How to Use Epsom Salt in the Shower and Benefits

A relaxing shower after a long day at work feels very soothing and calms down the body. If you need a quick fix, then there is nothing better than a shower. But if you do not have a bathtub or want to incorporate Epsom salt in the shower, how do you do that? We will answer this question further in this article.

Epsom Salt

Despite its name, Epsom salt is not actually a salt. In fact, it is a naturally occurring mineral or chemical, also known as magnesium sulfate (1). Epsom salt is an amalgamation of magnesium, sulfur and oxygen in the proportion that makes it highly beneficial for different human purposes. 

It was first discovered in the mineral waters of Epsom, England, and thus got its name. However, it is important to mention that this salt is not exclusive to Epsom but is found in various other locations where underground deposits of magnesium sulfate exist.

Benefits of Epsom Salt

Epsom salt has been used for centuries to treat several illnesses and conditions. It provides benefits by taking a bath soaked in Epsom salt or drinking. The latter is rarely brought into practice by people as it does not taste good, but they often perform the former as it brings relaxation to the body.

Some Major Benefits of Epsom Salt Include the Following

1. Encourage sleep and ease stress levels: The abundance of magnesium helps the brain to encourage getting good sleep, and good sleep reduces stress. Magnesium deficiency has an adverse effect on our sleep cycle and stress (2).

2. Reduces pain and muscle cramps: An Epsom salt bath or shower is known to relieve body and muscle pain. Magnesium helps heal the sore muscles when absorbed through your skin during a bath. It relaxes muscles and relieves tension. At the same time, it reduces inflammation and alleviates muscle soreness, especially after a workout. 

3. Relieves constipation: Magnesium in Epsom salt helps in treating constipation or irregular bowel movement. Taking Epsom salt by mouth works as a laxative as it draws out water in the intestines that regulates the bowel movement. However, it is necessary to take Epsom salt only as directed and never overdose. Overconsumption of Epsom salt can harm various other functions of the body. 

4. Flush out toxins from the body: The presence of sulfur in the Epsom salt aids in eliminating the toxins from our system. By adding accurate minerals to bathing water, the body activates the reverse osmosis system (3). This process helps in extracting salt along with harmful toxins out of the body. It is said to soak in an Epsom salt bath twice a week for at least 10-15 minutes.

5. Relieves Pain: The muscle-relaxing properties of Epsom salt helps ease pain that are associated with medical conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, or minor injuries (4). 

6. Skin Care: Being a gentle exfoliant, Epsom salt can slough off dead skin cells and soften the skin. owing to anti-inflammatory properties (5), Epsom salt is also considered effective for eczema, psoriasis and acne.

How to Incorporate Epsom Salt into a Shower?

Mostly, it is preferred to add Epsom salt into a warm waterfilled bathtub, soak yourself in it for some time, and relax. But if you are running short of time or do not have a bathtub at home but still want to acquire the benefits of Epsom salt, Epsom shower comes handy. 

You can choose to take a quick, soothing Epsom salt shower in the following way-

1. Take Epsom salt in a container and keep it within reach of where you take a shower.
2. Start shower, making sure that water is warm to hot as it will allow Epsom salt to dissolve easily and give maximum benefits.
3. Step into the shower and wet your skin. Wait for some time to allow pores to open with warm water and soften your skin.
4. Now, apply a small amount of Epsom salt on your body and massage gently. Target the areas that need more attention for muscle relief or exfoliation. Another way is mixing Epsom salt with shower gel and scrub to enhance the exfoliating properties. 
5. Massage for a few minutes and relax in the soothing aroma of Epsom salt. 
6. Rinse off with warm water, removing all the traces of salt from the skin. 
7. Pat your skin dry and follow up with moisturizer to lock in hydration and keep your skin feeling soft and nourished.

Conclusion

Taking an Epsom salt shower or bath is proven to have relaxing as well as medicated benefits. Magnesium and sulfur are two potent components of Epsom salt that make it beneficial and effective in treating several ailments. Since it’s a naturally occurring mineral, it is safe for general use. However, if you are ingesting Epsom salt in any form, do it as directed and cautiously. 

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