Many of us suffer from chronic pain, it may be from arthritis, OA, RA, or fibromyalgia, or just a rough and rowdy youth that we are paying for now. There are many different medications, pain relievers, pain gels, exercises and diets that can help with chronic pain, but one of the simplest ways I have found that helps is a hot epsom salt bath.
Cleveland Clinic describes epsom salt as a naturally occurring compound of magnesium and sulfate, so no not your table salt if you are new to epsom salt. Epsom salt has been used for sprains, bruises, sore muscles, and to help relieve pain. To use epsom salt you put about 1-1.5 cups in a running bath and allow it to dissolve and then soak for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Chronic pain can be uncomfortable at best and debilitating at its worst. For those of us that deal with it daily a relief for even 15-20 minutes is amazing. The wonderful thing is the relief lasts for quite awhile after a bath. I get the most relief when I take a hot epsom salt bath right before bed or right after working out at the gym.
Before we move on to the role of epsom salt in self-care I want to provide you with a list of people epsom salt baths are not recommended for. I found this list on Cleveland Clinic's article on epsom salt.
Epsom salt is not recommended for the following groups and if you have any concerns you should speak to your doctor prior to taking epsom salt baths:
-individuals with severe skin inflammation
-individuals with skin infections
-individuals with open wounds
-individuals with severe burns
Now on to the self-care portion of this segment. Epsom salt is great for helping to relieve stress, anxiety and can help with depression. Makes sense since you are combining a compound that relaxes muscles and is mixed with a hot bath. Same recipe as above applies, with the exception of I add essential oils to the bath to relax. Use caution getting in and out of the bathtub when you do this because the oils can make things a little slick. If you are just starting out in oils or looking for a few suggestions I've provided a list of oils and their benefits with this article. I would strongly urge pet parents to ensure what they are using doesn't cause health issues with their pets! I would also add if you have never tried essential oils or are trying a new oil to do a spot test prior to use to ensure you are not allergic to that specific oil.
Depending on the size of your tub I would add anywhere from 5-20 drops of essential oil to your bath prior to getting in. Hot water will quicken the evaporation of the oil so wait to add it until you are ready to get in the bath.
Essential Oils that can be added to a relaxing bath are:
Lavender, Chamomile, Peppermint, Ginger and Black Pepper for pain relief
Lavender, Clary Sage, Sweet Orange, Grapefruit, Mandarin, and Tangerine for stress relief
Lavender, Jasmine, and Roman Chamomile for a night of peaceful sleep
Peppermint, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary for fatigue
We go through a lot of epsom salt in this house with 2 people with chronic pain and 9 horses that occasionally need epsom salt for hoof abscesses so we keep a lot in stock. You can find epsom salt at most stores and when ordering essential oils make sure you are ordering or buying a reputable brand. I will also add that if you are taking a relaxing bath a hot cup of lavender and/or chamomile tea adds to the relaxation of the bath. Add in a good book or relaxing music and escape reality for the next 20 minutes!
I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year and a year full of blessings and healing for you and your families.
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