Welcome, friends. Today we’ll be having a pop quiz in science!
MgSO4 is the formula for what chemical compound?
Very good. How in the world did you guess magnesium sulfate?
Commonly known as Epsom salt, the naturally occurring mineral compound of magnesium sulfate is not technically salt. Used for hundreds of years as medicinal bath salts, the name just sort of stuck. Gratefully. I don’t know about you, but I’d much prefer to soak in a hot bath of Epsom salt than one of magnesium sulfate.
Which brings me to the point of this post. When was the last time you took a leisurely, tepid soak in a tub bursting of bubbles and epsom salt?
Really? Has it been that long? Well here are just a few reasons to encourage you to seek solace in an Epsom salt soak. Soon.
Benefits of Epsom Salt:
1. Stress reducing. Stress drains the body of magnesium and increases levels of adrenaline. When Epsom salt is absorbed through the skin, it replenishes the magnesium levels which help to produce serotonin creating a feeling of calm and relaxation.
2. Natural Detoxifier. Epsom salt aids in flushing heavy metals and toxins from the body.
3. Relieves pain and muscle cramps. Epsom salt has anti-inflamatory benefits and reduces swelling and relaxes muscles.
4. Sprains & Bruises. Epsom salt will also reduce swelling for sprains and bruises.
5. Improved heart and circulatory health.
6. Improved absorption of important nutrients and minerals like calcium.
7. Prevention or easing of migraine headaches.
8. Removes foot odor. Simply soak the offending feet in enough hot water to cover and a generous amount of Epsom salt.
9. Exfoliating face and body cleanser. Clean your face and body by mixing a teaspoon or so of Epsom salt with you favorite face and body soap.
10. Removes splinters. If you have a houseful of Littles or are just prone to getting splinters, soak the spot in Epsom salt to draw out the splinter.
Epsom salt is inexpensive and available at every grocery store and pharmacy. I buy Epsom salt in 4 lb bags at Costco and keep them handy in a large container with a measuring cup. That’s my container next to the tub in the photo above. The Littles know how to measure 2 cups into their baths, and having the salts handy encourages us to use them!
If you like aromatherapy Dr. Teal’s makes a nice line of scented Epsom salts. And when anyone in our home is sick, I add a generous helping of Dr. Singha’s Mustard Bath to the Epsom salt for added measure.
Epsom Salt Bath (for 1)
2 cups epsom salt
tap water
Fill bath tub with warm – hot water. Pour 2 cups of Epsom salt into bath. Soak for at least 20 minutes, longer if you can!
Enjoy and feel good!
Love,
I LOVE THIS RECIPE FOR HEALTH!
I’ve been doing epsom salt baths with my 3yo about once a week. Good to know all of the benefits!
Dr. Teal is my main man – after my hubby of course. the Relaxing version with spearmint is divine. In fact, we’ll be traveling to our little house back home this weekend. he is going with me because I have a tub there I can actually take a soak in. We’ll have a wonderful time together. Epsom salt is amazing for so many things. I didn’t know about the splinters. I’ll keep that in mind. It’s great for exfoliating the footsies when you don’t have time or money for a pedi at the salon.