A relaxing Epsom salt soak bath is an ideal means to relieve stress, pain and tension after a hard day, to enhance your beauty and to restore your overall sense of wellbeing.
What is the best way to prepare an Epsom salt soak bath? Refering to the Report on absorption of magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) across skin by Dr RH Waring from University of Birmingham, there are 4 steps to follow to reap the maximal benefits of Epsom salt:
- Fill your bath tube with hot water. Higher temperature facilitates the absorption of magnesium and sulfate.
- Add 1 g of Epsom salt for 100 ml of water. For a bath tub of regular size (60 l of water), it means adding approximately 600 g of Epsom salt. If your bath tub is bigger or smaller, you should adjust the amount of salt you add.
- Step in, soak and relax for 12 minutes.
- Do this three time weekly
The salt dissolves more easily if put it under running water, but a few swirls should be enough as well. Before getting into the bath, make sure the salt is dissolved, so that it can be readily absorbed by the skin. If not dissolved properly, it might leave a white residue on your skin.
If you want to have additional moisturizing benefit, add half a cup of baby oil or olive oil. Or you might add a couple of drops of essential oils for refreshing scent, tea leaves, cucumbers etc. Do not use soap, as it might interfere with the action of the salt. You can prepare your homemade salt mixture in advance and store in an air-tight container: mix Epsom salt with your favorite fragrance to please your nose and foot coloring to please your eyes.
Despite all the benefits, Epsom salt baths aren’t suitable for everyone. Consult your doctor first. Esp. if you have any health concerns, if you are pregnant, or you are using medications, make sure to check with your doctor before using Epsom salts. Certain drugs may interact negatively with Epsom salts.