One of the best remedies for the body as it changes, clears, remedy for pain, need for rest, is to take occasional Epsom salt baths.
As the body changes, it removes what is no longer needed and can stress other functions in the process.
A long soak will help relieve and assist the body in many ways, even calming the nervous system as well as calm the mind while soaking. The skin pores open up allowing the gentle releasing of what the body deems as not needed.
Epsom salt is named from the bitter saline spring at Epsom in Surrey, England and it is not actually salt but a naturally occurring pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. Long used as a natural remedy for a number of ailments, Epsom salt has numerous health benefits and uses.
Most of us know about the importance of iron and calcium for our bodies, but what about magnesium? It is the second most abundant element in human cells and the fourth most important positively charged ion in the body.
It helps the body regulate over 325 enzymes and plays an important role in organizing many bodily functions, like muscle control, electrical impulses, energy production and the elimination of harmful toxins.
Known scientifically as hydrated magnesium sulfate, Epsom salt is rich in both magnesium and sulfate. While both magnesium and sulfate can be poorly absorbed through the stomach, studies show increased magnesium levels from soaking in a bath enriched with Epsom salt.
Magnesium and sulfate are both easily absorbed through the skin.
Sulfates play an important role in the formation of brain tissue, joint proteins and the proteins that line the walls of the digestive tract.
Sulfates stimulate the pancreas to generate digestive enzymes and are thought to help detoxify the body of medicines and environmental contaminants.
The sulfates in Epsom salt help flush toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances.
Stress drains the body of magnesium and increases levels of adrenaline.
When dissolved in warm water, Epsom salt is absorbed through the skin and replenishes the level of magnesium in the body.
Magnesium helps to produce serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of calm and relaxation.
Research shows that magnesium also increases energy and stamina by encouraging the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy packets made in the cells.
Bathing with Epsom salt helps you to look better, feel better and gain more energy.
Magnesium ions also relax and reduce irritability by lowering the effects of adrenaline.
They create a relaxed feeling, improve sleep and concentration, and help muscles and nerves to function properly.
Contradictions to Epsom baths would be if you are pregnant, dehydrated or have open wounds or burns on your skin. Individuals who are suffering with cardiovascular disease should always consult with a natural health physician who is familiar with the health benefits of Epsom salt baths before starting.
Our Skin
The skin is the largest organ of the body, with a total area of about 20 square feet. The skin protects us from microbes and the elements, helps regulate body temperature, and permits the sensations of touch, heat, and cold.
Your skin is a highly porous membrane so adding the right minerals to your bath water triggers a process called reverse osmosis, which actually pulls salt out of your body, and harmful toxins along with it.
Epsom Salt Bath
For Adults add 2 cups Epsom Salts to a warm to hot bath, and soaking for at least 40 minutes as you need about 20 minutes to remove the toxins, and for the second 20 minutes, the body absorbs the minerals in the bath water.
You may wish to add an essential oil like Lavender or Rose to your bath.
For different size bodies: under 60 lbs use ½ cup; 60-100 lbs use 1 cup of salts; 100-150 lbs use 1 1/2 cup; 150-200 lbs use 2 cups of salts to a standard size bath.
Do not use soap as it will interfere with the action of the salts. Try to rest for about two hours afterwards. If you have arthritic joints move them as much as possible after an Epsom salt bath to prevent congestion in the joints.
Research on Epsom Salts
Researchers and physicians suggest these health benefits from proper magnesium and sulfate levels, as listed on the web site of the Epsom Salt Industry Council:
- Improved heart and circulatory health, reducing irregular heartbeats, preventing hardening of the arteries, reducing blood clots and lowering blood pressure.
- Improved ability for the body to use insulin, reducing the incidence or severity of diabetes.
- Flushed toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances.
- Improved nerve function by electrolyte regulation. Also, calcium is the main conductor for electrical current in the body, and magnesium is necessary to maintain proper calcium levels in the blood.
- Relieved stress. Excess adrenaline and stress are believed to drain magnesium, a natural stress reliever, from the body. Magnesium is necessary for the body to bind adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of well being and relaxation.
- Reduced inflammation to relieve pain and muscle cramps.
- Improved oxygen use.
- Improved absorption of nutrients.
- Improved formation of joint proteins, brain tissue and mucin proteins.
- Prevention or easing of migraine headaches.
Nurture your body during these times as it is a sacred vessel. Drink plenty of clean pure water and keep hydrated. EnJOY!
~ Carolyn Thompson
Copyright © 2015-2025 Carolyn Thompson; All rights reserved.
