Let’s get salty! Soaking in an Epsom salt bath is the perfect way to unwind at the end of a long day. Celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow even swear by its therapeutic benefits. If the wellness guru herself uses Epsom salt in her baths, it must be good.
What Is Epsom Salt?
Epsom salt, also known as magnesium sulfate, is a chemical compound that’s comprised of magnesium, sulfur and oxygen. Don’t mistake Epsom salt for table salt, you’ll be in for a big surprise. Its name comes from a town in England, where it was first discovered in the 1600s. The natural spring in Epsom, England was bitter, saline water. Epsom salt was prepared by boiling down this water. The spring in the town of Epsom became a popular spa after the discovery of Epsom salt’s benefits. Visitors would soak in the spring to treat ailments. Today it is commonly used in baths to relax the mind and alleviate pain.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Epsom Salt?
Relieves Pain:
Are you someone who’s always in pain? Good news, Epsom salt has anti-inflammatory properties that ease the pain and swelling of joints and muscles. Muscle pain is a common symptom of magnesium deficiency. With epsom salt’s high content of magnesium, it raises and balances out magnesium levels in the body, providing a soothing and healing effect. It also increases blood circulation, which helps to bring down inflammation and relieve pain associated with migraines and headaches.
Alleviates Stress:
Sliding into an Epsom salt bath will eliminate all your stress. Seriously, research published in the Journal of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Biochemistry proved that the magnesium in Epsom salt lowers cortisol levels in the body, which is known as the stress hormone. Bathing in Epsom salt is also beneficial in stress relief as it helps the body produce serotonin, the happy chemical. Serotonin enhances mood and puts the mind at ease. As stress can significantly increase blood pressure, Epsom salt works to bring it back down to a normal rate. A low blood pressure can help calm the mind and body.
Induces Sleep:
Here’s our guide to a restful sleep: before bed, take a warm bath with our Cosmic Bubble Bath Salts. It is made with Epsom salt which is just what you need for a good night’s sleep. The magnesium in Epsom salt is easily absorbed through the skin, restoring magnesium levels in the body. A healthy level of magnesium encourages relaxation and sleep. The magnesium in Epsom salt also helps the body produce melatonin, the sleep hormone that promotes relaxation and induces sleep. This makes Epsom salt an effective sleep remedy.
What Are The Skin Benefits Of Epsom Salt?
Exfoliates the Skin:
Epsom salt is a gentle exfoliant that can benefit all skin types. With its crystalline texture, Epsom salt scrubs off dead skin cells, leaving you with soft, smooth skin. It removes impurities that clog pores and lead to the development of breakouts. Removing dead skin with Epsom salt also promotes skin rejuvenation and healing.
Detoxifies the Skin:
Sulfate and magnesium are two ingredients in Epsom salt that work together to detoxify the skin. The skin is a highly porous membrane, so adding Epsom salt in your bath creates a process called reverse osmosis. This helps pull toxins out of the skin and allows the minerals in Epsom salt to absorb through the skin. Try our Detox Bubble Bath Salts, made with Epsom salt to cleanse the body from all toxins.
Now that you’re finished reading this article, we encourage you to go hop in the tub and sprinkle in some Epsom salt. Let us know in the comments if you’ve visited Epsom, England. Remember to share this post with friends!