Little knowledge sharing: do Epsom salts help sore muscles?

The answer is yes. Epsom salt may help relax muscles, reduce swelling and pain from arthritis, and relieve pain from fibromyalgia and various causes. The following article shares some knowledge about Epsom salt with everyone.

What is epsom salt?

Epsom salt is also known as magnesium sulfate. It’s a chemical compound made up of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen.

Despite its name, Epsom salt is a completely different compound than table salt. It was most likely termed “salt” because of its chemical structure.

It has an appearance similar to table salt and is often dissolved in baths, which is why you may also know it as “bath salt.” While it looks similar to table salt, its taste is distinctly different. Epsom salt is quite bitter and unpalatable.

Some people still consume it by dissolving the salt in water and drinking it. However, due to its taste, you probably don’t want to add it to food.

How does it work?

When Epsom salt is dissolved in water, it releases magnesium and sulfate ions.

The idea is that these particles can be absorbed through your skin, providing you with magnesium and sulfates — which serve important bodily functions.

Despite claims on the contrary, there is no good evidence that magnesium or sulfates are absorbed into your body through the skin.

Yet the most common use for Epsom salt is in baths, where it is simply dissolved in bathwater.

It can also be applied to your skin as a cosmetic or taken by mouth as a laxative or magnesium supplement. However, because of its laxative effects, it might not be an ideal choice as a magnesium supplement if your goal is to prevent deficiency.

Potential Health Benefits of Epsom Salt

Epsom salt may provide some health benefits when used properly. However, anyone with medical conditions should consult their doctor before use.

When absorbed through the skin in a bath or taken orally as a supplement, magnesium from Epsom salt may:

• Enhance exercise by reducing lactic acid buildup and improving muscle recovery. A study found magnesium improved performance in athletes.
• Soothe muscle soreness and inflammation due to magnesium deficiency or conditions like diabetes. However, experts are unsure whether Epsom salt directly provides pain relief.
• Promote relaxation and sleep by supporting neurotransmitter function. But research shows conflicting results on Epsom salt baths reducing stress.
• Relieve constipation when taken orally in water as a laxative. However, this use is only recommended for certain individuals without medical conditions.

How to take an Epsom salt bath

If a person is unsure about How to use Epsom salts in their bath, they can follow these steps:

• Use 2 cups of Epsom salt for a standard-size bathtub.
• Pour the Epsom salt into warm running water.
• Soak in an Epsom salt bath for 15–30 minutes or up to 1 hour.

A person may consider adding the following essential oils to help them relax and get to sleep:

• lavender
• rose
• bergamot
• jasmine
• eucalyptus