Magnesium supplements are used to treat a wide variety of ailments including PMS, constipation, anxiety, headaches, and insomnia2. Both conventional and integrative doctors seem to agree that magnesium can be an important tool for improving health and treating common aches and pain. 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. 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? There are also some resources, online and otherwise, that say drinking Epson salt water is a good way to detox. And while this was one of the traditional uses for Epsom salts, it’s no longer recommended and can cause serious GI symptoms like diarrhea and cramping, not to mention the more serious possibility of a cardiac arrhythmia11. 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.
