That drugstore staple does more than just make a nice bath time soak. See what an Epsom salt bath can do for you.
An Epsom salt bath can ease your aches and pains
One of the most popular uses of an Epsom salt bath is to help soothe away muscle aches after a hard workout or a long day of work. Some believe that the chemical composition of the salt—magnesium sulfate—can be absorbed by the skin to help block receptors from feeling the pain. But a study about applying magnesium sulfate to the skin failed to elevate blood levels of magnesium, so it’s unclear if that soothing feeling comes from the salts—or simply the warm bath itself.
It can help soothe arthritis
Epsom salts can be used as a compress to help soothe aching joints. The Mayo Clinic recommends dissolving two cups of Epsom salts into a gallon of water, then either bathing the affected joint in it or applying a warm compress to the area.
An Epsom salt bath can soothe eczema
The National Eczema Association recommends a number of different types of baths—including one with table salt or Epsom salt—to help take the sting out of the bath and soothe the dry, itchy patches.
Epsom salts can make splinters—and bee stings—easier to remove
Soaking the area in an Epsom salt bath for 15 minutes can help make it easier to remove.
Try Epsom salts as an exfoliant
Just like other granular salts, Epsom salts can make a pretty great exfoliant—combine it with coconut oil and use it to scrub away dead skin on everywhere from your lips to your toes.
Sunburn pain can be minimized
Soaking in an Epsom salt bath with lukewarm water can help ease the sting of a sunburn.
Epsom salts can work as a laxative
The Mayo Clinic suggests using Epsom salts as a mild laxative. Dissolve two to six teaspoons of the salts into eight ounces of warm water and a squeeze of lemon to improve the taste.
Try Epsom salts to open your sinuses
Holistic doctor Taz Bhatia swears by inhaling the steam from boiling water infused with Epsom salts, rosemary, and eucalyptus to help clear away congestion.
You can help head off athlete’s foot with Epsom salt baths
Some podiatrists and dermatologists suggest using an Epsom salt bath as a natural way to help cure athlete’s foot.
An Epsom salt bath can help ease psoriasis
Bathing in Epsom salts can help remove psoriasis scales and ease the intense itching that comes with it.
