Benefits of epsom salts

Nowadays people seem to be exposed to much more stress than before. Stress causes serious damage, both for the body and for the mind, and it needs to be dealt with. One of the best ways to relieve stress is to take a nice, long and warm bath, and baths with Epsom salts are even better.

What are Epsom salts?

Epsom salt is basically a compound called magnesium sulfate, which contains magnesium, sulfur and oxygen. Its name derives from a town in England called Epsom, which was known for a bitter saline spring. The spring was heavily visited by people who had various ailments and the water seemed to help them with their symptoms. Later on, entrepreneurs started manufacturing the salts that were chemically identical to those present in Epsom spring and selling them all over the world.

Today, Epsom salts can be found in any drugstore or supermarket. They are ready for use and many people cannot imagine their baths without these salts.

Benefits of Epsom salts

Epsom salt is believed to be a natural stress reliever. Stress reduces the levels of magnesium in the body and Epsom salts, with their formula, replenish those levels because the magnesium is absorbed through the skin. These salts gently sedate the mind, relax the sore and tense muscles, reduce the swelling of the tissues and drain the toxins from the body.

More importantly, the magnesium stimulates the production of serotonin, a chemical that creates a feeling of calmness and serenity.

By stimulating the production of adenosine triphosphates, which are packets of energy within the cells, Epsom salt also boosts the energy and increases the stamina.

Magnesium ions reduce irritability and nervousness, lower the blood pressure in people who suffer from hypertension, prevent insomnia and improve the functioning of the muscles and nerves.

Epsom salts are particularly recommended to athletes and to people who work out intensively. They prevent muscle soreness and inflammations caused by physical strain.

These salts are also highly recommended for the skin. They exfoliate it, removing the layer of dead skin cells, improve the blood circulation, which provides better nutrition for the skin and make it naturally skinny, smooth and elastic.

Because they lower the blood pressure, Epsom salts are believed to be beneficial for the heart and blood vessels, which makes them a good ally in the battle against heart attack and stroke.

People who suffer from chronic constipation should try using Epsom salt to relieve their condition. If taken internally, Epsom salt acts as a laxative, quickly and efficiently, however it is not recommended to ingest it without consulting a doctor first.