Tips: Epson Salts … Benefits

While in New York we attended the Dr. Oz show and became intrigued with the use of Epson Salts as this was one of their featured segments.  They gave us “Dr. Teal’s” Epson Salts which included Eucalyptus and Spearmint.  I must say .. I love the fragrance when I use this!  I really enjoy using it as a foot soak while watching TV or reading.

Here’s some of the information I gathered on the use of Epson Salts:

MUSCLE TENSION, PAIN, INFLAMMATION: Epsom salts absorbed through the skin also work to relieve muscle tension, pain, and inflammation in joints. Submerge yourself in a warm Epsom salt bath to alleviate tension headaches or soothe abdominal cramps. Tired and sore feet will also benefit from the therapeutic warmth of an Epsom salt soak

HAPPY FEET: It’s pretty common knowledge that soaking your feet in Epsom salts is good for soothing away aches and pains. But did you know that it can also help to treat athlete’s foot and toe nail fungal infections? Simply add a half cup of Epsom salts to warm water and soak your feet for as long as you want (or until the water gets cold) to alleviate the itching and burning and help heal feet faster.
Add essential oils − Turn your Epsom salts bath into a luxurious spa treatment by adding several drops of essential oils to the water. Therapeutic oils such as lavender essential oil and frankincense can promote relaxation and stimulate healing and/or just use any essential oil(s) that you enjoy.

TIPS/INSIGHT:
• Epsom salt baths have astounding health benefits and are an excellent way to de¬stress and detoxify the whole body.
• Unlike other naturally occurring salts, Epsom salts are formed from a pure mineral compound containing magnesium and sulfate. These minerals can be absorbed through your skin while taking an Epsom salt bath.
• More than 325 enzymes in the body require magnesium to function properly. Magnesium stimulates nerve and muscle function, limits inflammation, and improves oxygenation and blood flow through the body.
• Epsom salts have been shown to improve many conditions associated with inflammation and to provide pain relief by pulling out harmful toxins, and improving both mineral and sulfur balance in the body.
• You should not take Epsom salt baths if you are pregnant, have exposed cuts or burns on your skin, or are severely dehydrated. People who suffer from cardiovascular disease should first consult a doctor before taking an Epsom salt bath.
• Plan on 40 minutes in the tub for an effective Epsom salts bath. Within the first 20 minutes of treatment the salts pull toxins out of your body through the skin. The second 20 minutes allows for the absorption of minerals to occur.
• Use approximately 1/2 cup of Epsom salts for every 50 pounds of weight (eg. an individual weighing 200 lbs would use around 2 cups of Epsom salts in a bath).