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Calm Your Inner Soul and Relax with an Epsom Salt Detox Bath
Epsom Salt Detox Bath
Epsom salt detox baths are a great way to detoxify your body, de-stress, and boost your immune system.
I can not get enough of Epsom salt detox baths! I love how rejuvenated and energized I feel from them. Especially if you’re feeling sluggish or overstressed, Epsom salt detox baths will rid your body of the toxins and ease any of these symptoms.
Since toxins and chemicals are all around us, everyone can benefit from a detox bath. Even though there are many things we can do to avoid toxins, some are unavoidable in our environment. A detox bath is a great way to rid yourself of any harmful substances.
What is Epsom salt?
Epsom salt is rich in both magnesium and sulfate. Magnesium and sulfate can be easily absorbed through the skin. Studies have shown the effectiveness of using Epsom salt detox baths to increase the levels of both of these. In an Epsom salt detox bath, the magnesium sulfate is absorbed through the skin which aids in detoxification.
How an Epsom Salt Detox Bath Works
An Epsom salt detox bath is an excellent external way to detox and get out any harmful and unnatural substances. Our skin is our largest organ and our primary detox organ, which is why a detox bath is so beneficial.
A detox bath stimulates your lymph system and encourages increased oxygen and blood flow to your body. The detox bath helps strengthen the immune system and soothe your body. The sulfates from Epsom salts are very beneficial as they are essential for the formation of proteins lining the digestive tract. Sulfates also stimulate the pancreas to form digestive enzymes necessary to detoxify the body. This detox bath will help neutralize toxins and aid in protecting the body from heavy metals.
Soaking in Epsom salts also boosts the body’s magnesium levels as it is easily absorbed.
How to Take an Epsom Salt Detox Bath
Epsom salt detox bath recipe
2 cups of Epsom salt
5-10 drops of detox essential oil
For the Epsom salt detox bath it is best to use comfortably warm water. Using too hot water will dry out your skin and strip away protective oils. The common amount to use is 2 cups of Epsom salt for a standard size bathtub. If your bathtub is larger or smaller, you may want to adjust the amount.
It is most beneficial to soak in the detox bath for about 40 minutes. This allows for enough time for your body to remove the toxins and to absorb minerals in the water.
Adding detox essential oils such as lavender, rose, sandalwood, or tea tree oil will aid in being therapeutic and assist in the detoxification.
How often Can You Use an Epsom Salt Detox Bath?
If this is your first time using an Epsom salt detox bath you may want to start out with using it twice a week and as your body adjusts you can increase the frequency.
After the Epsom Salt Detox Bath
To aid in detoxification, after the bath you many want to rub down your body with a boars body brush or loofah. This brushing stimulates the lymphatic system which will also help release toxins.
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I took an Epson salt and baking soda 30 minute detox bath before bed. I had trouble getting out of the tub due to muscle pain and weakness. Next morning I could hardly move due to muscle pain. Terrible headache. Spent the day in bed with harsh flu like symptoms. Literally spent the day in bed and all night. This morning a little better but muscle pain still over all my body. Should I stop detox bath or am I so fI’ll of toxins and candida fungus that the detox made me this ill.
Sorry to hear that. I’ve never had that experience myself. I think I would ask a doctor just to be safe.
Hullo i’m male and in my late 70’s, i have a massage ( 1 hr ) once a fortnight and a month ago my masseuse gave me a pot of Epsom Salts to try, telling me how much to use and length of stay, i must admit i felt a bit different, bit heady etc, suppose this all goes with the territory, i also do circuit training ( 1 hr ) once a week, would you recommend a bath after both circuit training Wednesday evenings, and Massage on the Thursday afternoon, or perhaps as i’m just starting out plus ones age, just one Epsom a week?
I started out just one a week and then increased after a few weeks.
Epsom salt is not safe for your Jacuzzi tub. The salt will damage the inner pipes.
I have a jecuzzi tub would it hurt to use the jets
Is this safe if you take lithium? Is there any special things to do?
I don’t know of any interactions with it. You may want to check with your doctor just to be safe.
I have a disease of passing malena stool.The disease is called angiodysplasia.I
have to take frequent blood transfusion.I also suffer chronic diarrhoea due to bacteria overgrowth in small intestine.
I took right hemicolectectmy last 15 years ago.Epsom salt detox bath will I get benefits from the birth.
Hey Lori, I’m curious as to where you get your information from. Exactly how does epsom salt do all this, chemically speaking?
An Epsom salt detox bath stimulates your lymph system and encourages increased oxygen and blood flow to our body. The sulfates in Epsom salts are essential for the formation of proteins lining the digestive tract; they also stimulate the pancreas to form digestive enzymes, which are necessary to detoxify our bodies.
I took a Epsom salt bath and I really didn’t sleep well or sweat ( but I had my I windows open ). But the next morning I washed my hair in the sink and we I went to dry it I be t over and wham I got so so dizzy. I was fine as long as I didn’t bend at the waist. And my back hurt… I do have calicum build up. I got scared. I called my friend that I get my minerals from. And she said I calicum was coming to the surface and it can be painful. I feel a little better but not complete Is This Normal??? What happens when you detox what are the signs?????? Please tell me…..
A long time ago, I took a bath with epsom salts, sea salt and baking soda. Afterwards I still felt hot even though I was well out of the bath water. Not quite sure what was going on. Hmmm…
Could be a sign of detox. Many have to start doing the baths for a short time and working up to longer baths.
Is it ok to do this while you are nursing?
As long as it is added slowly to your routine. A heavy detox is not recommended during pregnancy/breastfeeding.
I have taken lithium for over 40 years and have concerns that the Epson Salt will cause me a problem to use in the bath ?
Many start using Epsom salts slowly until their body becomes used to it. I started with a bath once a week and slowly increased it to more frequently.
A friend of mine didn’t feel good too after taking epsom salt bath. I don’t know if the results differ from person to person but he had a difficult time when he tried the method, that’s why I’m not going to risk it. It’s better safe than sorry.
Some report feeling tired after Epsom salt baths due to the detoxification. I started out taking the baths less frequently and then increased as my body got use to it.
I took an epsom salt bath for the first time a few days ago. I only used 1 cup salt and I added in Lavender EO. Lit some candles and put on some spa music and it was heavenly. I felt so relaxed and my anxiety level has noticeably dropped since the bath, BUT about an hour after I had gotten out I had the WORST headache. I suspected I was dehydrated so I drank glass after glass of water trying to flush out my system and get rehydrated, but 5 hours later my head was still pounding. So I broke down and took 200mg of Ibuprofen which I have been trying to completely avoid. It was just too intense to sleep with the pain. I want to try the bath again since I have just started a new work out routine and my muscles are killing me, but I am afraid of another painful headache. Any thoughts on how to avoid this?
Someone in my family didn’t feel well after just starting to take Epsom salt baths too, as you mentioned I think it was due to dehydration.
I get a splitting headache if I get too close to Lavender oil too. Don’t know how I’d feel if it were soaking into my shin in a soak.
I just started taking Epson salt baths and it does make me feel better, sleep better and I do feel I detox a bit as I do perspire for a while when I dry off and lay naked in the bed before putting my pajamas on. It seems to make me sleep deeper
Glad to hear it has helped your sleeping.
If you have diabetes, this could be dangerous. The body can absorb magnesium through the skin and it can increase the release and function of insulin. It can also cause unexpected changes in blood sugar. The temperature of the water may also pose a problem. Always use warm, not hot, water especially if you have neuropathy to avoid burns. Check with the doc before you do this.
Thank you for mentioning this.
Hi Lori,
What is a good brand for Epsom Salt for baths? Thanks in advance!
Hi Merlyn, I just use a brand from my health food store. I don’t think the brand matters except, it is best to not buy any that is manufactured in China.
Would this work for kids also? My son and I have had a cold that we can’t beat for about 2 weeks now. He is 15 months old
I was just wondering if this is connected. I had my first ever Epson salt bath yesterday, and today I feel completely exhausted. I’m not sure if it has something to do with the Epson salt bath, or that I am coming down with something. Has anyone else experienced this.
Hi Katie, I took my first bath with Epsoms Salt two days ago. The day after I felt drained and my mood was rather nasty which is not like me at all. I was also very stiff all over. My only thought was I did not drink enough water to flush the toxins; second I used too much product and thirdly I have more toxins in my body than I thought. I have been taking Lithium, Lorazapam and Levothyroxine for years. I take Milk Thistle in an attempt to keep my liver healthy. I am also a Massage Therapist and I do Aromatouch. What this means is my hands were in pure oils the same day I did the detox with the Epsom’s Salt. The oils alone, when I get the Aromatouch Method, knock me out for @ a day because they balance my energy. So, it took me almost three days to recover from the bath salts and the oils. Hopefully this gives you some insight into your situation. Best of luck.
I didn’t realise I had to drink lots of water after bath. I would say that was my problem. I will wait another few weeks and do it again, this time with lots of water afterwards.
Thanks Leslee
Before today, I was unaware that it is imperative to stay in the Epsom salt bath for 40 minutes in order to achieve reverse osmosis. The first twenty minutes removes the toxins and the second twenty minutes supplies my body with magnesium and sulfate. I have chronic pain and also on day five of not smoking. After the bath my mind body and spirit felt balanced, which is helpful when quitting smoking and it actually took my body pain away for a few hours. I was so relaxed and my mind felt sharper and my breathing felt much clearer. I also added a bit of olive oil to the bath water and my skin was silky afterwards. The bath made me feel like I will have an easier time with quitting cigarettes because it improved my mood and pain level immensely. I wonder, how many times a week I can have this bath and if I can do too much of a good thing. Any known negative side effects to daily Epsom baths?
Congrats on quitting smoking! We need things to help us get over the edge. In the beginning when you first start out detoxing, they say go at it slow. I see no reason why you cannot have several Epsom salt baths per week. Just remember to do them correctly. Soak in water 101 -103 degrees. Do not soak in hot water. Then spray off with cool water when done…and if you have a loofah brush then vigorously brush your skin to help further release toxins from the lymphatic system. Celebrate your healthy way of living now!!!
About to try to quit smoking and I’m suffering from psoriasis. Maybe this will help me. Thinking about adding tea tree oil.
Anytime you are detoxing your body goes through a “down” period right after. Like quitting coffee, or tobacco products. If you detox regularly you wont feel this as much. But if this is a first or second time……..I would expect that as your body starts dumping the toxins and everything is getting stirred around inside you.
I take epsom salt baths every day now, and no longer feel that sluggish UGH feeling the next day.
I also do epsom salt baths each evening. Been using since my teen years, now 52, post menopause, hypothyroid and adrenal fatigue. I’ve added 1 cup of baking soda to the 2 cups of epsom salts. Use eseential oils sparingly (icky mess) ~ I take my time & once my heart elevates a bit high I lay out on a prepared palette of soft beach towels, another towel folded or rolled for head/neck, relax, cool down to peaceful singing bowls. If I can I’ll get back in for another go. This makes skin baby soft. ♡
Leslee says
September 8, 2013 at 11:34 am
(In reply to the above)
I have recently had my first ‘float’ session. It is a pod of skin temperature water with 500kg of epsom salts in it. You get in, close the lid, and turn the light off. I floated in this for 1 hour (the normal time) and then had a massage. I turned into a monster!! I think I am about to break-up with my partner too now. I am irritable, mean and aggressive! What happened. I know it was the float that did it.
Will I get back to my normal self? It has been 6 days and still no better.
I’ve read that some can feel tired following the bath due to the detoxing process.
Very true…had my first Detox bath yesterday and I couldn’t stand on my feet had to lay down for a while
Yes this also happened to me , after soaking about 20mins for a couple of of days this week and I’ve come down with a bad cold ?. Maybe the toxins were already there , the soak just brought them out
i love epsom salt bathe i drink some for detox and i lost belly fat…also the bathe have your skin pretty
everyone should be looking in to Float tanks in your area (sensory deprivation tanks)
For those who are battling from hypertension (high blood pressure) are Epsom Salt baths recommended?
You may want to check out this article: http://www.drlisawatson.com/epsom-salts-baths-and-beyond
This article says not to use epsom salt baths if you have hypertension. But, my Naturopathic doctor advised me to take them. One day, I was so stressed out with anxiety and depression that I thought I couldn’t cope any longer, and I decided to take an Epsom bath. It was like a miracle. I felt so clear headed the next day that it was unbelievable!
So glad to hear that! Yes, I would go based on what your doc says. Glad he said to take them; they’re fantastic.
I have read mixed things as to whether to rinse off with cool water or get out and wrap yourself in a towel (keeping the heat going) and thus continuing the de-tox process. What do you think?
That’s a great question! I don’t rinse off afterwards, the majority of what I have read details that it is not necessary. I wish there was more information available on the affect aiding in detoxification.
Lengthy, but this will cover it. Basically, heavy metals cripple molybdenum dependent enzymes like sulfite oxidase, rendering one unable to oxidize sulfites into sulfates. Many toxic molecules need sulfate attached to exit the system (including the polyphenol antioxidants in fruit and the catechins in tea). Sulfates are also crucial in hormone production. The active form of endogenous vitamin D is actually bonded to sulfate, which is where supplementation falters.
Epsom salt supplies inorganic sulfate through the skin much more readily than orally administered sulfate.
Excellent but how does one get the right amount if vit D especially in the North?
Does any know what time of the day could you do it..
I usually take Epsom salt baths towards the end of the day, it is very relaxing and I think the boost in magnesium has helped my sleep.
I’m diabetic and I siak in Edidon salt detox baths sometimes twice a day is that dangerous
I would check with your doctor just to be sure 🙂
WOW, My muscles have been hurting so bad to a new boot camp workout program I have been doing.. So, I thought what the heck.. I am going to try this.. I am amazed! I only sat in the bath w salt for about 20 minutes but can really tell a difference…
So glad it helped! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Float tanks works wonders on your body after a hard workout.
Try 4o mins next time. Even more beneficial overall.
Can you get the same benefits from foot soaks? Thank you.
Foot baths have the same affect as the bath. I usually do a foot bath once a day with Epsom salts!
Epsom salt baths are also a great way to relieve muscle pain, after a work out. The magnesium promotes relaxation and the detox process removes lactic acid from your muscles and with the lactic acid that pain is gone. Thanks for sharing on Wildcrafting Wednesday. Great article.
Hi Lori, I found this post at VGN forum and had to stop by to see it. I really enjoy taking epson salt baths because they really help detox toxins from your body. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Shelley! Thanks for stopping by. Me too, Epsom salts are fantastic for detoxing and increasing magnesium.
I love a good epsom salt bath – and may I please have this soaking tub???
Hi Emily! Me too! If only my bath looked like that! 🙂
I haven’t done this in awhile, need to now that I’m recovering from a nasty cold! I would love to have you share this on The HomeAcre Hop!