Ease your body from aches & pains with Epsom Salt!

Looking for a way to decompress? One answer is taking a bath minus the bubbles. Soaking in a hot bath containing magnesium sulfate, otherwise known as Epsom Salt, at least three times a week can do your body and mood a lot of good. Soaking in a few cups of Epsom salt can ease your body of aches and pains, calm the nervous system and soothe muscle strains.

Magnesium Sulfate is a natural mineral found in water. When the Epsom salt dissolves in warm water, the magnesium sulfate is absorbed through the skin and restores the body's levels of magnesium. This mineral helps your body produce serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of calm and relaxation. It can also relieve the pain of inflammation, which can make it effective in treating sore muscles, bronchial asthma and migraines.

The effective ingredient in Epsom salt is the magnesium. Magnesium is an important mineral because it regulates the activity of 325 enzymes in the body, reduces inflammation and helps prevent artery hardening. The benefits of magnesium are numerous: body temperature regulation, energy production, and helping muscles and nerves to function properly.  This mineral has also been known to reduce irritability by lowering the effects of adrenaline. During your bath your blood pressure decreases, creating a relaxed feeling that will give you a better night's rest.

Epsom salt can be easily purchased at any drugstore or supermarket, and can be used not only for your health but for beauty purposes as well.  Adding a teaspoon of Epsom salt to your favorite body or facial cleanser can create an effective exfoliate to wash away dead skin. If you don't have time for a full bath, try a relaxing foot soak.  Epsom salt has been know to relieve the pain of sprains and bruises, athlete's foot, and gout.