Benefits and how it works

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An Epsom salt detox is a warm bath with Epsom salt that may help improve the body’s natural detoxification process, reduce stress, and promote health and healing.

In this article, we look at the possible benefits of Epsom salt baths, how to use a detox bath, and whether there are any risks involved.

Share on PinterestIncluding Epsom salt in a warm bath may help with relaxation and stress relief.

The two main ingredients of Epsom salt are magnesium and sulfate. It is believed the combination of both ingredients stimulates detoxification pathways.

Magnesium is a natural substance that aids a variety of bodily functions, including the removal of toxins. Sulfate can strengthen the walls of the digestive tract and make releasing toxins easier.

There is little scientific research documenting the detoxifying effects of Epsom salt. However, advocates of it argue that an Epsom salt detox bath may have the following benefits:

Soothe the skin

Epsom salt bathwater can soften rough, dry skin, and exfoliate dead skin cells. It may also soothe skin affected by skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis.

It is a good idea to check with a doctor before soaking in Epsom salt if a person has a skin condition, as it may make the symptoms worse.

Reduce soreness and pain

An Epsom salt bath may provide pain relief and reduce swelling in people living with certain types of inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, and psoriatic arthritis.

Low levels of magnesium can ease the pain in people with arthritis. Epsom salt contains magnesium and may help the body get rid of toxins responsible for exacerbating inflammation while also reducing swelling, stiffness, and pain.

Reduce stress

Healthy magnesium levels can boost brain neurotransmitters that are responsible for inducing sleep and reducing stress. Magnesium may also promote melatonin, a sleep-inducing hormone.

People feeling stressed and overwhelmed may benefit from taking an Epsom salt bath. Some research has found that people who are suffering from mental and physical stress benefit when their magnesium levels are managed. While the study looked at oral supplements, Epsom salt could have a similar effect.

Taking a warm bath can also help a person relax by allowing them to release muscle tension and recuperate after a long day.

Promote foot health

Epsom salt may help treat athlete’s foot and ingrown toenail infections. A person can bathe in a tub with Epsom salt water or soak feet in warm water and Epsom salt to help feet heal faster and relieve itching.

Soaking the feet in Epsom salts may also help reduce foot odor.

Draw out splinters

Splinters can be difficult to remove without pushing them further into the skin. Soaking in an Epsom salt bath for a few minutes can reduce inflammation in the affected area, soften the splinter, and make it easier to remove.

Epsom salt should be dissolved with plenty of water if it is going to be consumed orally. Adding lemon can improve the taste.

However, the only benefit of drinking Epsom salt is as a laxative when someone is constipated.

While oral consumption of Epsom salt is safe in very small doses, there is no credible evidence that consuming it has any detoxifying effects.

Anyone considering drinking or eating Epsom salt should consult a doctor first. Many medications, including acetaminophen, can interact with Epsom salt.

Share on PinterestAn Epsom salt bath can help soothe and soften the skin and may help with pain relief for those with arthritis.

It is recommended to only purchase Epsom salt that has USP on the label, which means it has been tested for human use, according to standards set by the United States Food and Drug Association (FDA).

The packaging should have ingredient and drug fact information printed on it. Epsom salt can be purchased at a health food store, some pharmacies, or online.

To take an Epsom salt bath, add 2 cups of Epsom salt when running a bath in a standard size bathtub. The salt will quickly dissolve if put under running water.

The water should be warm but not too hot. Temperatures between 92°F and 100°F (33°C and 37°C) are ideal.

A person can then soak in the bath for 12 to 20 minutes, or longer if desired, and they should avoid using soap.

People should rest for at least 1 hour after a detox bath or take a bath at bedtime so that they can go to sleep afterward.

Other things that can be added to an Epsom salt bath to enhance its effects include:

Olive oil

Olive oil contains antioxidants and can also help soften the skin when added to a bath. A person can use olive oil by adding ½ a cup of the oil as the bath is filling with water.

It is essential to be cautious when getting in and out of the bathtub to avoid slipping, as the oil can make the bath’s surface slippery.

Using olive oil in a bath is not recommended for children or older adults who are prone to falling.

Essential oils

Adding therapeutic oils can make a detox bath more relaxing. Some oils people can try include:

• lavender
• vanilla
• bergamot
• frankincense
• eucalyptus

Essential oil needs to be diluted before being applied to skin, and so it is best to dilute it with a carrier oil before bathing.

A mixture of 3 to 5 drops of essential oil per ½ to 1 ounce of carrier oil is usual. Carrier oils can be sweet almond oil, coconut oil, or even olive oil. A little essential oil goes a long way, so it is important to add only a few drops of the diluted oil into a full bath.

Baking Soda

Baking soda has been shown to have antifungal properties and may help reduce irritating germs. It may also soften the skin and reduce itchiness.

Share on PinterestEpsom salt can interact with medications and be dangerous for some people if consumed.

Epsom salt baths are normally safe, even for children. However, oral consumption of Epsom salt may be dangerous for pregnant women, children, and people with kidney conditions.

Epsom salt overdoses are rare but can cause serious side effects, including:

• extreme fatigue
• blurry vision
• dizziness and fainting
• problems breathing
• slow heart rate
• muscle weakness
• urination changes

More research is needed to prove the benefits and detoxifying effects of Epsom salt baths. However, people who use Epsom salt baths for detoxification believe in their benefits, such as relaxation, pain relief, and softening the skin.

Warm baths can help to reduce stress and promote better sleep. Adding Epsom salt can be a part of a healthy relaxation routine.

Epsom salt for acne: Does it help?

Epsom salts consist of magnesium sulfate. People can buy Epsom salts at the pharmacy in a dry powder or pellets. The salts dissolve in water, and people use this solution in many ways, including as a treatment for acne.

Researchers have not studied the uses of Epsom salts for acne in clinical trials, so the evidence is primarily anecdotal.

Keep reading to learn more about how Epsom salts could help with acne, the risks of using Epsom salts on the skin, and some alternative ways to treat acne.

Share on PinterestThere is no scientific evidence that Epsom salts are effective in the treatment of acne.

Although some people use Epsom salts to help with acne, researchers have not studied its effects in clinical trials. Most of the information about its use comes from people who have used it.

Doctors do not recommend using Epsom salts for acne.

Applying Epsom salts to the skin may not cause harm, but they are unlikely to offer any benefits, either.

Some people who use Epsom salt washes on their face may notice an improvement in acne, but some experts believe that this occurs because of the frequency that people wash their face rather than from the Epsom salts.

Since clinical trials exploring the effect of Epsom salts on acne do not exist, researchers will need to conduct studies to test these anecdotal claims.

Please note, as there is no scientific or clinical evidence in favor of using Epsom salts for acne, Medical News Today do not recommend it.

However, if people wish to try, the following guidelines may help.

Epsom Salt baths

Epsom salts dissolve quickly in water. Try adding Epsom salts to baths. Epsom salt baths may be useful for treating acne on the body, such as the neck, chest, and back.

Face mask

Some people make a facial mask by mixing Epsom salts with kitchen staples, such as raw honey. However, people must be careful about what products they use, as some, such as avocado and coconut oil, can block pores.

Epsom salt solutions

Recipes for Epsom salt solutions differ because of the amount of water and salt they contain. These variations affect the concentration of the solution and make it difficult to compare treatments.

Some people use Epsom salt solutions as a treatment to treat an individual or a small group of acne lesions. To treat a small area, dip a towel or facecloth in a solution of water and Epsom salts and apply gently to the acne lesion.

A full-face soak involves applying a washcloth soaked in water and Epsom salts to the whole face instead of just the acne lesions.

Epsom salts scrubs

Some people use Epsom salts as a scrub. Combining Epsom salts with oil or a small amount of water can create a paste that a person can use on their face as an exfoliant.

Manufacturers of products containing Epsom salts or magnesium sulfate do not market them for treating acne scars.

Acne scars are difficult to treat. Treatment typically requires a consultation with a dermatologist who will examine the scars and create an appropriate treatment plan.

Despite some anecdotal evidence suggesting that exfoliating the skin with an Epsom salt scrub can reduce the appearance of acne scars, dermatologists do not recommend this or any other harsh skin care practices.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommend the following tips for people treating acne scars at home:

• treat acne when it appears to avoid scar formation
• continue treatment when the acne clears and only stop on the advice of the dermatologist
• avoid picking, squeezing, and popping pimples
• practice gentle skin care
• avoid scrubbing, which can worsen acne scars

Some dermatologists may recommend microdermabrasion, which is a type of exfoliation, as a treatment for acne scars. It is essential to note that Epsom salt scrubs are not a substitute for microdermabrasion.

Learn more about treatment for acne scars here.

When applying a facial mask, people should avoid comedogenic products, such as avocado or coconut oil, that may clog pores. Blocking the pores in the skin can cause or worsen acne.

Dermatologists recommend using cleansers that are mild and non-comedogenic.

However, even non-comedogenic products can cause acne, so it is important to rinse the skin thoroughly after using any product.

Like any other topical product, a person can develop an allergic reaction. An allergy to Epsom salts may present as hives or a rash on the affected area. Anyone experiencing the following allergic symptoms may have anaphylaxis and requires emergency medical attention:

• difficulty breathing
• swollen lips
• feeling fullness or a lump in the throat

Some people might react to some other ingredients used in Epsom salt preparations, such as coconut oil or avocado. When using Epsom salts or preparing home remedies with other household items, always apply a small amount at first to check for any reactions.

As people often apply these products to their face, they must try to avoid getting the Epsom salt preparation in their eyes. If redness and soreness develop, doctors recommend rinsing the eye with water.

Since researchers have not studied the effects of Epsom salts on acne, people should use products designed and approved to treat outbreaks. The most common treatments for acne include topical creams.

Sometimes these creams contain antibiotics or benzoyl peroxide, which has antibacterial properties.

Healthcare professionals recommend comedolytic agents, such as retinoids, to treat acne. These topical medications do not block the pores and may stop the formation of acne lesions.

Doctors typically prescribe retinoic acid as a gel or cream in dosages of 0.025%, 0.05%, or 0.1%, depending on the severity of the acne lesions. Other retinoids include adapalene and tretinoin.

Other topical antibiotic treatments for acne include 1–2% clindamycin, and 1% nadifloxacin and azithromycin. These topical medications are available as a gel or lotion.

Azelaic acid, which is available as a 15% or 20% gel, acts as an antimicrobial and comedolytic agent.

Some people use salicylic acid topical gel or higher strength chemical peels. Dapsone is available in a topical gel but may not be suitable for everyone.

Depending on the severity of the acne lesions, some doctors may recommend using topical and oral medication together. Oral antibiotics to treat acne include:

• doxycycline
• minocycline
• amoxicillin
• erythromycin
• trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole
• ciprofloxacin

For severe acne, doctors may prescribe isotretinoin (Accutane).

Other oral treatments for acne include birth control pills that contain low doses of estrogen for females.

People who develop scars from acne lesions may benefit from:

• trichloroacetic acid
• dermaroller
• microneedling
• fractional CO2 laser

Several effective treatments for acne are available. Anyone searching for effective acne treatments should consult with a doctor who can help them find the most suitable product. People should also avoid using home remedies with little to no clinical evidence for their safety and efficacy.

Learn more about safe home remedies for acne here.

Doctors do not recommend using Epsom salts for acne treatments. Researchers have not studied the effects of Epsom salts on acne, so doctors cannot be sure that the product is safe.

If someone develops acne and is seeking treatment, they should speak with a pharmacist or doctor. A pharmacist can direct a person to an appropriate over-the-counter topical treatment, and a doctor can determine the best prescription treatment for more severe situations.

Epsom salt – what is it, the benefits of Epsom salt for the body

In the 17th century, an English scientist obtained this salt when he evaporated water from a mineral spring located in Epsom. Today, Epsom salts or magnesium sulfate are mostly the result of chemical reactions. Although the specified element is found in many mineral waters, it got its name in honor of Epsom, located in England.

This is not an ordinary salt, it is a chemical compound of magnesium sulfate. Outwardly, it resembles steamed salt, it also has the appearance of small transparent crystals.

It is also called bitter, because the salt has a bitter taste, it has no smell, the pH is neutral for the skin. When taken orally, Epsom salts act as a laxative and, in small doses, as a cholagogue.

Composition of Epsom salt

Epsom salt consists of magnesium, oxygen and hydrogen sulfide. The composition of toxins present in the body includes carbon, magnesium absorbs it, it makes harmful human waste products soluble, after which they are easily excreted.

In addition, the presence of magnesium and sulfur allows you to have a rejuvenating effect, antibacterial effect on the skin. Bitter salt is better absorbed through the skin than through the digestive tract, so taking baths is more effective than taking pills.

The sulfur found in Epsom salts helps make hair and nails stronger and stronger, improves joint health, and helps fight keratosis (skin lesions).

Heavy metals enter the human body together with water, food and air, sulfur helps to bind and remove them, in addition, it is involved in the production of metallothionein and glutathione, which remove molecules of toxic metals.

Benefits of Epsom Salt

Many people lack magnesium in their bodies, so it needs to be replenished. This mineral is involved in many enzymatic reactions, helps relieve muscle pain, reduce inflammation. It is necessary to maintain normal pressure and heart function, without it there will be no strong bones, hair and nails.

Scientists believe that in the body of a modern person, magnesium deficiency occurs due to the intake of a large amount of refined foods, so less than the required daily intake of this mineral is received.

Sulfates also play an important role in helping to eliminate toxins, relieve headaches, and improve nutrient absorption. The easiest way to get the desired effect is to take a bath with magnesium sulfate, it’s simple, fast and affordable. After such a procedure, the skin does not become dry, it will be soft and silky.

Bathing with Epsom salt helps to solve such problems:

• relieve stress;
• relax the back and limbs, if there is pain, it is removed;
• the skin is restored;
• helps to effectively fight colds;
• toxins are removed.

Frequent stress leads to the removal of magnesium from the body, Epsom salt helps to make up for the loss, which leads to the restoration of the nervous system. Magnesium is involved in the production of serotonin (the hormone of happiness), so a person not only improves his health, but also improves his mood, he becomes more calm and balanced. Magnesium increases the stamina of the body, so Epsom salt is prescribed for athletes and people involved in hard work.

Epsom salt does not allow the arteries to lose their elasticity and does not allow the formation of blood clots, this helps to effectively prevent strokes and heart attacks. For diabetics, it is very important that magnesium and sulfates are normal, as they help produce insulin. Taking baths with this salt or taking it by mouth will help reduce the chance of developing diabetes and regulate blood sugar levels.

Bitter salt helps to effectively fight constipation, but it must be used in a controlled manner, otherwise you can dehydrate the body. Sulfates are involved in the removal of toxins and heavy metals, for this it is enough to take a course of cleansing baths.

Do not use magnesium sulfate orally in the presence of the following diseases:

• acute diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• renal failure, during exacerbation of hypotension;
• with persistent potassium deficiency;
• cholelithiasis;
• high temperature;
• the presence of intestinal obstruction.

Epsom salt baths should not be taken if:

• presence of infectious skin diseases;
• high intracranial pressure;
• varicose veins;
• with a tendency to allergies;
• the presence of grade 3 hypertension.

Salt baths

To replenish the body with magnesium, the Epsom bitter salt bath is the best remedy. You can take such procedures 2-3 times a week, for this the salt is simply dissolved in water.

The duration of the procedure is 15-20 minutes, after which it is necessary to take a shower. Often after taking such a bath, a person feels thirsty, if so, then you need to drink water. Do not be afraid if the first few hours after the procedure there will be increased sweating, this is a normal process. After taking a bath, you should try to immediately go to bed, so you can relax and recover even more.

Epsom Salt and Floating

Floating is a method that allows you to relax both physically and mentally, it is performed in a special float chamber using Epsom salt. This procedure allows you to develop the ability to concentrate and maintain composure in all situations.

Floating is carried out in a special cabin, Epsom salts diluted in water help to maintain the body in a state of weightlessness, and you are constantly on the surface. The capsule creates a salt concentration of 30%, which is much more than in sea water, so you are not drowning, but are above the water level.

If you use ordinary salt for this, it causes irritation, as there are usually minor scratches and damage on the body. Epsom Epsom salt does not cause irritation, a slight tingling sensation may be felt during the first minutes of taking the procedure.

Where you can buy salt

Magnesium sulfate is available in most pharmacies and you can also buy pre-mixed Epsom bath salts. If you have a floating center and need a large amount of Epsom salt, then you can contact our managers.

Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate). Properties and uses

Epsom salt is a source of essential elements in the form of sulfur and magnesium. Also contains copper impurities. Such a set of ingredients has a valuable effect on the health and condition of the skin.
Sulfur has antifungal and antiseborrheic properties. Reduces inflammation and helps in the treatment of acne. It also has a positive effect on the scalp with excessive oily hair, seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff.
Sulfur is also useful in relieving rheumatic diseases and pain – sulfur baths are recommended for arthritis. Also takes an active part in the removal of toxins from the body.
Magnesium has a beneficial effect on the nervous system. Counteracts the effects of chronic stress, helps to relax tense muscles, relieves muscle, bone and joint pain, and helps to calm and regenerate the body.

Copper has a positive effect on the condition of the skin, hair and nails. Its properties are known for relieving inflammation and skin irritation.
Topically dissolved Epsom Salt in water helps to smooth and soften the skin, and the ingredients are absorbed into the body in a certain amount (through the sweat glands), relieving pain, relaxing and facilitating the elimination of toxins from the body.

Oral bitter salt has laxative properties. It helps to cleanse the intestines of old residues, so it is consumed in small quantities for constipation.
Bitter salt – laxative. How does oral magnesium sulfate work?
Epsom salt is available as magnesium sulfate heptahydrate and this form is approved for use in our country for both topical and internal use. Other countries use magnesium sulfate monohydrate. Indications for medical use, among other things, are poisoning and eclampsia during pregnancy.

Epsom salt is used internally primarily as a laxative for constipation. Magnesium sulfate is an osmotically active compound that is poorly absorbed in the digestive system, where it forms a hypotonic solution, that is, with a concentration higher than in body fluids. This increases the amount of water in the intestinal masses and prevents dehydration, making bowel movements easier.

The dose of Epsom salts used for drinking is 10-30 g (2-6 teaspoons) dissolved in a glass of water. The effect appears within 30 minutes, although sometimes up to 6 hours. This solution can only be used occasionally.
For older children, Epsom salts are much smaller, 5-10 g (1-2 teaspoons).