Look no further than your medicine cabinet to melt away stress and anxiety. Epsom Salt, a naturally occurring mineral, is perfect for those seeking a stress reliever that’s easy to use, easy to afford and easy to find.
Epsom Salt gets its name from the mineral-rich waters of Epsom, England. Said to have been used even in Shakespeare’s time, the minerals in Epsom Salt are known to help reduce stress, improve mood and flush toxins from the body.
Excess adrenaline and stress are known to drain the body of magnesium, which is the main component of Epsom Salt. The body requires magnesium to bind adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of well being and relaxation. Restoring magnesium levels also improves sleep, reduces anxiety and relieves muscle aches.
Best of all, magnesium is easily absorbed through the skin, which means reducing stress and improving health is as easy as relaxing in the tub. The magnesium sulfate absorbed while soaking flushes the harmful toxins from the body while soothing muscles, building serotonin levels and reducing inflammation.
Ways to Use Epsom Salt To Relieve Stress and Anxiety:
1. Add two cups of Epsom Salt to warm water in a standard-sized bathtub. Double the Epsom Salt for an oversized garden tub. Bathe three times weekly, soaking for at least 12 minutes. For an extra treat, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil for a refreshing scent. Breathe deeply and relax.
2. Mix 2 cups of Epsom Salt with 1/4 cup of petroleum jelly and a few drops of lavender essential oil to create an exfoliant. Use the mixture to gently scrub away dry skin patches. This works great on elbows and feet.
3. Add one cup of Epsom Salt to a tub of warm water to relieve aching feet. It instantly reduces swelling.
4. After showering, massage handfuls of Epsom Salt over wet skin to exfoliate the body. It’s the same treatment many upscale spas use, without the upscale price!
Epsom Salt is extremely affordable and easy to find at most grocery, hardware or drug stores. For more information on Epsom Salt and its many uses go to www.epsomsaltcouncil.org.
