Magnesium Sulfate IE Epsom Salt

Something I talk about all the time is Epsom Salt. I see a lot of people who have pain whether from doing the biannual yardwork, a car accident or pulling a back muscle as you bent down to pick up a shirt off the floor. (I have done this). Taking an Epsom Salt bath can relieve a lot of every day aches and pains. Why? Because when you dissolve Epsom Salt in water the magnesium and sulfate split apart, freeing the magnesium to pass through your skin to your muscles and help them relax.

Magnesium plays a role in hundreds of biochemical processes in our bodies. Sure, the warm water helps too. I also like an Epsom Salt bath because it gives you an opportunity to be still for 15 to 20 minutes, something we don't do much of in our society. You can breathe, relax, meditate or listen to your favorite music. You can also add your favorite essential oil.

Epsom salt has not been well studied for its benefits. But it's cheap. And when I'm feeling sore from work or a hike or working out, an Epsom Salt bath really makes a difference.

You can use 1 to 2 cups of Epsom salt in a bath full of warm water. If you are very sore you can use 5 to 6 cups of Epsom salt. If baths are not your thing or you don’t have access to a bathtub, you can do a foot soak. Add 1 cup of Epsom salt to a basin filled with warm or cool water. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes. You can also take a towel and soak it in the Epsom salt water and place it over your shoulder or around your neck, wherever you feel muscle soreness.

Caution: You should not use Epsom salt if you have open wounds, burns, skin infections or severe skin inflammation. Check with your doctor before using Epsom salt if you have kidney or heart problems.

Give it a try and let me know how it goes.