Bathing and washing are central parts of our everyday routine; most people shower once a day, some twice, depending on their work and lifestyle. We have a huge variety of products catering to this area of our lives, from soaps and shampoos to loofahs and bath brushes. Some people love the thrill of a cold shower, while others prefer a long, hot soak in the tub. The ways in which we get clean vary enormously between individuals, but in most cases, one element of bathing is standard; the water.
This is for pretty obvious reasons; we turn on the taps and the water comes out. Adding bath bombs or muscle-relaxing scrubs tend to be done for the enjoyment, for the scent, and for the feeling of luxury, rather than for any particular health benefits. However, the use of Epsom salt in bathing goes back centuries as a home remedy to cure all manner of ills, and even now is considered to provide some major benefits for a variety of complaints.
Epsom salt is named after a saline spring near Epsom in Surrey, England. It is a mineral compound of sulfates and magnesium. Magnesium is essential to our bodies and a mineral which is rapidly decreasing in our diets. The health benefits of vitamin C and vitamin D, of having enough calcium and enough iron, have been well documented and explored by medical studies, but the importance of magnesium to health and well-being can be overlooked.
Studies done in the US have consistently found that the majority of Americans are not ingesting the recommended amount, and food packaging is only required to list magnesium quantities if the food has been fortified with it. Magnesium deficiency has been linked to chronic fatigue, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and even migraines. While the average diet does include magnesium, especially in leafy greens, nuts, and other fibre-rich foods, bathing in Epsom salt could provide an important boost to your levels, especially if you are feeling under the weather.
Epsom salt baths are increasing in their popularity, and are hailed as a home-remedy which can help with a huge range of ailments, from muscle soreness to sprains to fungal infections. Although there are limited scientific studies to support the claims, soaking in Epsom salt baths has been credited with drawing toxins from the body through the skin; with aiding your ability to absorb nutrients; reducing swelling; providing relief from sunburn or poison ivy; building healthy tissues; and even with better sleep and relieving stress. The Epsom Salt Industry Council lists a huge range of benefits and explains the different ways in which Epsom salt can be used to help with complaints, including compresses, pastes, and of course bathing.
A hot bath is considered by many to be a great way to de-stress and put aside the pressures of everyday life. Adding Epsom salt to the mix could be offer a chance to boost your energy, improve your general health, and even help with sprains. If nothing else, a soak in warm water can certainly relieve muscle stiffness and reduce stress.
