Epsom salt is a magnesium sulfate that has been used for centuries to relieve pain and discomfort. In addition to having this characteristic, it is considered effective to treat, among other ailments, sun burns, psoriasis, insomnia and sprains. Epsom salts can be used alone while taking a bath, but you can also add other ingredients (such as lavender essential oil) or make a shower paste if time is short.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using Epsom Salts for Bathing
Step 1. Prepare a lukewarm bath
Hot water is very pleasant on the skin, but lukewarm water is preferable. Let it flow into the tub. Fill it up enough that you can almost completely submerge your body.
Step 2. Add 2 cups of Epsom salts to the water
The standard dose normally used for bathing is 2 cups (475 g) of Epsom salts. This amount is fine for almost anyone, but you can customize the doses based on your weight. Here's how much salt to use depending on your weight:
- ½ cup (170 g) for children weighing less than 27 kg;
- 1 cup (340 g) for people weighing between 27 and 45 kg;
- 1 ½ cup (355 g) for people weighing between 45 and 68 kg;
- 2 cups (475 g) for people weighing between 68 and 90 kg;
- Additional ½ cup for every extra 22 kg.
Step 3. Exfoliate your skin with a brush
Using a brush helps to enhance the detoxifying properties offered by Epsom salts. Exfoliation opens the pores, allowing the skin to absorb salts. Brush your entire body, including your face, focusing on problem areas. Exfoliate your skin for about 5 minutes while taking a bath.
- Use a separate loofah sponge for your face in case you have a rash on your body.
- Problem areas can include sore muscles, rashes etc.
Step 4. Soak for up to 40 minutes
Stay in the tub for between 15 and 40 minutes. If the bath lasts 40 minutes, the first 20 allow to eliminate toxins from the body, while in the remaining 20 the skin will be able to absorb Epsom salts. In any case, even diving for less than 40 minutes provides benefits.
Method 2 of 3: Add More Ingredients
Step 1. Add a few drops of an essential oil of your choice
Epsom salts can be used on their own, but adding other ingredients helps boost the bath's properties. Essential oils are great for relaxing. Choose the one you prefer; just pour a few drops into the water.
- Lavender oil is commonly used for bathing because it is believed to have relaxing properties.
- Rose, geranium and grapefruit oil are effective for scenting water.
- Eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, frankincense and myrrh are great for those suffering from skin conditions such as acne and dry skin.
Step 2. Try apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar enhances the detoxifying process. Add ½ cup of unpasteurized, unfiltered apple cider vinegar. You can pour it before Epsom salts or after.
Step 3. Use bentonite clay for pain relief
This powder is believed to be effective in relieving pain and stiffness. Since Epsom salts have the same property, mixing them with clay will help you soothe the pain more effectively. Pour about ½ cup (170 g) of clay into the bath water.
Step 4. Add rose water
The scent of the rose is delicate and is often used to prepare cosmetics and perfumes. Pour a few drops of rose water into the tub to smell pleasant while taking a bath. You can also replace it with rose petals.
Method 3 of 3: Make a Shower Paste
Step 1. Add olive oil to Epsom salts
Sometimes you may feel the urge or need to take an Epsom salt bath, you just don't have enough time. Preparing a paste to use in the shower is the best solution for your problem. Add 60 ml of olive oil to the salts. Use enough to make a paste that is easy to spread.
Step 2. Exfoliate with the paste
You can apply it with your hands, a loofah sponge, or a cloth. Spread it on problem areas or all over your body and massage it for just a few minutes.
You can also let it work on a part of your body while you shampoo or shave your legs
Step 3. Rinse the paste
After exfoliating the skin, remove the paste. Make sure there is no gritty residue left on your body before you step out of the shower.
Advice
- Make a milk bath to moisturize your skin. Pour some powdered coconut milk into the tub and add a few drops of essential oil. Then, pour in the Epsom salts.
- Make a foot bath by adding 1 cup (250 g) of Epsom salts to warm water. Leave your feet to soak for 20 minutes.
