In integrative medicine, it is important to treat a person’s mind and body. Epsom salt is often recommended because of the health benefits for both the body and mind.
While no clinical trials have confirmed that Epsom salt has any health benefits, many healthcare providers promote it for its ease of use and reasonable price. Many people also think it’s a minimally invasive delivery method because you soak in the bath instead of taking a pill or using some other medical intervention.
Epsom salt is a magnesium sulfate compound unlike sodium table salt. Epsom salt has been used for hundreds of years as a healing agent and pain reliever. Today it’s most often added to hot baths and foot soaks to reduce stress.
Although there is no scientific evidence that shows that it actually increases magnesium levels in the body, Epsom salt can ease pain reliever.
Supporters claim that in addition to reducing pain symptoms and promoting healing, Epsom salt can be dissolved in warm water to ease pain from gout. They also say it’s good for eliminating odor and helps treat infection. More research is needed to support these claims
How Do They Work?
Magnesium and sulfate are released into the water when you soak in an Epsom salts bath. The theory is that when these substances enter your body through your skin, they can help relax muscles and loosen joint stiffness after a long day of work or activities.
People use Epsom salts baths as a home treatment for:
- Arthritis pain and swelling
- Bruises and sprains
- Ingrown toenails
- Psoriasis, a disease that causes red, itchy, scaly skin
- Insomnia
- Tired, swollen feet
- Fibromyalgia, a condition that makes your muscles, ligaments, and tendons hurt, and causes tender points throughout your body
- Sore muscles after working out
- Soreness from diarrhea during chemotherapy
- Sunburn pain and redness
Do not drink Epsom salt
Drinking Epsom salt can cause serious side effects, such as severe diarrhea. Sudden and dramatic changes in bowel behavior can be very dangerous and cause dehydration and discomfort.
The doctor warns that drinking Epsom salt can also lead to a sudden change in bowel habits, which could turn into a dangerous situation if you are not careful.
To make an Epsom salt foot soak, follow these simple steps:
- Fill your bathtub or a basin with warm water until it’s deep enough to cover your feet.
- Add 1/2 cup of Epsom salt to the warm water.
- Soak your feet for 30 to 60 minutes twice a week.
- For an aromatherapy boost, consider adding a few drops of diluted lavender, peppermint, or eucalyptus essential oil to your foot bath.
- Moisturize your feet thoroughly after soaking them.
This is a common concern for many people who enjoy soaking their feet in a basin of warm water with Epsom salts. This can be beneficial to the skin and help with relaxation and detoxification.
However, you need to remember that this kind of soak can cause dry skin specifically on your feet. Be sure to moisturize your skin after an Epsom salt foot soak to prevent cracked skin and irritation.
If you experience pain redness or sores before or after using a foot bath, Schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss alternative treatment.
Check with your doctor about how long and how often you should soak. Most doctors recommend soaking your foot in warm water for 5–10 minutes at least once a day. If the pain is caused by arthritis, soaking may help ease mild to moderate pain, and some physicians recommend doing this three to four times daily.
Most people find it is easiest to soak their feet while they are relaxing in the tub or while they are standing in the shower. Some prefer
