Sometimes Simple is Still the Best – Like the Humble EPSOM SALT BATH

Magnesium Sulphate

Magnesium supplements – they are on every shelf today – but we have forgotten that magnesium actually gets absorbed through the skin.

Magnesium is important for many functions in the body. And many of us are deficient! Unfortunately, taking a magnesium supplement isn’t always the answer for every body.

Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It helps to maintain normal nerve and muscle function, supports a healthy immune system, keeps the heart beat steady, and helps bones remain strong. It also helps regulate blood glucose levels and aid in the production of energy and protein. There is ongoing research into the role of magnesium in preventing and managing disorders such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.

 

The humble magnesium comes in many forms and for different purposes – take the wrong sort orally and you will be running to the loo! Known scientifically as magnesium sulphate, epsom salt is rich in magnesium which just so happens to be easily absorbed through the skin.

Epsom salts were glorified for awhile as a luxury bath. Sprinkling some minute amount that had been coloured and scented to make us feel like Cleopatra. It was also added to some body scrubs for skin exfoliation. It has been allocated by some to the garden as a garden fertilizer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

However, regular soaks in the salt can work as a preventative too.

My teenage boys, who most of you know are very, very physically active know after a ‘big day’ in the ‘big top’ for the circus boy to run a bath and load it up with Epsom Salts. The long distance runner has felt the difference if he forgoes that bath too.

But don’t forget you need more than a sprinkle – go the whole cup!

Here are a few OTHER benefits of The Humble Epsom Salt Bath:

DETOX
Epsom Salts contain sulphate – Sulphate is needed for proper liver detox, which is so important in our ever toxic world!

MUSCLE PAIN AND BODY ACHES
Most of us have heard of this use – but who understands how it works? The magnesium that is absorbed into the skin in this form of salt interferes with receptors in the brain that register pain. So the next time you have body aches go the Epsom salt bath!

SUNBURN
A cool bath with 2 cups of epsom salt reduces pain and has mild anti-inflammatory properties.

MOOD LIFTER
Taking epsom salt baths helps your body detoxify and absorb the magnesium, which is very helpful for depression and anxiety. But if you have a headache, aches and pains that are dispersed by having a bath – what better way to lift your mood? And if you add essential oils you can have added benefits!

Fill your bathtub, add 1 – 2 cups of epsom salt, and then add 6 – 7 drops of your favourite essential oil.

Essential oil suggestions:

Calming and soothing essential oils:

o Lavender
o Chamomile
o Bergamot
o Violet
o Frankinsense

Refreshing and invigorating:

o Peppermint
o Citrus oils – lemon, orange, lime, grapefruit, bergamot
o Rosemary
o Ginger

Mood-lifting:

o Lavender
o Bergamot
o Rose geranium
o Sandalwood
o Ylang ylang

Sensual oils:

o Patchouli
o Ylang ylang
o Rose
o Vanilla
o Violet
o Jasmine
o Frankinsense
o Sandalwood

This Christmas I made up gift packs of salts. I used combinations of: Epsom Salts, Celtic Sea Salt and Bicarbonate of Soda. To this I added essential oils and flower petals – what a better way to soothe away some stress. Light a candle, make a pot of relaxing tea, dim the lights, soothing music – all the senses taken care of!