11 Health Benefits of Epsom Salt

Epsom is different than traditional salts in that it is actually a naturally occurring pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. These minerals have very powerful health benefits that can enhance the detoxification capabilities of the body. It is the second most abundant element in human cells and the fourth most important positively charged ion in the body. It helps the body regulate over 325 enzymes and plays an important role in organizing many bodily functions, like muscle control, electrical impulses, energy production and the elimination of harmful toxins.

Most of us are deficient in magnesium, so soaking in a bath with Epsom salt, which is high in magnesium, is one of the easiest ways to get a boost. Here are health benefits of Epsom salt.

1. Prevents Cancer

General benefits such as cleaning the liver, reducing acidity in the cells and maximizing energy production, would all be important. There is some indication that the abilities of Epsom Salt to modulate insulin would aid glucose control in the body. And glucose is the favorite food of cancer cells.

Epsom salt, along with olive oil and the fruit juice of your choice is an essential ingredient in the William Kelley Liver Flush, which is popular with many complementary cancer practitioners as a way of detoxifying the liver. The liver is often heavily toxic (due to dead cancer cells, chemicals and drugs, lactic acid, fats and cholesterol etc ) in cancer patients and this can impair the whole immune system.

2. Exfoliates Skin

For healthy and smooth skin, it is essential to exfoliate properly once or twice week. This helps get rid of dead skin cells and remove oil from skin pores that can cause itchiness, pimples, blackheads and other common skin problems.

You can simply rub a handful of Epsom salt over damp skin to remove dead skin cells, then rinse it off with warm water.
Another option is to mix a handful of Epsom salt with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and rub it all over your wet skin to exfoliate. Rinse thoroughly.
Use either of these treatments on a weekly basis to make your skin healthy, smooth and soft.

3. Stress Relief and Relaxation

The magnesium in Epsom salt helps relieve stress and improves relaxation and sleep when used in baths, according to the Epsom Salt Council. Stress can lead to reduced magnesium levels in the blood, resulting in the production of adrenalin. The magnesium in Epsom salt is absorbed through the skin and then binds with serotonin in the brain, helping you to relax.

4. Reduces Pain and Inflammation

Epsom salt baths help relieve muscle cramps, pain and inflammation due to the magnesium, reports the Epsom Salt Council. People with arthritis and sports injuries may find Epsom salt baths useful for reducing pain and swelling.

5. Restores Your Magnesium

By far the most useful reason to take an Epsom salt bath is to help restore your magnesium. According to studies, stress can decrease your magnesium levels. Combine that with the staggering number of people who already don’t get enough of it in their diet and you have a populace of those who are magnesium deficient. Epsom salt baths can help that and thus it promotes relaxation, good health, and even helps improve your mood.

6. Flushes Toxins

The Epsom Salt Council notes that the sulfates in Epsom salt help flush out toxins and draw impurities away from the skin. According to The Epsom Salt Council, you should soak in a warm bath with 2 cups of Epsom salt for at least 12 minutes at a time for the greatest therapeutic benefits.

7. Softer Skin

Epsom salt baths naturally exfoliate and soften skin, points out the Epsom Salt Council. Epsom salt baths may lead to better skin circulation, making your skin healthier.

8. Alleviates Foot Problems

Be it athlete’s foot, foot odor, dry foot, pain or any other foot problems, Epsom salt can be used to treat these issues. Also, its natural exfoliating properties will help soften rough and callused skin on your feet.

To get rid of foot odor or relieve symptoms of Athlete’s foot, add 1/2 cup of Epsom salt to a foot tub filled with warm water.
Soak your feet in it for 10 minutes once daily until the problem is resolved.
To treat toenail fungus, soak the affected toes in hot water mixed with a handful of Epsom salt 3 times a day until you get rid of the problem.

9. Cardiovascular Benefits of Epsom Salt

Epsom salt also improves heart health. The magnesium helps maintain a normal heart rhythm and healthy arteries. When the arteries are healthy, there is less risk of blood clots, plaque buildup and damage to arterial walls. Also, Epsom salt improves blood circulation, which in turn reduces the risk of heart disease and strokes. Enjoy an Epsom salt bath 3 times a week to improve your cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart attack.

10. Fights Cold and Flu

The Epsom Salt Council states that soaking in an Epsom salt bath it may spur vasodilatation, which increases white blood cell production, helping your body fight illness. This is especially useful for people who have colds or the flu, since Epsom salt also helps with aches and pains.

11. Epsom Salt Improves Digestion

Epsom salt assists in the elimination of harmful toxins and waste products from the body and the digestive system. It also works as a laxative to soften stools, making them easier to pass, and can be used to treat constipation.

Dissolve 1 or 2 teaspoons of Epsom salt in 1 cup of warm water and drink it on an empty stomach once a day.
When taken internally, Epsom salt can cause some side effects, including gastrointestinal irritation, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
Consult your doctor before taking Epsom salt. Do not take it longer than 1 week.
Also, soaking in an Epsom salt bath helps reduce water retention and tummy bloating.