Epsom salt is one of many naturally occurring mineral salts, a compound of magnesium and sulfate in rock-like formations. The idea is that when you pour Epsom salt into warm water, it dissolves the magnesium and sulfate and allows it to be absorbed into your body through your skin.

Epsom Salt baths and soaks have been used for hundreds of years and are normally recommended to help relax the nervous system, soothe back pain and aching limbs, ease muscle strain and draw toxins from the body. 

If you want to try it for yourself, the process is pretty simple:

• Pour about 300 grams (1.25 cups) of Epsom salt into a clean bathtub as it fills with hot water. (Avoid using Epsom salt in a tub with jets, a hot tub or a whirlpool bath unless the manufacturer says it’s OK.)
• To enhance Epsom salts’ detoxifying effects and for those who struggle with vaginal yeast infections (candidiasis), I recommend that you add 1 cup of apple cider vinegar to your soak.
• For stress relief, I suggest that you add 5 drops of Lavender or Ylang Ylang essential oil right before getting into the tub.
• Once the bath is drawn, test the water for its heat level and adjust as needed. You don’t want to scald yourself.
• Slowly ease yourself into the tub and relax. A 20-minute soak should be enough.

Recommendations:

~ When purchasing Epsom salt, look to buy a product that’s 100% magnesium sulfate.

~ Avoid using essential oils if you know or suspect that you may be sensitive to them.

~ Do not soak if you suffer from High Blood pressure or if you are pregnant.

~ Do not soak if you are suffering from any skin outbreak at the moment.

~ Do not use soap as it may interfere with the action of the salts.

~ Try to rest for about two hours afterward or soak before bedtime.

Foot/Hand bath

For a foot or hand bath, add 1/2 cup of Epsom salt and 5 drops of rosemary essential oil to a basin of warm water. You can also boil 2 cups of fresh rosemary in 6 cups of water; strain, let the the decoction cool off and then add the Epsom salts to it. Relax and soak for 20 minutes.

Enjoy your soak!

Yamin Chehin L.Ac; Dopl O.M