There might be an instance where the benefit of soaking in a bath is not an option. Whether you simply do not have a bathtub, the bathtub is too small (like in my case) or you need assistance getting in and out of the bathtub and even if you have a home health care service, they may not be coming the day you want a soak. You can still use bath salts and enjoy some of the benefits they provide, even if there are barriers.
Here are some other ways to use Epsom Salt:
- Mix a handful of Epsom Salt with coconut oil or olive oil to form a paste. Apply the paste to the affected area and cover with a bandage. Leave on for 20 minutes then remove. Repeat this process once or twice a week as needed.
- Add 1 cup of Epsom Salt to a spray bottle filled with water. Shake well and spray on the affected area. Leave on for 20 minutes then rinse off. Repeat this process once or twice a week as needed.
- Mix 1 cup of Epsom Salt with a gallon of warm water. Soak a towel in the mixture then wring it out. Apply the towel to the affected area and leave on for 20 minutes. Repeat this process once or twice a week as needed.
- Mix 1 cup of Epsom Salt to a small tub or basin filled with warm water. Soak the affected area for 20 minutes then rinse off. Repeat this process once or twice a week as needed.
- Mix 1 cup of Epsom Salt with a gallon of warm water. Pour into a clean jar or bottle and add 10-15 drops of essential oil. Mix well and store in a cool, dark place. To use, pour a small amount into a basin or tub (if you have one or access) filled with warm water. Soak the affected area for 20 minutes then rinse off. Repeat this process once or twice a week as needed.
How do you use Epsom salt in the shower?
One way to use bath salts in a shower is to simply sprinkle them along the bottom and shower as you normally would. As you shower, the salts will dissolve, creating soothing steam. This method is best for bath salts with a strong aroma, as the scent will release creating the same effect.
For a more intense experience, you can make a shower scrub. To do this, combine 1 cup of sea salt or Epsom salt with 1/3 cup of almond oil, olive oil, or coconut oil and 1 tablespoon of vitamin E oil. Mix well and store in a jar. When you’re ready to use, simply scoop out a small amount and massage into your skin in circular motions. Rinse off as normal. This scrub will leave your skin feeling soft and silky smooth.
Another way to use Epsom salt in the shower is to add 1 cup of salt to a spray bottle filled with water. Shake well and spray on the affected area. Leave on for 20 minutes then rinse off. Repeat this process once or twice a week as needed.
Ok, so what if you DO have a bathtub big enough and, you are physically able to get in and out of a tub safely, then what?
What are the benefits of soaking in Epsom salt?
- Relaxes the muscles, relieves stress and helps with muscle fatigue and body aches
- Helps regulate blood pressure (mixed with water)
- Can help make constipation less frequent (mixed with water)
- Acts as a sleep aid (by adding to bathwater; effects wear off after 30 min.)
- Good for the kidneys, liver, brain and nervous system
- Can help eliminate mucus from the lungs in some cases (inhalation)
- Provides relief to those with psoriasis or dermatitis when applied topically
- Makes skin smooth and soft
- Magnesium sulfate also has a laxative effect because it increases the amount of water in your intestine. It also stimulates the colon’s muscle cells, which encourages bowel movement (Dunkley, 2011).
- Soothes the skin; softens rough, dry skin, and exfoliates dead skin cells
- Reduces soreness and pain
- Reduces stress
- Promotes better foot health
- Draws out splinters
- Heals some wounds
- Reduces inflammation
- Aids in detoxification
One of the significant benefits of using Epsom salt is that it dissolves easily in water without affecting the pH balance or mineral contents of water. In addition, the resulting solution is dissociated into anions (negative ions) and cations (positive ions), both of which are incredibly beneficial to the body.
Epsom salt is a popular soaking salt that has both magnesium and sulfate ions, which may assist with muscular relaxation and increased blood flow to the muscles. In addition, magnesium promotes physiologically by promoting vitamin D stimulation, a hormone essential for bone and muscle growth and development. It also minimizes anxiety and depression.
Aside from its medical uses, Epsom salt is also used in cooking for various purposes. For example, it can be mixed with fruit juice or other drinks and added to cakes and cookies to make them moist. It is also used as a thickening agent in salad dressings and soups.
The salts can also be dissolved in water and sprayed on plants to kill specific insects which might attack the plant, such as aphids and spider mites.
What are the benefits of using Epsom salt scrubs?
- Exfoliates dead skin cells
- Soothes the skin; softens rough, dry skin
- Reduces stress
- Promotes better foot health
- Draws out splinters
- Heals some wounds
Why Epsom salt is bad?
According to the renowned Cleveland Clinic In Ohio, Epsom salt is bad for people with severe skin inflammation or infection. No one with an open wound or a severe burn should use Epsom salt. They suggest if you have an open wound, consult your dermatologist before use.
While Epsom salt is generally safe, a few adverse effects can occur if you use it incorrectly. For example, consuming it may result in diarrhea, bloating, or upset stomach.
The presence of magnesium sulfate in the body can increase the risk of adverse reactions, such as dehydration or low blood pressure. Therefore, people with kidney disease should avoid using Epsom salt as a dietary supplement and should not use it as a bath soak, even though the salt is generally considered safe (Lundgren et al., 2006).
People have been bathing with Epsom salts for hundreds of years, but there is inconclusive scientific evidence as to whether or not it provides any health benefits. Always consult a physician or trusted health care provider. (This article is for information only)
How to use Epsom salt without soaking?
In conclusion, whether you are able to sit comfortably and safely in a bathtub while soaking or, you need to create a scrub, it is plain to see that Epsom salt can provide many benefits. There are endless ways to use this product to improve your health in a variety of ways. Be sure to try out a few methods and find the ones that work best for you!