Health

7 Reasons To Soak Your Feet In Epsom Salt + How To Do It

Epsom salt is common remedy for aching joints and skin issues. Also known as magnesium sulfate, it has been used across the world for centuries. This incredible product provides peace and restfulness.

Epsom salt is comprised of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. It looks like table salt, but doesn’t cause any of the side effects your regular table salt causes and doesn’t contain sodium chloride.

Magnesium in Epsom salt makes it great for those who try to support the body’s natural production of the mineral. Magnesium becomes powerful when the salt is dissolved in hot water which is why it’s commonly used in healing foot soaks and baths.

7 benefits of Epsom salt foot soaks

1. Stress

Use this method to relax your tight muscles and reduce inflammation. The beneficial effect will radiate throughout your body, improving your state of mind and cognitive abilities.

2. Fungal infections and ingrown toenails

Epsom salt does more than treating the infection directly. It draws it out and protects the skin from further complications, making it soft.

Epsom salt foot soaks are a nice addition to your prescription therapies. If you notice any of the symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor.

3. Dry, cracked heels

How often do you nourish your feet? Cracked heels can become a big issue if left untreated. Soak them in Epsom salt solution and scrap, scrap, scrap. Add your regular moisturizer, and wear your favorite sandals without being worried about the appearance of your heels.

4. Better sleep

These soaks will give your body enough magnesium to sleep better at night. The soaks encourage the production of melatonin, helping you sleep like a baby. The soak will help you unwind and relax after a stressful day.

5. Pain

Give your feet the care they deserve after a busy day. Epsom salt soaks reduce inflammation, relieve muscle cramps and eliminate toxins.

6. Bad odors

Stinky feet? Not anymore! Soak your feet regularly, and make sure your footwear is clean and dry. Buy shoes that “breathes.”

7. Splinters

These hurt like crazy! Tiny splinters sometimes cause pain and swelling, and foot soaks work really well. Epsom salt will help you soften your skin and loosen the splinter to remove it easily. It will also pull out any puss.

How to enjoy a good Epsom salt soak?

Epsom foot soaks are good for both your body and mind. Your feet take you places, so try to take a really good care of them.

Epsom salt foot soak

You need enough water to cover your feet and half cup of Epsom salt. The salt will dissolve in five minutes. Is the temperature right for your skin?

Soak your feet for 30-45 minutes. You have enough time to read the book you just bought or listen to your favorite music.

For added benefits, feel free to add a few drops of an essential oils. Here are some nice suggestions:

Lavender essential oil relaxes your body and mind, while fixing your concentration and sleep. Use it before bedtime.
Peppermint essential oil increases alertness, enhances digestion and makes that nasty headache go away.
Eucalyptus essential oil boosts the antimicrobial power of Epsom salt soaks, relieves cold symptoms and improves mental abilities.
Citrus essential oil improves mood and eliminates germs.
Tea tree essential oil soothes redness and reduces inflammation.
Lemongrass essential oil increases the antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory power of Epsom salt soaks.

After the soaking part, use Epsom salt to exfoliate your feet. Rinse with cold water and pat dry. Use your favorite moisturizing lotion.

For optimal effect, do this at least twice a week. Daily use isn’t recommended as it may provide adverse effects such as dry and cracked feet.

Other uses

1. Stubborn food buildups

Scrub kitchenware and surfaces with Epsom salt. Add it to dislodge food remains.

2. Hand wash

Combine equal parts of Epsom salts and baby oil. Use this to moisturize, disinfect and exfoliate your hands. Use essential oil to improve its smell.

3. Skin exfoliator

Scrub dry skin on your knees, elbows, hands or feet after taking a shower.

Caution

Don’t use Epsom salt to relieve chronic foot pain before you consult your doctor. Avoid using it if you deal with chronic pain, sores, and blisters, and call your doctor.

Topical use of Epsom salt doesn’t cause any side effects, and it’s safe when used as suggested by a professional.