Mineral salt baths have been used for hundreds of years to ease all kinds of ailments, and to this day, it is a popular natural remedy for relaxation, stress release, sleep issues, and general wellbeing. 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, but 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, and get absorbed through the skin easily. When absorbed through the skin, the minerals (magnesium mostly, with other beneficial trace minerals) interact with the brain helping to regulate body chemistry, blood pressure and help reduce any feelings of stress, leaving the body and mind calm, and at ease.
Magnesium plays a major part in our overall health, as approximately 300 essential functions in our body depend on this mineral, many of these having an impact on our body chemistry, which, when out of balance can be a cause of aches and pains, and other symptoms. Research reveals that magnesium is key in managing our circadian rhythm steady in order to control sleep, wakefulness, hormonal and body temperature regulation and many other bodily functions, down to the cellular level. In addition, Calcium and vitamin D need magnesium to be metabolised properly, vital for bone strength.
Mineral salt baths are also anti-inflammatory and help soothe and relax muscles, and loosen stiff joints. Bathing in the warm water at night also helps us sweat, bringing down our core temperature, while signifying to the body to relax and get ready for a good night's sleep.
Use minimum of 2 cups of salts per tub of water.
NB: If you don't bath, a 15 minute relaxing foot soak is a great alternative - simply soak your feet in a large bowl of warm water with one cup of Epsom/Bath salts, relax for 15 minutes.
