Relaxing Epsom Salt Bath For Sore Muscles

Written by e3 guest blogger: Joni Keim

Joni  has worked in the alternative health and wellness field for over thirty years as an author, practitioner, and educator. She is a licensed aesthetician and has certificates in aromatherapy, wholistic health sciences, and nutrition. Joni researches and writes for e3, provides technical direction for skin care, and assists in product development.

Relaxing Epsom salt baths have been used for centuries and have many documented health benefits including easing muscle aches and spasms. Epsom salt is made up of magnesium sulfate which is an inorganic salt containing magnesium, sulfur and oxygen.

It has been shown that during an Epson Salt Bath (ESB) magnesium levels are increased in the body via transdermal absorption. An increase in magnesium can help to promote relaxation, stress reduction, ease muscle aches, pains, cramps and spasms, and topically it may calm outbreaks of eczema and psoriasis.

Epson salt has been around for hundreds of years and still warrants being added to your hot bath for soothing muscle tension. Magnesium is the second most abundant element in human cells. It plays an important role in many of our body’s functions. For muscles, it contributes to muscle control and associated electrical impulses. It helps in reducing inflammation, easing muscle cramps, pain, fatigue and relaxing tight muscles.

Easy recipe for Epsom salt bath for sore muscles

The standard use of Epsom salts for sore muscles is 2 cups in your warm bath. (Do not add or use soap.) Soak for 20-30 minutes. Drain the tub. Rinse your skin off with plain water with a washcloth or shower because the salt residue can be drying. Apply a lavender moisturizing lotion all over. Drink a tall glass of water to re-hydrate. Take relaxing Epsom salt baths for sore muscles three times a week.

Adding 5-8 drops of essential oils to your Epsom Salts can provide additional comfort. Mix your essential oils with 2 cups of Epsom Salt, then add to the tub after you have immersed yourself. Stir well. (Do not use a carrier oil because it may interfere with the magnesium absorption.)

Essential oil suggestions: Chamomile Roman, Lavender, Chamomile German, Blue Tansy, e3 Muscle Soothe, e3 Joint Relief, e3 Massage Blend.

Doesn’t a relaxing Epsom salt bath for sore muscles sound wonderfully refreshing? We find that the therapeutic value of adding essential oils takes it to a whole new spa-like level. Would you like to learn more about essential oils – like where they come from, how they’re made and how to make your own special blends? Simply download our free ebook, Listen to Your Nose – An Introduction to Aromatherapy.

References

Report on Absorption of magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts) across the skin
Dr RH Waring, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham. B15 2TT, U.K. r.h.waring@bham.ac.uk
https://www.mgwater.com/transdermal.shtml

Transdermal Magnesium Therapy
Ancient Minerals by enviromedica
“Transdermal magnesium is also an excellent choice for the many people who suffering from with low tolerance for oral magnesium, evidenced by diarrhea or other intestinal complaints…”
https://www.ancient-minerals.com/transdermal-magnesium/