 times a week.
Other practical uses of Epsom salt:
Epsom salt can be used as:
A treatment that gives volume to your hair, just mix it with your usual shampoo
Home and bathroom cleaner.
A natural fertilizer for outdoor plants, to spread around your plantations or sprinkle on your roses.
Warnings :
The use of Epsom salt is not recommended for people suffering from hypertension, heart problems or edema. In case of skin disorders or lesions, medical advice is strongly recommended before including it in your baths.
For internal use, be sure to be supervised by a healthcare professional before resorting to self-medication.