Magnesium sulfate, also known as Epsom salt has long been used in cosmetics and medicine.From relieving painful joints and treating skin problems to inducing a feeling of calmness, it appears that we need more of this salt in our lives.
According to Natural Living Ideas, the salt is made of sulfur, oxygen, and magnesium and it is considered to be an essential part of everyone’s nutrition. But, it is also excellent when you soak your feet in a mixture of Epsom salt combined with hot water. Let us learn why…
Why Add Epsom Salt to Baths?
A lot of people regularly add Epsom salt to their foot soaks or hot baths. This is because magnesium (thanks to the hot water) is well-absorbed into the body through the skin and from there; it nourishes the organs, tissues, and cells. Even though research on its benefits in soaks is still ongoing, there is anecdotal evidence about its healing properties.
If you have not been practising foot soaks and hot baths by now, you will definitely start after you learn about the seven best health benefits that Epsom salt foot baths have to offer!
7 Best Healing Properties of Epsom Salt Foot Soak
- Alleviates fungal infections and ingrown toenails
Epsom salt ‘pulls out’ the infection and reduces the skin’s proneness to other complications. It does this by softening the skin and making the effect of prescribed medication more helpful.
- Lowers ache
If you happen to spend a large part of your day standing, especially in shoes or high heels, you may often struggle with foot pain. This is where a relaxing foot soak with Epsom salt can soothe your sore feet. It does this by lowering inflammation, eliminating surplus toxins, and reducing cramps.
- Helps remove splinters easier
By soaking the feet in warm water mixed with Epsom salt,you will soften the skin and easily eliminate pus and loose the splinter. This will ease the removal. You can use this method for the feet, but also for the fingers.
- Encourages sleep
Epsom salt contains magnesium, a mineral that stimulates the release of melatonin, a hormone associated with sleep. Therefore,soaking your feet in a relaxing Epsom salt soak can be really beneficial if you are struggling with sleeplessness and constant waking up throughout the night.
- Relieves unpleasant smell
For clean and deodorised feet, soak them in some warm water and Epsom salt. This will reduce the sweat in the feet and get rid of unpleasant odors.
- Exfoliates cracked and dry heels
If you are struggling with dry heels and cracked skin in the feet, soak the feet in a mixture of warm water and Epsom salt for 15 minutes. Afterwards, use a pumice stone to remove the dead skin and then rinsethe feet. Towel-dry them and apply an appropriate moisturiser. Repeat the treatment on a regular basis or until you notice improvement.
- De-stresses
The Epsom salt will lower tension and stress by relaxing the tight muscles and relieving inflammation. This positive effect will spread throughout the whole body and help you clear your thoughts.
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