Mineral salt baths have been used for hundreds of years to ease all kinds of ailments, among them sleep disturbances and insomnia, and to this day, it is a popular natural remedy for sleep issues. The two most known bath salts are Epsom salt and Sea salt.
Epsom salt is not actually salt, but a chemical compound found in water consisting of magnesium, sulphur, and oxygen, and crystallises just like salt. Sea salt is also obtained by evaporation, which has a different chemical structure - sodium chloride, with some trace minerals in varying degrees such as zinc, iron, and potassium.
Both Epsom salt and Sea salt are natural healers in warm water. Mineral salt baths are anti-inflammatory and help soothe and relax muscles, loosen stiff joints as well as calm the mind.
The warm water helps us sweat, bringing down our core temperature, signifying to the body it’s time to sleep. The minerals (magnesium mostly, with other beneficial trace minerals) when absorbed through the skin interact with the brain helping to regulate body chemistry, blood pressure and reducing any feelings of stress, leaving the body calm, gently tired, and ready for a good sleep.
The addition of 10 drops essential oil to the bath can enhance the healing benefits further. The recommended oils are calming Lavender, Rose, Vetiver and Sandalwood.
Use minimum of 2 cups of salts per tub of water.
Epsom Salts and Sea Salts are readily available in most supermarkets and are generally inexpensive.
