If you’re lucky enough to have a bath in your place of residence, you’ll know just how magic they can be for a little rest and relaxation. But did you know that your bath can be more than just a great way to unwind? Having an Epsom salt bath benefits not only your mind, but also your body too.
You’ve probably seen various health bloggers and influencers eschewing the benefits of an Epsom salt bath, but don’t write Epsom salt off as just another ‘here today, gone tomorrow’ trend. There are actually many Epsom salt uses and once you’ve had an Epsom salt bath for yourself, you’ll be filling up that tub on the regular.
What is Epsom salt?
Before you get confused, let’s get one thing straight – Epsom salt ain’t your average salt. It’s made up of miniscule crystals that look just like the salt you use on your dinner but Epsom salt is actually a mineral compound of magnesium sulphate.
Magnesium sulphate is a mineral that a lot of us are lacking, which can be thanks to certain prescription medications, eating too much-processed food and the like. Epsom salt can help to store the magnesium in our bodies and it can also act as a natural anti-inflammatory to assist with muscle aches and as an exfoliant for dry skin.
And while Epsom salt is probably best known as being an epic bath companion, there are actually more Epsom salt uses than you’d think – it can be used to clean the house or even help to improve that sad garden you’ve been trying to make happen for the past year (no? Just me?).
Epsom salt bath benefits
Epsom salt baths are great for de-stressing – After a long, stressful day at work, there’s really nothing better than sinking into a luxurious hot bath to unwind. But a bath that’s been laced with Epsom salt might actually help you feel even better. As the magnesium mineral is restored in our body, our serotonin production may be boosted, which can help us to feel less anxious and stressed.
Epsom salt baths could help you sleep better – Baths are amazing for helping our body to slow down at night and prepare for sleep. Epsom salt baths could help to promote an even more restful night’s sleep, especially when combined with a chamomile tea and some essential oils. Find an Epsom salt blend that helps to aid sleep and you’re already on your way to dreamland.
Epsom salt baths can be excellent for muscle recovery – If you’ve been going extra hard at the gym lately, Epsom salt baths can be ace for soothing sore muscles. I put this to the test recently, after embarking on yet another ‘New year, new me’ fitness regime (lots of HIIT workouts, in case you were wondering). After a particularly sweaty session, I was feeling a few aches and pains so I decided to slip into an Epsom salt bath to see if it helped – it did! My body felt so much more relaxed and any muscle soreness was long gone by the time I woke up the next day.
Consider me a convert! I’ll be having Epsom salt baths three times per week, which is said to be the best amount of time to really experience Epsom salt bath benefits.
Where to buy Epsom salt
The good news is that epsom salts are really easy to find – you can even pick them up from your local Chemist Warehouse or pharmacy! Epsom salts are also found at most health stores, some of which allow you to purchase in bulk.
BATHEFEX EPSOM SALT – BREATHE EASY, $13.99 at bathefex.com.au
Dr Teal’s Epsom Salt – Milk & Honey, $18.99 at drteals.com.au
Have you tried an Epsom salt bath?
Magnesium chloride salts are actually better for muscle recovery than epsom salts…..but also more expensive. Though you can find them for cheap every so often at aldi
I love salt baths and yes it does wonders for my skin and salt helps if you have a sore.
I had been buying Epsom Salts at Costco in bulk to use in the garden on my roses. After reading this going to try Epsom Salts in the bath too