If you’re suffering from mild foot pain, muscle aches or other discomforts, you’ve probably tried a variety of treatments to find relief. Soaking your feet in Epsom salt and warm water may be the solution you’re looking for. Epsom salt is a naturally occurring magnesium and sulfate mixture. Don’t be fooled by the name – Epsom salt for feet is nothing like regular salt.
If you have doubts about whether you should use it, we will talk about the benefits of Epsom salt foot bath and how you can make it, so take a look and decide whether it is the right choice for you.
Table Of Contents
- 1.2 Exfoliation
- 1.3 Reduces Odor
- 1.4 Good For Skin Conditions
- 1.5 Improves Circulation
- 1.6 Relaxation
- 2 Epsom Salt Foot Soak Recipe
- 2.1 How Long To Soak Feet In Epsom Salt
- 3 Epsom Salt Bath Side Effects
- 4 Epsom Salt Alternatives
- 5 Frequently Asked Questions
- 5.1 What Are The Benefits Of An Epsom Salt Bath?
- 5.2 Is Epsom Salt Good For Swollen Feet?
- 5.3 Is Epsom Salt Good For Feet Pain?
- 5.4 Is Epsom Salt Good For Feet Fungus?
- 5.5 What Toxins Does Epsom Salt Remove?
- 6 Conclusion
Epsom Salt Bath Benefits & Uses For Feet
Here are six ways you can benefit from Epsom salt foot bath:
Decreases Inflammation & Relieves Pain
If your feet hurt all the time, a magnesium-rich Epsom bath can assist the body in eliminating toxins that worsen inflammation while also lowering swelling, stiffness and discomfort. The molecule E-selectin, which promotes inflammation in the endothelium layer of the skin, is reduced by magnesium from Epsom salt foot soaks.
Epsom bath foot soak is an effective treatment for minor injuries such as muscular strains and tendinitis as well as for muscle discomfort from overuse, arthritis and myofascial pain syndrome.
Exfoliation
Epsom salts contain magnesium, which mitigates sodium’s drying effects and encourages skin hydration. Compared to sugar, its larger crystals make it a more potent exfoliant and especially helpful in places where your skin is thicker, like on your heels or other callused areas. Your skin will feel soft and hydrated after soaking in a basin or foot spa filled with this salt.
Reduces Odor
Keeping your feet clean is critical for preventing foot odor, which a fungal infection can cause. Begin with an Epsom salt foot soak to combat stinky feet. Then, clean your feet and toes with your favorite scented soap or body wash to kill odor-causing bacteria. Allow them to dry completely before putting on your shoes.
Good For Skin Conditions
Some skin conditions, like athlete’s foot or fungal infections, are treated with natural ingredients like Epsom salt. Your feet can absorb enough magnesium to reduce edema and ease the pain. Epsom salts can also be useful for calming the skin and minimizing itch and irritation.
Long soaks in Epsom salt products may help treat skin infections brought on by crippling foot injuries because they have anti-fungal and anti-microbial characteristics.
Improves Circulation
You can increase blood flow with the help of heat. Warm water and the crystals of the mineral can begin the process of pumping blood through veins and arteries, which may almost immediately ease stress.
By enhancing blood circulation, preserving the flexibility of arteries, preventing blood clots and lowering the risk of heart attacks, Epsom foot soaks can promote heart health and aid in the prevention of heart disease and strokes.
Relaxation
After a long, stressful day, let yourself relax by taking an Epsom salt foot soak. It is an easy way to unwind, calm your sore feet and increase serotonin levels, which are crucial for mood regulation. They can also lower tension and anxiety by promoting relaxation and better sleep.
Epsom Salt Foot Soak Recipe
Use this easy method to make an Epsom salt foot soak recipe:
- Fill a bathtub or basin with warm water, enough to cover feet
- Add Epsom salts (recommended half of the cup or three-quarters)
- Put your feet in prepared Epsom salt foot soak
- Add a few drops of diluted lavender, peppermint or eucalyptus essential oil to your foot soaks for an aromatherapy boost
- After soaking, thoroughly moisturize your feet
How Long To Soak Feet In Epsom Salt
You should soak your feet in Epsom salt for at least 20 to a maximum of 30 minutes, depending on your needs. To ensure it doesn’t lead to cracked feet, try bathing the feet once or twice a week and always moisturize after the bath.
Epsom Salt Bath Side Effects
Epsom salts are considered a safe homemade foot soak, but there are some situations where it is best to be careful. Epsom salt foot soaks are not advised for those who have:
- significant skin irritation
- infected skin
- open sores
- severe burns
Because Epsom salt can be highly drying, you should always use a moisturizer after it or avoid it altogether if you have overly sensitive skin. If you’ve never used this salt, think about testing a small skin area with water and magnesium sulfate first.
If you notice allergic responses with itchy skin, rash or any other skin infections, stop using immediately.
Epsom Salt Alternatives
Alternatives to Epsom salts don’t all treat the same problems. It’s crucial to pick an Epsom salt substitute that fits your requirements.
- Baking Soda
Baking soda can be used for a foot soak to aid in exfoliation, reduce irritation and clean your feet. Consider adding three to four tablespoons of baking soda to a bowl of warm water.
- Vinegar
For a foot soak, mix two parts water with one part vinegar. By assisting in the death of microorganisms, vinegar lessens foot odor. Additionally, it might prevent the development of bacteria.
- Olive Oil
Warm water with a few drops of olive oil makes a hydrating foot soak. In addition to reducing dryness, olive oil also has antioxidants that can soften the skin.
- Essential Oils
You might find it advantageous to add essential oils like peppermint, rosemary and wintergreen to a foot soak. In addition to reducing discomfort and dryness, essential oils can generate a cooling sensation to ease soreness. When using essential oils, less is more. A warm bowl of water should only have a few drops of oil added.
You can see here our top choices for foot spas if you’re looking for a professional massage to take your foot care routine to a next level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Benefits Of An Epsom Salt Bath?
The benefits of an Epsom salt bath range from pain treatment to detoxifying. Soaking your feet in Epsom salt can help with removing dead skin cells and dry skin, reducing odor and improving circulation. Additionally, it might relieve skin problems, including psoriasis, eczema, athlete’s foot and toenail fungus. People with certain inflammatory illnesses, such as rheumatoid arthritis, may find relief from pain and swelling in this hydrating foot soak.
Is Epsom Salt Good For Swollen Feet?
Epsom salt is good for swollen feet. The idea behind Epsom salts is that they eliminate toxins and minimize swelling. Adding a half cup of this salt to a bathtub will be enough to help you if you are struggling with swollen feet. Many people use Epsom salt foot baths and find that they provide calming relief for tired, swollen feet.
Is Epsom Salt Good For Feet Pain?
Epsom salt is good for feet pain. It helps reduce inflammation-related pain and promotes foot health. The body can use traces of the minerals that are absorbed through the skin, relieving the pain as they do so. Warm water from foot soaks can increase blood flow and encourage healing followed by a feeling of ease.
Is Epsom Salt Good For Feet Fungus?
Epsom salt is good for feet fungus. By eradicating fungal spores, soaking your feet and toes in Epsom salts can aid in the drying out of fungal diseases. Use warm water and half of the cup or three-quarters of the Epsom salt. After soaking for 30 minutes at least once a week, you’ll feel great relief and see the results.
What Toxins Does Epsom Salt Remove?
Epsom salt removes toxins such as heavy metals and harmful bacteria. Epsom salt contains sulfate and magnesium in a pure mineral complex that, when absorbed through the pores, improves detoxification. Reverse osmosis is the process that happens when the salts enter the bloodstream. Soaking with Epsom salts 1-2 times per week can help your liver rid itself of toxins.
Conclusion
For hundreds of years, people have relied on Epsom salt for feet to treat illnesses and lessen pain. It is most frequently added to hot baths and foot soaks today to relieve tension. To start providing your feet with comfort, take a relaxing and revitalizing foot bath with this salt and reap the benefits.
About the Author: Brooke Ressell
My journey as a writer began in elementary school when I’d write funny short stories that poked fun at my family members. They proudly hung on several people’s refrigerators during the years I was growing up. And even though I moved on to writing poetry and academic papers in college, my love for storytelling never ended. Nowadays, I continue to channel this talent when writing digital content and copy as a blogger and a writer for OGLF. View my: Bio & LinkedIn.
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