Our GG (great grandmother, my mother) used to add Epsom salts to this grandma’s bath when she was a child as a cure all. She told us it was a cure for so much handed down in her family in Europe. We had Epsom salt baths sparingly, but GG luxuriated in her Epsom salt baths regularly and emerged refreshed and calm. She made us want such baths because she said they were special. Watching her and how she felt after her special bath made us want them more. As GG aged, she continued to be refreshed and relaxed in her Epsom salt baths, and whenever I complained of anything, that was her recommended cure.
Being of modern times, old fashioned homeopathic was just not in. I looked at the Epsom salts costing peanuts compared to the expensive alternatives on the adjoining shelves and opted for the fancier packaging and more exotic looking soaks promising curing of sore muscles, headaches, cold, sleeplessness, etc. When the promised results were not forthcoming, I picked up a package of natural Epsom salts with lavender. Ever since, I tell my friends and children that Epsom salts are the best.
In In Style Magazine, giving us the hippest news, I was surprised to see Epsom salts listed as one of the top ten ways “To Keep Calm and Holiday On,” in the December 2015 issue. Here is what they recommend:
“A magnesium soak relaxes muscles. Kick that cold. Too much carousing and not enough sleep are sure fire ways to court a cold. To nip it in the bud, take a 20 minute nightly bath with two to three cups of magnesium rich Epsom salts and a dash of baking soda, says Victoria Moreno, a doctor of integrative medicine in N.Y.C. “This combination helps to alkalinize your body so you can detox more effectively.”
Wow! I went on the Internet. On this site, the author, Melissa Breyer, talked of “The Health Benefits of Epsom Salts:”
“Known scientifically as hydrated magnesium sulfate, Epsom salt is rich in both magnesium and sulfate. While both magnesium and sulfate can be poorly absorbed through the stomach, studies show increased magnesium levels from soaking in a bath enriched with Epsom salt! Magnesium and sulfate are both easily absorbed through the skin. Sulfates play an important role in the formation of brain tissue, joint proteins and the proteins that line the walls of the digestive tract. They stimulate the pancreas to generate digestive enzymes and are thought to help detoxify the body of medicines and environmental contaminants.”
“Researchers and physicians suggest these health benefits from proper magnesium and sulfate levels, as listed on the web site of the Epsom Salt Industry Council:
Improved heart and circulatory health, reducing irregular heartbeats, preventing hardening of the arteries, reducing blood clots and lowering blood pressure.
Improved ability for the body to use insulin, reducing the incidence or severity of diabetes.
Flushed toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances.
Improved nerve function by electrolyte regulation. Also, calcium is the main conductor for
electrical current in the body, and magnesium is necessary to maintain proper calcium levels in the blood.
Relieved stress. Excess adrenaline and stress are believed to drain magnesium, a natural stress reliever, from the body. Magnesium is necessary for the body to bind adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of well being and relaxation.
Reduced inflammation to relieve pain and muscle cramps.
Improved oxygen use.
Improved absorption of nutrients.
Improved formation of joint proteins, brain tissue and mucin proteins.
Prevention or easing of migraine headaches.”
So, it seems that the old fashioned inexpensive cure all is the best for curing everything as GG said it would. But remember, this list comes from the council promoting Epsom salts.
I then went to the Epsom Salt Industry Council’s website. For those fans of Dr. Oz, there is a link to a video about Epsom salts.
On the Epsom Salt Industry Council’s website, we learn how to use Epsom salts for ailments:
“For mosquito bites, bee stings, mild sunburn and poison ivy, make compresses by soaking a cotton washcloth in cold water that has been mixed with Epsom salt (2 tablespoons per cup), then apply to the skin.”
“Sore Muscles & Splinters: Make compresses by soaking a cotton washcloth in cold water that has been mixed with Epsom salt (2 tablespoons per cup), then apply to the skin. Create a paste to apply to the skin by adding a teaspoon of Epsom salt to about a cup of hot water until it dissolves, then chill the solution in the fridge for 20 minutes. Note: Clean the skin and pat dry before applying the paste. Take an Epsom salt bath, by adding 2 cups of Epsom salt to the water in a standard-sized bathtub and soaking for at least 12 minutes. The Epsom salt will dissolve quicker if you put it under the running water.”
“Soaking. Epsom salt is a popular remedy for easing muscle pain and fading bruises. Add 2 cups of bath salt to warm water in a standard-sized bathtub (double the Epsom Salt for an oversized garden tub). Bathe 3 times weekly, soaking for at least 12 minutes.”
“Foot Bath. Soothe your aching feet with a bath salt balm. Simply create an Epsom Salt bath by pouring 1 cup into a tub of warm water.”
So, what about for the grandchildren? First, there is a whole section on the website dealing with crafts to make with children using Epsom salts!
There is a warning on some websites that ingestion of Epsom salts has a laxative effect so be careful of children drinking bath water that contains Epsom salts. One mommy blog recommends Epsom salt baths for children promoting calm and sleep, as well as good health.
She recommends using lavender essential oil added to the Epsom salts.
She recommends this natural brand of Epsom salt because it is natural and really cheap, 20 pounds for $30 on Amazon.
Looking at reviews of even natural Dr. Teal’s Epsom salts with lavender, this Grandma agrees that you should buy both Epsom salts and lavender essential oil separately and make your own natural product simply and easily: 1 cup Epsom salts (pour through running water to dissolve faster) add a few drops of essential oil.
Old is new again with a truly natural and inexpensive solution that is the solution to so much.
Joy,
Mema
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