Depending on your age, you may remember the “Calgon take me away” commercials from many years ago.  They were filled with scenes of women taking a bath and escaping the stress of daily life.  Baths offer a unique way to help ease stress.  By adding epsom salt to your bath you are helping to heal your body and aid the relaxation process.

I discovered Epsom salt baths several years ago when I was first dealing with Lyme disease.  Nightly epsom salt soaks were vital in easing my joint pain.  Epsom salt has been used of hundreds of years to ease aches and pains.  The magnesium in the epsom salt is the key component.  In theory, the water breaks down the magnesium sulfate in epsom salt.  By soaking in the water you allow the magnesium absorb into your skin.

Most Americans are deficient in magnesium.  It may not seem like a big deal until you hear some of the benefits of magnesium…

• Reduces anxiety and calms nerves
• Helps reduce inflammation
• Relieves muscle aches and spasms
• May help you sleep

Magnesium supplements are available and there is even liquid magnesium that can be rubbed directly onto the skin.  I will post more on these options in a future post.  For now, my suggestion is to give epsom salt baths a try.  Soak for at least twelve minutes in very warm but not hot water.

It is good for your body and your soul.  Push pause on your hectic, crazy life and give yourself the gift of healing and relaxing.  Absorb the goodness and allow yourself to take a short break from your to-do list and overactive mind.  Slow your mind and your body for just twelve minutes…you deserve it and you will thank me for it!

Specifics and Tips

• Add at least 2 cups to your tub before adding the water.
• Fill tub and soak for AT LEAST 12 minutes
• Do not soak right before going to bed!  Your body needs time to cool down before heading to bed.
• If you are soaking in the evening consider adding lavender essential oil or other calming oils to help you sleep.
• Find epsom salt in your local drug and grocery stores.  It is usually in the section for injuries near ace bandages and wraps for sprains and strains).