The benefits of bath salts

What is in bath salts?

The most commonly reported ingredient is methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), although other stimulants may be present, such as mephedrone and pyrovalerone.1 MDPV is of the phenethylamine class and is structurally similar to cathinone, an alkaloid similar in structure and effects to amphetamine and found in the khat plant. Khat is a shrub found in East Africa and southern Arabia. Mephedrone has been reported to have a high potential for overdose.
MDVP is structurally related to methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and cathinone derivatives. MDMA is a schedule I hallucinogenic substance and cathinone derivatives (cathinone, methcathinone) are listed as schedule I stimulants. Animals studies have demonstrated elevated levels of extracellular dopamine 60 minutes after administration of MDVP.

The benefits of bath salts

Moisturizes the skin

Soaking in a warm salt solution, even just once a week for 15-20 minutes, offers great benefits in terms of improving the skin barrier function, hydrating the skin, and decreasing inflammation. Studies even show that people suffering from skin issues, such as psoriasis or eczema, can improve their condition with regular salt bathing. The minerals found within a salty soak also work to promote more youthful, glowing skin from the inside out by purging impurities from the skin and balancing skin moisture levels.

Decreases stress

Spending time soaking in a warm bath with the right concentration of bath salts can help to increase overall circulation throughout the body, which in turn works to further relax our internal systems. Along with eliminating stress, bath salts help to soothe our muscular systems and aid in both mental and physical rejuvenation. A warm bath is perfect for helping us relax when we’re tense or anxious.

Helps insomnia

Research states that 6 out of 10 Americans suffer from insomnia. Nutritionally speaking, salt baths can play a role in encouraging better sleep patterns. Taking baths with magnesium-rich salts allows our bodies to absorb the mineral through the skin, which in turn assists our bodies in getting a good night’s sleep.

Offers vital healing properties

Studies show that regular salt soaks can work to promote our most optimum level of biological and cellular function. This ritual can also aid internal hydration while helping to replenish the body’s electrolytes. Soaking in a salt bath also helps to improve our overall immunity and balance our alkaline / acid levels. These salty soaks remove toxins from the bloodstream, with their intensive detoxification properties. Additional benefits include regulating blood sugar, improving cardiovascular health, and boosting circulatory and nerve function.

Soothes pain

Soaking in warm water with added bath salts can help to ease various types of pain by taking weight off of the joints and muscles. The act also helps our bodies to heal faster after injury or surgery, as salt offers exceptional natural healing properties. With chronic pain, nourishing salt baths have been proven highly effective in treating various issues including rheumatoid arthritis. The magnesium-rich salt can help to relieve muscle spasms and menstrual cramps as well.