I am a 67-year young Pharmacist and I have so many fond memories of using Epsom salts as a child. As I grew to know more about medicine and how the body works, I would learn how epsom salts have great health benefits, too.
My father was always having problems with severe gout–problems with his knees and toes. I used to help my dad with soaking his feet in Epsom salt dissolved in warm/hot water.
I would focus on the swollen, red, inflamed area of his toes or knees, which I would then cover with a wet warm towel and pour hot Epsom salt water on it for 15 minutes.
His pain and swelling would go down within 15 minutes.
How does this work?
The way this works is due to osmotic pressure gradient developing; it will draw out uric acid from the inflamed toe or gouty area and improve your blood circulation and reduce inflammation so your swelling goes down, along with your pain. Magnesium is very alkaline, and once it’s absorbed into your skin, it relaxes the muscle around gouty joints and helps with pain.
Gout runs in my family, and so I used that remedy on myself, as well as so many other family members and friends.
Taking an Epsom salt bath is not just relaxing, but also very detoxing, as it draws out toxins. If taken right before bed, it can even help you develop a deeper and more comfortable sleep, as Magnesium possesses muscle relaxant properties.
Epsom salts can be used externally as well as internally for cleaning out your colon and fecal matter waste that is compacted in your digestive tract.
Did you know… that the magnesium found in Epsom salts can lead to reduced blood pressure and a slowed heart rate?
If you suffer from high blood pressure, soaking in healing Epsom salts may be helpful in lowering your blood pressure and even in improving your heart health.
Is Epsom salt good for lower back pain?
Epsom salt may help alleviate back pain by working its way through the skin and into sore muscles when you take a warm Epsom salt bath.
Does Epsom salt help the sciatic nerve?
Epsom salt reduces inflammation and improves blood circulation and will create the relaxation of your nervous system, therefore helping with sciatic nerve pain.
Epsom salt baths treat issues such as circulatory health, blood pressure, and nerve function.
I keep this in my home all the time. I will recommend using this once or twice a week to just take a warm tub bath.
HOW TO TAKE A BATH PROPERLY:
Use 2-4 cups of Epsom salts in a full bath. Do not add any bathing solutions, oils or soaps as these substances will alter the chemistry of the water.
To replace the fluid you lose as perspiration, keep a glass of cold water beside you and sip it during the bath. You can also wring a towel in cold water and wrap it around your neck, and this may help in the prevention of headaches and/or faintness.
Ensure that your trunk, thighs and legs are completely immersed. Soak for approximately 20 minutes and to increase the effectiveness of the bath, do not rinse off before getting out of the tub, just dry off with a towel and retire for the evening.
Want to try Epsom Salts in your bath, but not sure where to get them?
Click here to see the Equate brand from Walmart. It can be used internally and externally and is very inexpensive. It cost less than $6.00 for 8 Lbs.