What are Epsom Salts and What Are They Good For?

To recharge after a long, hard day or just to indulge in a pamper session, there is no better way to treat yourself than with a long, steamy soak in the tub, complete with gloriously-scented bath gel and maybe even some candlelight flickering as you turn the pages of your favorite read . In addition to these, there is another component to these at-home spa retreats you might consider incorporating-- Epsom salts. I had heard of them for years and even knew a little bit about their benefits, but upon further investigating, I am amazed at what all these little things can bring to us both in the bath and beyond.

Physical and Mental Stress Relief: Even when they are mixed with lovely-smelling essential oils, Epsom salts do much more for stress relief than just providing aromatherapy. Epsom salts are a chemical compound of both sulphate and magnesium. It is the magnesium in particular that causes the muscles to release tension and also produces a feeling of calm when absorbed through the skin, especially when aided by the hot bathwater.

Gentle Exfoliation: Salt of any kind is a physical exfoliant. Epsom salts, however, give you some choice as to how you might like to use them as an exfoliator. You can rub them all over your body like any traditional scrub (even a tiny amount used on your lips can be used as a lip polisher) or else, you can just use them in your bath and let the salts, again, work with the heat of the water to gently encourage the pores to open and for any clinging patches of dry, dead skin to fall away.

Tonifying Detox: Using Epsom salts while you bathe helps to both to deep clean and really firm the skin. They are especially good for people who especially physically active or who spend a lot of time outside or those who may just struggle with clogged pores or body acne, as they encourage a lot of release of heat from the body's system and help to boost circulation and lymphatic drainage.

Hair Shine Enhancer: If your hair is looking a bit dull or weighed down,mixing about a halfteaspoon of Epsom salts in with your choice of shampoo product once every week or too will help promote more shine to your tresses. Also in this process, they really help to give the scalp a deep clean and good massage, which will help stimulate the hair growth.

Breath Freshener: The sulphates found in Epsom salts also particularly effective for cleaning the teeth and, more so, for fighting off the bacteria that causes bad breath. For an easy alternative to mouthwash, mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of Epsom salts in a cup of warm water and swish around. This will kill off any bad breath and help to whiten the teeth without the burn of the alcohol or strong flavors of traditional mouthwashes.

Pedicure Prescription: Last but certainly not least, Epsom salts do wonders for one of the most overlooked parts of our body-- the feet. Not only, because of their tension-releasing qualities help soothe sore feet, they also restore nail strength and clear up their color while also working to soften callouses and cracked skin.

Epsom salts have been health and beauty staples for hundreds of years, and for their many benefits from head to toe, you can certainly understand why. The next time you're planning to turn your bathroom into a zen retreat, be sure to add some Epsom salts to your shopping list and enjoy the many modes of rejuvenating relaxation.