Epsom Salts, Magnesium Salts and Himalayan Salts. Choosing the correct one for your needs.
It used to be so simple to have a bath. You just chucked the old radox in, a rubber duck and just dived right in. However now we have a whole plethora of options to choose from ranging from bath bombs to soap sponges and bath salts. Even bath salts have a whole range of different ones to choose from whose features and benefits vary depending on what you would like to get out of it. In the blog I hope to help you understand the difference between 2 of the main bath salts you may come across which may aid you when deciding which kind of salt to choose for your succulent soak.
Epsom salts is probably the most commonly and used bath salt on the market. It is basically magnesium sulphate and is a popular remedy for many ailments. It can help promote sleep and reduce stress, can reduce muscle soreness and relieve cramps which is such an important factor for exercise performance and recovery. Another important benefit of Epsom salt is it can reduce pain and swelling. Magnesium is said to be absorbed into the skin during a bath so this is the perfect way to relax and let the salts work their magic. Some people even use Epsom salts to help with constipation! Not whilst in the bath though don’t worry, the method people use to help with this is to take the salts orally and some see an effect from 30 minutes to 6 hours. Tip do not do this and then go and do the weekly shop as some have more of a faster effect than others. Nothing worse than being caught short on the frozen food isle. A health benefit that we definitely know about Epsom salts is that it provides magnesium. Magnesium is a much needed mineral which many of us do not get enough off. Many people believe that using Epsom salts in a bath is more effective than taking magnesium orally. So as well as relaxing you it is helping you get your body’s daily amount!
If you fancy a Epsom salt bath then all you need to do is to put about 2 cups of salt into a warm bath, get in and relax!
Magnesium flakes are similar to Epsom salts but while Epsom salts is magnesium sulphate, magnesium flakes consist of magnesium chloride. Whilst the two sound the same they have completely different properties. Magnesium chloride can help with sore muscles, inflammation, poor circulation, eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. These type of salts are slightly more expensive than the Epsom salts but you do not need to use as much and like the Epsom salts they both promote sleep. They are also fantastic for helping children sleep and a source of minerals, so if the words children and sleep do not often appear in the same sentence for you why not give it a try!!
The most common way of using magnesium flakes is again to throw a few handfuls in the bath and relax. But if you are a busy bee like myself and the nearest you get to having a soak is when you are washing the pots then there are a few out of the box ideas how you could use magnesium flakes. You could make a sleep spray to help calm and encourage sleep. If you mix 50% magnesium flakes with 50% water and put them into a spray bottle you can spray a light mist on your arms and neck. Another good one for those of you that have tired aching muscles is to make a compress to help sooth them. 80% magnesium flakes and 20% hot water is the perfect mix to be poured over a small towel and pressed onto those tired muscles. And hands up if you neglect your tootsies? Why not make yourself a soothing foot bath. A small handful of magnesium flakes into a bowl is all you need for a simple foot spa. And give those trotters the attention they deserve.
So get your salts out, make your cup of tea and go and have a nice soak. You deserve it!!
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