Everyday Magical Things ~ Epsom Salts

Epsom Salts named for a bitter saline spring at Epsom, Surrey, England, is not actually a salt but a naturally occurring Magnesium Sulfate.

Most of us are deficient in Magnesium due to dietary and agricultural changes over the last century, and thus, Epsom Salts are a powerful way of revitalizing the Magnesium levels in the body. Bathing in Epsom Salts is the most common way in which the benefits of the Salt is received.

There is a long list of benefits from Epsom Salts, here are some to name a few:

• Improved Heart and Circulatory health, reducing irregular heartbeats, preventing the hardening of arteries, reducing blood clots and lowering blood pressure.
• Improved ability for the body to use insulin, reducing the incidence or severity of diabetes.
• Flushed toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances.
• Improved nerve function by electrolyte regulation. Also, calcium is the main conductor for electrical current in the body, and magnesium is necessary to maintain proper calcium levels in the blood.
• Relieved stress. Excess adrenaline and stress are believed to drain magnesium, a natural stress reliever, from the body. Magnesium is necessary for the body to bind adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of well being and relaxation.
• Reduced inflammation to relieve pain and muscle cramps.
• Improved oxygen use.
• Improved absorption of nutrients.
• Improved formation of joint proteins, brain tissue, and mucin proteins.
• Prevention or easing of migraine headaches.

All of this, and more, from simply taking a bath. It’s no wonder so many around the world use this as a miracle cure!

To use, add 2 cups of Epsom Salt to your bath and soak for at least 15 minutes. Do this 3 times weekly for maximum benefits.

While bathing in Epsom Salts is more common, did you know that you can also mix it into a liquid and consumed?

When taken orally, it can be used as a laxative, and relieve constipation, and also treats low levels of magnesium. Using it this way will usually lead to a bowel movement between 30 minutes to 6 hours. Typically, if you’re 12 or older, dissolve 2-4 teaspoons in 8 oz of water and drink immediately. For children younger than this, 1-2 teaspoons in 8 oz of water will do the trick. If you have a history of kidney disease, heart disease, or any other large symptoms, be careful and do your research before consuming Epsom Salt.

Sources:

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/health-benefits-of-epsom-salt-baths.html

https://www.painscience.com/articles/epsom-salts.php

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1584988/

https://draxe.com/epsom-salt/