How Does Epsom Salt Relax Muscles?
Ingredients in Epsom Salt
Epsom salt derived its name from Epsom, England, where it was first produced from mineral rich water. Epsom salt is composed of magnesium and sulfate. Magnesium regulates over 325 enzymes in the body. Unfortunately, most people are magnesium deficient. According to the Epsom Salt Council, men have about 80 percent of the magnesium needed to help their bodies function properly and women have about 70 percent of the magnesium needed. Sulfate is necessary to form brain tissue, joint proteins and mucin proteins, which line the walls of the digestive tract. Sulfate detoxifies the body of contaminants.
Purpose of the Epsom Salt Bath
Magnesium is a mineral that you can take as a supplement, but some foods as well as stomach acid can affect the function of the mineral. Sulfate is a mineral that is difficult to absorb from food but is easily and quickly absorbed through the skin. By taking a bath using Epsom Salt, the skin readily absorbs the magnesium and sulfate. As the sulfate is absorbed into the skin, toxins are drawn from the cells. Muscles relax. The magnesium reduces the inflammation in the muscles and relieves pain. The magnesium also helps the body bind serotonin, which is a chemical that promotes a sense of well-being and relaxation. The relaxation you feel, in turn, helps alleviate stress, which drains magnesium from the body and can cause tight muscles.
Use Epsom Salt
Add two cups of Epsom salt to warm water. Bathe three times a week and soak for at least 12 minutes. Do not add any soap; let the bath salts soften and penetrate your skin. Rest for a few hours after taking the bath. For compresses, pour two cups of Epsom salt in a gallon of water.
If you are diabetic, or have high blood pressure or any heart symptoms, avoid the bath soak and use the compress instead. If you have any of these conditions, talk with your doctor about taking baths.
Purchase Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is available at any drug store. It is inexpensive, costing less than three dollars for four pounds. For those who like aromatherapy baths, consider adding a few drops of essential oil, such as eucalyptus or lavender, to your water and bath salts.
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