Are you sore from working out at the gym? Or do you have an itchy skin that won't go away? Maybe your arthritis is getting worse and the pain is unbearable. So, you might be wondering if there's anything you can do about it other than just waiting. Our grandparents used a simple remedy for this. It's Epsom salt. It's been used for hundreds of years to treat a variety of conditions, including body aches and skin problems. So let's see if bathing in Epsom salt water really helps.
What is Epsom Salt?
First of all, despite the name "salt," this is not the type of salt we use for food. It is called salt because of its chemical structure. Simply put, Epsom salt is a chemical compound called Magnesium Sulfate .
The name "Epsom" comes from the fact that these salts were first discovered in natural springs in England. Today, these can be purchased at any pharmacy or supermarket in our country for a very low price.
But this is not the kind of salt that comes from the Dead Sea in the Middle East. And it's not the kind of beautiful bath crystals that come scented and colored. It can also contain other chemicals, oils, and fragrances. When buying Epsom salt, it's best to look for one that says 100% magnesium sulfate .
Some people say that when you soak in hot water with Epsom salts, the magnesium and sulfate in it are absorbed into your body through your skin. But the truth is, scientific research shows that it is very difficult to absorb magnesium through your skin in this way. So it is difficult to imagine that you are getting a significant amount of it into your body.
But that doesn't mean that Epsom salt baths are useless. Bathing in warm water has many benefits for our body and mind.
What are the real benefits of Epsom salt baths?
Although not 100% scientifically proven, let's talk about some of the benefits that people claim to get from taking an Epsom salt bath. Many of these benefits may be due to the quality of the warm water.
| Usefulness | Description |
|---|---|
| Muscle pain and body aches | A warm bath is great for relieving muscle pain after exercise or exertion. Applying Epsom salt can provide additional relief mentally. |
| Skin health | For people with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, taking a hot bath can help moisturize the skin and help exfoliate the skin. Applying Epsom salt can help relieve symptoms such as itching. |
| Stress reduction and sleep | Taking a hot bath is a great way to reduce stress. When stress is reduced, it also helps you sleep better. |
| Arthritis and swelling | For those with joint pain and swelling, the benefits of warm water may temporarily reduce pain. |
| Pain and swelling in the feet | Some studies have shown that soaking your legs in warm water with Epsom salts can provide relief, especially during pregnancy. |
| Small wounds and ingrown toenails | For cuts, bruises, sprains, and ingrown toenails, applying Epsom salt to the affected area can help reduce swelling. |
Can Epsom salt be used for constipation?
Yes, sometimes people with constipation are given Epsom salt dissolved in water to drink. But do not do this without medical advice. You should follow the instructions on the package exactly. It is not good to use this for more than a week. Especially if you have kidney disease, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not drink this without asking your doctor.
Side effects and precautions
Epsom salt baths are generally very safe. However, it is wise to avoid them if you have any of the following conditions:
- If you have severe skin inflammation
- If there are open wounds
- If you have infected skin
- If there are severe burns
Young children and Epsom salt
Bath bombs that are available today may contain Epsom salts. These are attractive in color and shape, which makes them appealing to young children. Imagine if a child drank some of the water that a bath bomb had been dissolved in, it wouldn't be a big problem. Because the water greatly reduces the harshness of the salt.
However, if a child eats a piece of a bath bomb, it can be dangerous. If Epsom salt is ingested, it can cause diarrhea-like symptoms. If this happens, rinse the child's mouth with water. If you have any doubts, immediately go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU). If you need more information, you can also call the National Poisons Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
It's okay to rub Epsom salt water on your pet's paws. However, don't let them drink it. It can cause stomach upset, breathing problems, and even heart problems.
How exactly do you take an Epsom salt bath?
This is very simple.
1. Water temperature: The water should be warm enough for your body to handle, but not so hot that it burns your skin.
2. Adding salt: Add Epsom salt to the bath bucket or tub as you fill it with water. This will help it dissolve more easily. For a standard-sized tub, use about 1 to 2 cups of Epsom salt. Follow the instructions on the package.
3. Bath time: Soaking in the water for about 15 minutes is enough.
4. Medical advice: If you have a medical condition, ask your doctor how long and how often you should do this.
If you don't want to soak your entire body in water, you can soak it in water that has been diluted with Epsom salts. Dissolve about a cup of Epsom salts in a liter of warm water, soak a cloth in it, and apply it to the painful area for about 15-30 minutes.
Take-Home Message
- Epsom salt is not the salt we eat, it is a chemical called Magnesium Sulfate.
- There is little scientific evidence for many of the benefits of Epsom salt baths. Often, the relief comes from the warm water bath itself.
- It has not been clearly proven that magnesium is absorbed through the skin.
- This is usually a safe, inexpensive, and simple way to try to get relief.
- Avoid Epsom salt baths if you have open wounds, skin infections, or burns.
- It is best to consult your doctor before using this for any health problem.
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