Epsom salt is an ingredient used in a soak to treat minor aches and pains. It’s thought to soothe tired muscles and reduce swelling. As a medication administered intravenously, it can stave off premature birth and alleviate seizures caused by several conditions. And while there isn’t strong, scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness, many people say they feel relief for multiple symptoms by soaking in an Epsom salt bath. Let’s look at how you can use it.
Epsom salt dissolve in water and enthusiasts believe this allows magnesium and sulfates to be readily absorbed into skin. Whether this is sufficient for various treatments or not, Epsom salt is considered safe. It’s also easy to use, easy to find, and inexpensive.
There really is no downside to taking a warm bath; although it’s important to check with your doctor first if you have low blood pressure. This is because hot water can temporarily lower blood pressure. The Mayo Clinic recommends adults use 2 cups of Epsom salt per gallon of warm water. More than that can make the water feel slippery. It may also be drying to your skin. Soak for at least 15 minutes. If you’re soaking in an Epsom salt bath for aches and pains, make sure not to use water that’s too hot. This might worsen instead of reduce swelling.
When used as a soak, Epsom salt is generally considered safe. But if you’ve never had an Epsom salt bath; consider testing a patch of skin with magnesium sulfate and water first. Be sure to avoid submerging broken skin in an Epsom salt bath. Stop use if you experience: itchy skin, allergic reactions, like hives or rash or skin infection.
One 2005 study found that magnesium salts can be effective for reducing inflammation, and as a folk remedy, Epsom salt is used on a widespread basis to provide relief for a variety of conditions. These include; itching caused by poison ivy, skin irritation and inflammation, sore feet, sore muscles, sprains, stiff joints, stress and sunburn. Doctors who administer it intravenously do so to: control rapid heartbeat, relieve migraine headaches, postpone, premature birth, prevent seizures caused by preeclampsia and eclampsia, reduce swelling in the brain, treat barium poisoning, and treat muscle spasms and seizures caused by magnesium deficiency.