How to Take an Epsom Salt Bath

Epsom salt is a magnesium sulfate that has been used for hundreds of years to relieve pain. Along with pain, Epsom salt has been thought to help with sunburn, psoriasis, insomnia, and sprains, among other ailments. You can use Epsom salt alone in a bath, add additional ingredients, like lavender oil, or make a paste for the shower if you’re running short on time. [1]

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using Epsom Salt in Your Bath

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  1. Very hot water feels great, but warm water is best for your skin. Fill the bath with warm water. Fill it enough so that you submerge most of your body in the water. [2]
  2. Two cups (473 g) of Epsom salt is a standard amount to use in a bath. This amount will work for just about anyone, but you can tailor the amount of Epsom salt you use to your body weight. The quantity of Epsom salt you should use based on your weight is:
    • 1/2 cup (170 g) for children that are 60lbs and under
    • 1 cup (340 g) for people between 60 and 100lbs
    • 1 ½ cup (354.9 g) for people between 100-150lbs
    • 2 cups (473 g) for people between 150-200lbs
    • An additional ½ cup for each every 50lbs
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  3. Using a dry brush helps increase the detoxification that Epsom salt provides. The dry brush opens the pores, allowing the skin to absorb the salt. Scrub all over your body, including your face, but focus on any problem areas you may have. Scrub for about 5 minutes during your bath. [3]
    • You may want to use a separate loofah on your face if you have a rash on your body.
    • Problem areas could mean sore muscles, rashes, etc.
  4. Stay in the bath between 15 and 40 minutes. If you soak for 40 minutes, the first 20 is for your body to detoxify, and the second 20 is when your skin absorbs the Epsom salt. Soaking for less than 40 minutes will be beneficial, though. [4]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Adding Additional Ingredients

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  1. You can use Epsom salt alone, but adding additional ingredients increases the benefits of your bath. An essential oil will add an element of relaxation to your bath. You can choose the essential oil of your choice. Only add a few drops of the oil to the water. [5]
    • Lavender oil is a common choice for baths because it is thought to be relaxing.
    • Rose, geranium, and grapefruit are other good choices for fragrant essential oils.
    • Eucalyptus, tea tree, frankincense, and myrrh oils are good choices for those with skin problems, like acne or dry skin.
  2. Apple cider vinegar will boost the detoxification process. Add ½ cup (170 g) of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar. You can add it before or after the Epsom salt. [6]
  3. Bentonite clay is thought to help with pain and stiffness. Epsom salt is supposed to help with the same problem, so adding the two together increases pain relief. Add about ½ cup (170 g) of clay to the bath water.
  4. Rose is a sweet scent that is commonly used in fragrances. Add a few drops of rosewater to your bath for an enjoyable scent as you soak. You can also use rose petals instead of rosewater. [7]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Making a Shower Paste

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  1. Sometimes an Epsom salt bath is needed or desired, but there just isn’t enough time. An Epsom salt paste is the answer to that problem because it can be used in the shower. Add a quarter of a cup (59 mL) of olive oil to Epsom salt. Use just enough Epsom salt to create a spreadable paste. [8]
  2. You can apply the paste to your hand, loofah, or cloth. Apply the paste to one problem area, or your whole body. Scrub for a few minutes in total. [9]
    • You can also let the paste sit on one part of your body while you shampoo your hair or shave your legs.
  3. Once you have scrubbed, rinse off the paste. Make sure there isn’t any gritty paste left on your body before stepping out of the shower. [10]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What are Epsom salt baths good for?
    Barbie Ritzman
    Beauty & Skincare Specialist
    Barbie Ritzman is a Beauty Specialist, Influencer, and the Owner of Barbie’s Beauty Bits. With over 10 years of experience in the beauty industry, she specializes in skincare and aesthetics. Barbie studied marketing at Tidewater Community College and holds a Certificate from the Media Buying Academy. For her work, she’s won Beauty Influencer of the Year - The USA and was featured in “The Allure 50,” which includes the year’s 50 most influential people in the beauty industry.
    Barbie Ritzman
    Beauty & Skincare Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Epsom salt baths are popular for their potential to soothe sore muscles and promote relaxation. To experience the benefits, soak for about 15-20 minutes. Make sure that the water is warm but not hot, as overly hot water can be dehydrating for the skin.
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  • Question
    What are the other types of salt baths?
    Barbie Ritzman
    Beauty & Skincare Specialist
    Barbie Ritzman is a Beauty Specialist, Influencer, and the Owner of Barbie’s Beauty Bits. With over 10 years of experience in the beauty industry, she specializes in skincare and aesthetics. Barbie studied marketing at Tidewater Community College and holds a Certificate from the Media Buying Academy. For her work, she’s won Beauty Influencer of the Year - The USA and was featured in “The Allure 50,” which includes the year’s 50 most influential people in the beauty industry.
    Barbie Ritzman
    Beauty & Skincare Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Himalayan salt baths are believed to have detoxifying properties due to the presence of various minerals. Dead Sea salt has a high concentration of minerals, and its baths are known for their potential to relieve skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Finally, regular sea salt baths can have soothing and detoxifying properties.
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      Tips

      • Make a milk bath to moisturize your skin. Add powdered coconut milk to your bath with an essential oil. Then, add in the Epsom salt. [11]
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      • Create a foot soak by adding 1 cup (236.6 g) of Epsom salt to hot water. Soak for 20 minutes.
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      • Using too much Epsom salt in a bath can coat your skin with a white residue that shows once you get out and dry off.
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      Warnings

      • Soaking in Epsom salt for too long can cause dehydration. Try to limit your Epsom salt baths to no more than 40 minutes. [12]
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      Things You’ll Need

      • Epsom salt
      • Dry brush
      • Essential oil of your choice (optional)
      • Apple cider vinegar (optional)
      • Bentonite clay (optional)
      • Rosewater (optional)
      • Olive oil (optional)

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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/epsom-salt-bath
      2. ↑ http://www.naturallivingideas.com/epsom-salt-bath/
      3. ↑ https://dailyhealthpost.com/how-much-epsom-salt-you-should-use-in-your-bath/
      4. ↑ https://dailyhealthpost.com/how-much-epsom-salt-you-should-use-in-your-bath/
      5. ↑ https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-27385/how-to-take-your-epsom-salt-bath-to-the-next-level.html
      6. ↑ https://dailyhealthpost.com/how-much-epsom-salt-you-should-use-in-your-bath/
      7. ↑ https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-27385/how-to-take-your-epsom-salt-bath-to-the-next-level.html
      8. ↑ http://www.naturallivingideas.com/epsom-salt-bath/
      9. ↑ http://www.naturallivingideas.com/epsom-salt-bath/
      1. ↑ http://www.naturallivingideas.com/epsom-salt-bath/
      2. ↑ https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-27385/how-to-take-your-epsom-salt-bath-to-the-next-level.html
      3. ↑ https://www.newsmax.com/FastFeatures/epsom-salt-bath-side-effects/2016/07/25/id/740402/

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