What Are the Benefits of Soaking in Epsom Salt?

Epsom salt is a mineral that is commonly mixed with water and is frequently used by people who practice holistic or alternative medicine. Epsom salt is also used by many athletes who believe in its healing abilities.

Active Ingredient

• Epsom salt is mainly composed of hydrated magnesium sulfate. This primary ingredient is the source of Epsom salt's supposed healing and rejuvenating powers.

Magnesium

• Magnesium is the second most abundant element in the human body. It is responsible for muscle control, energy production and is also thought to help rid the body of harmful toxins.

Circulatory Health

• One purported benefit is better circulatory health. Epsom salt is thought to provide increased circulation, reduce hardening of the arteries and lower blood pressure.

Pain Reducer

• Epsom salt is thought to help ease the pain from headaches and migraines. Epsom salt is also used in an attempt to relieve the pain from aching and inflamed joints.

Cleanse

• Epsom salt is believed to help cleanse the body of harmful toxins and chemicals. Furthermore, some athletes believe that Epsom salt helps rid their muscles of harmful byproducts of extreme physical activity.

More Energy

• Many people who use Epsom salt believe that the magnesium stimulates the body's production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is a chemical that is used by the body's cells for fuel.