Enjoy an Epsom Salt Bath for Stress Relief

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. Today she’s sharing  how to use an Epsom salt bath for stress relief.

Epsom salts baths have been used for centuries and have many documented health benefits including stress relief. 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.

A warm, Epsom salt bath will go a long way to transport you from stressed out to calm and relaxed. There are multiple factors that contribute. The warmth of the water increases circulation and begins to relax muscles, including tense breathing. (When your breathing is slow and deep, it relaxes your body and mind.) Sometimes when we are stressed, we are not even aware that our body has tensed—but if we are stressed, it is likely that you have muscle tension and an Epsom salt bath will support relaxation.

For many people the feeling of being in warm water has a naturally calming effect. Stress is often accompanied by a headache and an Epsom salt bath has been known to relieve headaches.

In addition, an increase in your body’s level of magnesium can help produce serotonin, a chemical in the brain that calms and relaxes.

The standard use of Epsom salts for stress is 1-2 cups in a warm tub of water. (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 moisturizing lotion all over. Drink a tall glass of water to re-hydrate.

To give your bath the added benefits of aromatherapy, add a mixture of 4 drops of Roman Chamomile and 4 drops of Lavender into your Epsom salt then add to your bath water after you have immersed yourself. Stir well. You can also use 4-8 drops of one of Essential 3’s synergies, such as Relax, Stress Relief, or Sleeptime . (Do not use a carrier oil because it may interfere with the magnesium absorption.)

So, next time you’re feeling stressed, draw yourself a warm bath, add your Epsom salts and essential oils, put on some beautiful music, and you will be transformed.

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

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…”