5 Reasons Why You Should Take An Epsom Salt Bath + Why It Works

An age-old healing tradition, Epsom salts are one of the best ways to relax, ease muscle pain and tension, and soothe damaged or dry skin. Taking a bath is a great way to pack a ton of different health benefits into one simple ritual.

So while there are a ton of reasons to establish a regular bath ritual, the idea that we can reap the benefits of a magnesium supplement by absorbing Epsom salts through our skin takes this wellness staple to a whole new level.

Is there anything better than a hot bath to soothe sore muscles or an aching body? And by adding Epsom salts to the equation, you just might add to the benefits—at least anecdotally, many people say that Epsom salt baths help them after a hard workout or long day. Another idea: A small study3 on patients with osteoarthritis showed that a series of mud bath treatments with added magnesium-rich mineral water was effective at relieving pain and stiffness—and magnesium may have played a role in the pain relief. Go ahead, try it out for yourself. 

Magnesium is famous for its detoxifying qualities; in fact, mbg Collective member Mark Hyman, M.D., recommends Epsom salt baths as part of his detox protocol. If you indulged a little too much last night Epsom salts, baking soda, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil, and sweat out all those toxins with a homemade detox bath. Magnesium is a popular headache treatment4 as well—many headache clinics actually offer magnesium through an IV to prevent or treat migraines5—so you'll be killing two birds with one stone. Of interest, magnesium is depleted by alcohol consumption, so regular epsom salt baths may help support healthy magnesium levels in those who drink alcohol routinely.

Luckily, a bath is also the perfect type of magnesium therapy to call on at the end of a hectic day7 or when you know you need a good night's sleep. Try adding a few drops of lavender or chamomile to a nighttime soak session for even deeper relaxation. Studies have shown that aromatic effects of chamomile can help reduce stress8, and other research suggests that lavender can calm the nervous system9 and promote a more uplifting mood. May we also suggest leaving your phone and computer in an entirely separate room while you soak?

To soothe skin using an Epsom salt bath, try adding powdered coconut milk, coconut oil, and any essential oil of your choice (along with a cup or two of Epsom salt) and soak away in a custom milk bath. This soothing take on a traditional bath will leave your skin feeling soft, silky, and hydrated. Just make sure to be careful getting in and out of the tub, the oil can make it *very* slippery. 

And since serotonin has been nicknamed the "happiness hormone"—because of the important role it plays in mood—why not take it an extra step. If you're bathing for mood-boosting benefits, try adding one of these natural bubble baths with the salts, too. Might not have any serious science backing bubble baths, but we all deserve to have a little fun, right?

Finally, it's important to buy your magnesium sulfate salts from a reputable source that's testing their products for potency and purity (i.e., to make sure it doesn't contain any unwanted chemicals, preservatives, or toxins).

By incorporating any of these into your beauty routine, you can benefit from the healing properties of Epsom salts without the long soak time.