Epsom salts - Nature Cures®

Epsom salts were discovered in Epsom, Surrey, England by a farmer in 1618 whose cows would not drink from a particular fresh water source. He also discovered that water from this mineral-rich spring helped to heal rashes and small wounds faster.

Epsom salts contain magnesium sulphate, which can reduce inflammation and increase endorphins, which act as the body’s natural painkillers. This form of magnesium can be absorbed by the skin which has been shown to help with various ailments. The salts are antibacterial, and antifungal so can help with avoiding and treating minor infections of the skin.

Epsom salt baths can improve blood circulation and help with the elasticity of arteries. They can also help to protect against heart disease and strokes by reducing blood clots and lowering the blood pressure. However, people with existing heart problems should avoid Epsom salt baths.

Epsom salt baths are particularly helpful for athletes during recovery from intense physical exertion as they can help to reduce inflammation and muscle pain and stiffness.

Ailments that Epsom salt baths can help to treat

Abdominsl cramps
Anxiety and stress
Arthritis
Athlete’s foot
Bruises and minor wounds
Eczema
Fibromyalgia is a condition which causes widespread pain and fatigue
Hard skin – can soften hard skin areas on feet, hands and body
Headaches and migraines
Insomnia
Muscle aches and stiffness
Pain and inflammation
Psoriasis
Splinters. Soaking in warm Epsom salts water can help to draw out small splinters

NOTE: Always rinse off after an Epsom salt bath to remove the salt as it can cause dryness and wrinkles due to leaving a residue that draws moisture out from the skin.

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Twenty minutes soaking in one Epsom salt bath a week (one to four cups of Epsom salts per bath) is sufficient for enough magnesium to be absorbed. Too much magnesium absorption can lead to symptoms like abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, lethargy, muscle weakness or nausea. Impaired kidney function can slow down the elimination of excess magnesium.

Magnesium deficiency can impair vitamin D function, and high-dose vitamin D can exacerbate a magnesium deficiency. In these cases, an Epsom salt bath once a week can help to improve magnesium levels in the body.

Under which circumstances should Epsom salts baths be avoided

Children
Blood pressure problems
Heart disorders
Kidney disorders
Low blood pressure
Magnesium restricted diets
Pregnant and breastfeeding women
Severe burns or skin inflammation

External use only

Ingesting Epsom salts can cause problems such as serious diarrhoea, dizziness, low blood pressure, stomach cramps and heart arrythmia (irregular heartbeat). Epsom salts are for external use only. Avoid getting the bath water in the eyes. Rinse well with clean water if this occurs.

There are food grade Epsom salts available, and this can be helpful for constipation, but should only be consumed under the guidance of a medical health care professional.

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