Bath salts have long been used as an easy and inexpensive way to remedy physical and mental ailments. Bath salts are usually based on magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts) or sea salt and can easily be dissolved in hot water to relieve stress and pain.
Health Benefits
Bath salts are commonly used to relax in the bath, but bath salt is thought to have a variety of health benefits.
Muscle aches and stiffness
Stiffness and joint pain
Arthritis
Circulatory system disorders
Headaches
Anxiety/stress
Skin disorders (e.g., eczema)
Dry, itchy skin
How to use bath salts
Bath salts can be used according to the intended treatment.
Detox baths
Detox baths are usually based on Epsom salts. The minerals in detox baths are believed to help eliminate toxins from the body, improve health, relieve stress, treat constipation, and lose weight.
Magnesium absorption is another major benefit of detox baths with Epsom salts. It is also helpful for those with magnesium deficiencies, such as fibromyalgia; a 2004 study of 19 people found that 17 had increased levels of magnesium and sulfate in their blood after bathing in Epsom salts.
Take a detoxifying bath with Epsom salts.
Use 2 cups of laxative salt in a regular bathtub filled with hot water.
Run the salt under running water so that it dissolves quickly in the tub.
Soak in the bathtub for at least 12 minutes, or 20 minutes for those who are constipated.
Add essential oils such as lavender or peppermint for additional aromatherapy benefits, such as relaxation and improved mood.
Muscle aches and pains
Bath salts improve muscle pain by relaxing tense muscles and reducing inflammation.
Formulate bath salts for muscle pain.
Add 2 cups of Epsom salts to a bathtub filled with hot water.
Pour into running water so that the laxative salt dissolves quickly. Stir the water with your hands to dissolve the remaining granules.
Allow to soak for 12 minutes or more.
You can also add a few drops of cinnamon essential oil diluted with cinnamon bark to relieve muscle pain. Some believe that cinnamon bark oil has a warming effect on the skin and helps relieve sore muscles. A 2017 study by Trusted Source also found that it may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Skin Inflammation or Irritation
Bath salts can be used to relieve skin inflammation and irritation caused by eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, and foot fungus. The National Eczema Association recommends adding 1 cup of salt to the bath to prevent burns in the tub during an eczema outbreak. Laxatives and sea salt may also be used to treat skin irritation and inflammation.
Formulate bath salts to relieve itching and allergies.
Use 1 cup of Epsom salt, sea salt, or table salt in a regular bath.
Add the salt to the bath water and mix by hand to dissolve all the granules.
Give it at least 20 minutes to soak. Tea tree oil has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties and is effective for eczema and mild skin infections. Essential oils should be diluted, but there are many varieties of tea tree oil, some already diluted. Adding 3-4 drops to a salt bath can further relieve irritation and inflammation.
Dry and itchy skin
Bath salts can be used to relieve dry and itchy skin, such as itching caused by insect bites or poison ivy.
To do so:
Prepare a complete bath with 1-2 cups of laxative salt and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Add the salt to lukewarm running water so that it dissolves quickly.
Add the olive oil and mix the bath water with your hands so that the salt and oil mix.
Soak 2-3 times a week for at least 12 minutes.
You can also add almond oil, oatmeal, or milk powder to the bath salts to soothe and moisturize the skin.
Arthritis:
The Arthritis Foundation recommends warm salt baths and stretching.
