Diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, stress, sleep deprivation…these are all conditions that are plaguing our modern-day world. Yet, some relief may be found in an unlikely cardboard carton in many of our bathroom shelves. Epsom salt, a naturally occurring mineral made up of magnesium sulfate, may be a way to ward off some of these life-threatening conditions, while offering some beauty benefits.
It is no secret that many medications today are available in transdermal patches. Epsom salt works the same way by increasing the body’s level of magnesium and sulfates by entering the bloodstream through the skin. Soaking in a warm bath with just 2 cups of Epsom salts three times a week is an enjoyable and relaxing way of supplementation. Magnesium has many important functions including the regulation of over 325 enzymes, increases the effectiveness of insulin, and is essential for proper nerve and muscle function. Sulfates help form joint proteins, alleviate migraine headaches, and flush toxins from our body.
It has been shown that our magnesium consumption has decreased over the years and could be contributing to some of the health problems that are at epidemic levels. Although magnesium can be supplemented by taking oral tablets, transdermal absorption is much more effective. It is well known that soaking in Epsom salt helps with muscle aches and pains, but it is better understood now how it actually works. Blood pressure can be lowered by increasing your magnesium levels, as well as providing a better night’s rest. Magnesium protects against blood clots, heart attacks, and hardening of the arteries. It has even been shown to help lower the risk of pre-eclampsia, a dangerous rise in blood pressure in late pregnancy, in many women (please always discuss your pregnancy concerns with your OB/GYN).
Sulfates are very difficult to absorb through the digestive tract, but readily available and effective transdermally. A soak in a nice Epsom salt bath will do the trick when it comes to sulfate supplementation. By doing this, you will be reaping the many benefits sulfates offer, such as: detoxification of environmental contaminants, formation of joint, brain, and mucin proteins, and production of important digestive enzymes.
It would be enough if Epsom salt only offered all of the health benefits and nothing more. However, there are so many other uses for the natural mineral that it seems unbelievable that its cost is so reasonable. It can be an essential part of your everyday beauty regimen, as well. Epsom salt, mixed with your favorite hair conditioner, helps clarify and strengthen the hair and adds a shine. Rub handfuls of Epsom salt into your skin during a shower and rinse to exfoliate and get some of the healthful supplementation benefits on the go. Use an Epsom salt solution on your face after washing it to help end the problem of acne and excessive oiliness. It can even be mixed in your favorite face cream to make a wonderful scrub!
So the next time you are at the store, don’t pass over that familiar box of Epsom salt in the laxative section. Buy it and make it part of your routine three times a week. It may just be the best health and beauty bargain that you can find all rolled into one!
