The benefits of Epsom salt baths, according to science

For centuries, salts have been used in baths to help relieve muscle soreness and aid with relaxation. Over 400 years ago, farmers in the small town of Epsom, England, realized there was something different about the water there. Livestock wouldn’t drink from some of the springs, which tasted strongly of magnesium and sulfates. Nowadays, Epsom salts are a standalone product, and as popular as ever. Indeed, it’s claimed they have a whole host of health benefits—but is there any truth to that?

Origins of Epsom salts

The use of Epsom salt dates back to the 17th century, when these small, colorless crystals were used to treat a range of health conditions.

Origins of Epsom salts

The salt was discovered by accident in the town of Epsom in England. The spring waters weren’t appetizing to livestock, but people found sitting in them relaxing.

A spa destination

The town became a popular spa destination, and in the 17th century the salt was separated from the water and sold as a standalone product.

A different kind of salt

The chemical structure of Epsom salts resembles, well, salt! However, if you were to taste these salts, you’d experience a bitter, unpleasant flavor.

Home treatments

People use Epsom salts as a home treatment for a number of complaints, including: arthritis swelling and pain, ingrown toenails, insomnia, sunburn pain and redness, sore muscles, and fibromyalgia.

Home treatments

Taking a hot bath in Epsom salts is also claimed to be a treatment to help with insomnia, psoriasis, and tired, swollen feet.

Constipation treatment

Epsom salt can also be ingested to help with constipation, as it has laxative properties. It can be dissolved in a glass of water to drink for this purpose.

However, the most common forms of magnesium to take for this purpose is magnesium citrate, magnesium oxide, or magnesium hydroxide.

While taking Epsom salt to relieve constipation might work, it hasn’t been studied as well as the other forms of magnesium. It could have some unpleasant side effects such as loose stool.

Magnesium sulfate

In water, the salts break down into sulfate and magnesium. It was believed that by soaking in the mineral, it could be absorbed by the body through the skin. However, this hasn’t been proven, and the claim about absorbing magnesium through the skin might just be a folk tale.

Magnesium’s function in the body

Magnesium is an essential mineral used in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, benefitting the nervous system and the heart.

Magnesium absorption

There have been some very small studies on the absorption of magnesium from taking an Epsom salt bath, but the numbers of participants were low and they lacked a control group.

While blood magnesium levels were higher in some people after bathing in Epsom salts, the quality of the conditions was questionable, while other studies provided conflicting results.

The skin is a barrier

This is probably because, for the most part, our skin acts as a barrier. It is not a sponge, it’s our first line of defense, designed to keep things out.

Relaxation and recovery

An Epsom salt bath’s legendary ability to reduce cramps and relieve muscle stiffness is more than likely the effect of relaxing and recovering in the tub.

Athletes typically have lower levels of magnesium, which is needed for muscle repair. Taking a magnesium supplement can help with this, while a bath provides comfort during the recovery process.

Fibromyalgia and arthritis

Conditions including arthritis and fibromyalgia can cause chronic inflammation in the body. This inflammation can cause stiffness and soreness. Taking an Epsom salt bath is also touted as being helpful for these conditions. However, there is a lack of scientific research about the effect of using Epsom salt baths for relief.

Stress relief

An Epsom salt bath is unlikely to give you more or less relief than a regular bath. But bathing is believed to help regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, through an increase in temperature. Bathing is also believed to help activate the parasympathetic nervous system. This is the body’s “rest and digest” response.

How to use Epsom salts

Epsom salts can be used as an exfoliant as part of your beauty routine. Taking just half a teaspoon, mix it with your cleanser and massage into the skin for gentle exfoliation. For an Epsom salt bath, add 2 cups (475 g) of the salts to your bathwater. The salts will dissolve faster under running water. Epsom salts are also claimed to act as a conditioner that adds volume to the hair. Mix equal parts of the salts to your usual conditioner, and leave it in the hair for 20 minutes before washing out.

Think twice before using Epsom salt in a bathtub that has jets, a hot tub, or a whirlpool bath. Unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise, the salts could potentially cause damage.

Source: The benefits of Epsom salt baths, according to science (msn.com)