UncleEJ Posted June 22, 2014 Share Posted June 22, 2014 What exactly do Epsom salts do? I have seen Epsom salt soaks recommended here a lot and I just wanted to know what is the deal with them. In what ways do they help? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan in TN Posted June 22, 2014 Share Posted June 22, 2014 Magnesium absorption, which can help with various things including constipation, muscle and joint soreness, and sleep issues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UncleEJ Posted June 22, 2014 Author Share Posted June 22, 2014 Magnesium absorption, which can help with various things including constipation, muscle and joint soreness, and sleep issues. Thank you. Sounds useful, how much should one put in a bathtub? I have a large tub. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted June 22, 2014 Share Posted June 22, 2014 Yes epsom salts are magnesium sulfate. They pull toxins out of your tissues as well as excess water if you are swollen and get magnesium into you by by-passing your gut. It's supposed to be 2 cups epsom salts per gallon of water but I sort of eyeball it and put in about half of one of those "milk cartons" of epsom salts. Epsom salts are inexpensive so even though it looks like you're using a lot, it doesn't cost too much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swellmomma Posted June 22, 2014 Share Posted June 22, 2014 We use epsom salts here a lot. I don't measure I just shake the carton back and forth first from faucet to rear of tub and back again. We use it for muscle soreness, constipation and when one of the boys is way out of control it helps them relax and settle way faster than just a normal bath does. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrincessMommy Posted June 22, 2014 Share Posted June 22, 2014 definitely helps with relaxing & muscle soreness. I use it in a big tub- about 2cups worth so it sounds like I'm not using enough from what other's have said. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OK Family Posted June 22, 2014 Share Posted June 22, 2014 I'm just gonna jump in and say I love the lavender scented Epsom salt! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swellmomma Posted June 23, 2014 Share Posted June 23, 2014 Oh I was going to add I have also used epsom salts to draw out infection in myself, my kids and even my cats. Ds15 gets horrible ingrown nails but will not let the dr treat it. epsom salts in a bowl of warm water, he soaks his feet for 15-20 minutes 1-2 times a day when they are getting bad and it clears the infection out. I mix it in a bowl and soak a wash cloth in for smaller areas, like when my momma cat was raw on her tummy from her kittens clawing while they nursed, it got infected and was oozing on a saturday night. Vet was closed so I did the epsom salts on a cloth and just held it there for as long as she tolerated and did that every 1-2 hours all saturday night and through sunday, by monday I didn't even need to call the vet. All redness and oozing was gone, it was scabbed up and by Friday not a sign of her ever being raw, it was 100% healed. I do the same on myself when I have scrapes and such because I take forever to heal otherwise and have battled cellulitis a few times. Since doing epsom salts on a cloth on a scrape as soon as it starts looking red around the edges I now longer have issues with infections or cellulitis, it draws out any budding infection and I heal quite quickly after that. Epsom salts are one of the few must haves I keep on hand at all times, and buy more as soon as I hit 1/2 a carton (I buy the big cartons that look like a 2 L milk carton). They are super cheap and like nature's miracle drug lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swellmomma Posted June 23, 2014 Share Posted June 23, 2014 I'm just gonna jump in and say I love the lavender scented Epsom salt! Oooh I didn't know there was lavendar...I imagine my kids would sleep hard the nights I used that with them...might have to find some. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UncleEJ Posted June 23, 2014 Author Share Posted June 23, 2014 Thank you all for the information. It appears I have been missing out on a secret! I am very glad I asked. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarinesWife Posted June 23, 2014 Share Posted June 23, 2014 I pour in about a cup or so per bath. I use it if My legs are swollen, or I'm hyped up and need to get a good nights sleep, and I also believe it is what is keeping my migraines at bay. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan in TN Posted June 23, 2014 Share Posted June 23, 2014 The two cups per gallon is for acute uses, like making a compress. Its ok to use much less for soaking. That's good to know. When ds was having night terrors as a young child, we put about a cupful in his baths and that was enough to help him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan in TN Posted June 23, 2014 Share Posted June 23, 2014 Thank you all for the information. It appears I have been missing out on a secret! I am very glad I asked. Guess where I first heard about using Epsom salts 13 years ago? Yep, right here on the (old format) WTM forum! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.