Epsom salt is composed of only two minerals: magnesium and sulfate. It’s been around since the 1500s, and it’s here to stay. Epsom salts have been used to treat a variety of health ailments by numerous cultures for centuries. Epsom salt baths have astounding health benefits and are an excellent way to destress and detoxify the whole body.
However, these salts are not just beneficial for healing the human body. They are are useful as household cleaners and can even nourish the garden. You can find bulk Epsom salts at gardening stores almost everywhere, making them a real health bargain.
The name Epsom salts comes from its origination of a bitter saline spring found at Epsom in Surrey, England. Unlike other naturally occurring salts, Epsom salts are formed from a pure mineral compound containing magnesium and sulfate. Both magnesium and sulfate stimulate detoxification pathways in the body. You can find it in most drugstores, usually around the aspirin and laxatives. Many grocery and natural food stores also carry it. A large box costs just a few dollars.
In water, it breaks down into magnesium and sulfate. The theory is that when you soak in an Epsom salt bath, these get into your body through your skin. That hasn’t been proven, but just soaking in warm water can help relax muscles and loosen stiff joints.
People use Epsom salt baths as a home treatment for:
- Arthritis pain and swelling
- Bruises and sprains
- Fibromyalgia, a condition that makes your muscles, ligaments, and tendons hurt, and causes tender points throughout your body
- Ingrown toenails
- Psoriasis, a disease that causes red, itchy, scaly skin
- Sore muscles after working out
- Soreness from diarrhea during chemotherapy
- Sunburn pain and redness
- Tired, swollen feet
Natural Arthritis Treatments explain that Epsom salts contain a high level of sulfate and magnesium, and these two ingredients work together to help individuals with arthritis. Magnesium is an essential mineral in the body and also possesses powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Combining this with the circulation-boosting effects of warm water creates a powerful system for naturally relieving pain and inflammation associated with knee arthritis. To experience arthritis knee pain relief with Epsom salt baths, simply mix some Epsom salt into a warm bath. Two cups are usually enough, but if the pain is more serious, then you can use three cups instead. Relax in the warm water for approximately half an hour before you get out.
How to prepare the bath:
- Add 2 cups of Epsom salt to the water in a standard-sized bathtub (double the Epsom salt for an oversized garden tub).
- Soak for at least 12 minutes
- The Epsom salt will dissolve quicker if you put it under the running water.
Note: For human use, the Epsom Salt Council recommends only Epsom salt with the USP designation.
An Epsom salt bath is an effective alternative remedy that is used by many people and provides fast relief to the most common symptoms that knee arthritis causes. As always if you have any serious symptoms please consult your doctor.