Epsom salt is one of those underrated drugstore products that can be used for multiple things. It’s a well-known fact that an Epsom salt bath can do wonders for aching muscles and cramps. But that’s far from being the only benefit of using Epsom salt.

From detoxifying the body to improving sleep, here are seven incredible benefits of Epsom salt:

1. Detoxifies the body

Taking an Epsom salt bath is a quick and natural way to help your body get rid of toxins. Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, stimulates the body’s natural detoxification process, reduces muscle tension, and alleviates digestive issues.

All you need to do is run a warm bath and pour 2 cups of Epsom salt in your bathtub. If you want the salt to dissolve faster, pour it under running water and use your hands to stir the water. Get in the tub and soak for at least 10-15 minutes.

2. Exfoliates skin

Epsom salt can also be used to exfoliate dead skin cells and reduce acne redness. The salt is an ideal exfoliator because it penetrates deep into pores to remove dirt and dead skin without drying out the skin.

Start by mixing Epsom salt with olive, coconut, or almond oil to make a paste. Apply the paste on your face and gently massage your face for a few minutes. Make sure you don’t rub too hard or you could damage your skin and worsen inflammation.

3. Reduces bloating

If you suffer from bloating, taking a salt bath can reduce the feeling of fullness and help remove excess water. Epsom salt helps reduce bloating through reverse osmosis, a process which pulls out toxins from the body and allows magnesium and sulfates to be absorbed through the skin.

To maximize the de-bloating effects of Epsom salt, mix the salt with a few drops of lavender oil and pour the mixture to the running water. Stay in the bath for 20 minutes while massaging your belly in circular motions.

4. Increases magnesium levels

Magnesium deficiency is a widespread problem among Americans. Studies show that up to 70% of people in the United States don’t consume the recommended daily amount of magnesium through diet.

Since magnesium is absorbed through skin, taking regular Epsom salt baths is an excellent way to ensure sufficient intake of this important mineral.

5. Reduces inflammation

Magnesium deficiency is associated with increased inflammation and the production of harmful free radicals. Low levels of magnesium can lead to oxidative stress, which is linked to a number of chronic diseases.

Soaking in an Epsom salt bath raises the levels of magnesium in the body, reduces swelling and inflammation of joints and muscles, and can even offer relief from symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema.

6. Lowers blood pressure

Magnesium in Epsom salt lowers blood pressure and slows down the heart rate. A 10-12 minute soak in Epsom salt is enough to increase levels of magnesium in the body, which in turn relaxes the vascular smooth muscles in blood vessels.

When blood vessels relax and widen, blood flow increases and blood pressure drops. Epsom salt has also been found to reduce the risk of preeclampsia, a serious condition of pregnancy that causes high blood pressure, fluid retention, and organ damage.

7. Improves sleep

If you’re battling insomnia, try taking an Epsom salt bath right before bedtime. Magnesium absorbed through the skin during the bath relaxes muscles, relieves tension, and soothes stress-induced aches and pains.

Magnesium also suppresses the release of ACTH, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland in response to stress. The calming effect of magnesium will help unwind after a long day and improve both the quality and duration of sleep.

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/epsom-salt-benefits-uses

https://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/11-benefits-epsom-salt-bath-you-didnt-know-about.html

https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19931813/epsom-salt-benefits/