Bath Salts Benefits and Uses

Salt water has been used, for as long as we know the human history, for disinfection, food preservation and general physical and mental wellbeing. Bath salts are a type of salt that is used in baths. They are usually made from sea salt, Epsom salt, Himalayan salt, or Dead Sea salt. Epsom salt is basically magnesium sulfate, which is a natural mineral that can be found in some hot springs. Himalayan salt and Dead Sea salt are both rich in minerals, making them great for your skin. These minerals include potassium, calcium, sodium, and magnesium. Himalayan pink salt is mined from naturally preserved salt mines in the foothills of Himalayan range, which falls in northern Punjab region of Pakistan. Himalayan pink salt gets it pink hue because of its richness in 84 trace minerals, which is considered extremely beneficial for human consumption. The same salt when used for bath and body soaking provides a lot of benefits because of its minerals.

The Science behind it

We may not have scientific proof of all the marketing claims made on bath salt containers but its also not just a myth. According to a study conducted to determine the efficacy of Bathing in a magnesium-rich Dead Sea salt solution improves skin barrier function, enhances skin hydration, and reduces inflammation, the researches found that bathing in the salt solution improved skin barrier function, enhanced stratum corneum hydration, and reduced skin roughness and inflammation.

Salt soaks are used to cure and prevent athlete’s foot. Sea Salt has strong antifungal and antibacterial properties, according to a study.

Salt water has been used for ages in all ancient cultures to clean and disinfect wounds and even the surfaces. Salt water works best as a microbial inhibitor as it deprives them from water by drawing water out of them by the process called osmosis. Although it doesn’t kill all of them but it greatly destroys them and creates unfavorable environment to flourish.

Osmosis is a process of movement of water from low density to high density. Since the salt water is high density and the water in microbes is low density, water moves out of microbes leaving them dehydrated and die. This is how salt water inhibits the microbial growth.

When our body is soaked in salt water, with this same process of osmosis water and toxins move out of outer layer of skin leaving it dehydrated. That is why some people believe salt water disinfect and detoxify our body.

Salt water has proven to be anti-inflammatory. Old wisdom tells us soaking in warm salt water reduces the inflammation and muscle sourness, but we did not know how. A research conducted at Manchester University shows that salt water soak reduced the inflammation. They soaked bandages in the saline solution before using them on the legs of mice. They also tested bathing the inflamed area in a hypertonic solution and in both cases the inflammation was reduced.

Benefits

There are many benefits to using bath salts. They can help to soothe and relax your muscles, relieve pain, and improve circulation. They can also help to detoxify your body, as well as improve your skin’s appearance. Here are some of the most common uses for bath salts:

Relaxation

Soaking in a tub of warm water with bath salts can help to relax the muscles and ease tension. The minerals in the salt can also help to balance the body’s pH levels, which can promote a sense of wellbeing.

Detoxification

Bath salts can help to draw toxins out of the skin and improve circulation. This can help to detoxify the body and leave the skin feeling refreshed and invigorated.

To make a detox bath at home

1. Use 1 cup of Himalayan Pink salt for bathtub filled with warm water.
2. Make sure the salt dissolves in water. you can also dissolve the salt in small container and add it to bath tub for ease.
3. Soak in the tub for at least 15 to 20 minutes.

For additional aromatherapy benefits you may also add essential oils, like lavender or peppermint for relaxation.

Pain relief

The anti-inflammatory properties of bath salts can help to reduce pain and inflammation. This can be beneficial for those who suffer from conditions such as arthritis or muscle pain.

To make a Pain relief body soak at home

1. Add 1/2 cup of Himalayan Pink salt and 1/2 cup of Epsom Salt to bathtub filled with warm water.
2. Make sure the salt dissolves in water. you can also dissolve the salt in small container and add it to bath tub for ease.
3. Add 10 drops of chamomile essential oils which has anti inflammatory properties according to a research. Chamomile essential oils can be used as a potentially effective therapeutic anti-inflammatory agent.
4. Soak in the tub for up to 15 minutes.

Skin care

The minerals in bath salts can help to improve the appearance of the skin. They can help to exfoliate dead skin cells, leaving the skin looking refreshed and radiant. There are 12 vitamins and 9 minerals recognized as vital for healthy skin. The minerals include calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, zinc, potassium and sodium. These are among the 84 minerals present in Himalayan Pink Salt which is why is considered best for body soak.

Bath salts are a versatile product that can be used in a number of ways. Whether you’re looking to relax, detoxify, or improve your skin care routine, bath salts can be a valuable addition to your beauty regime.

For added benefits here some best essential oils that you may add to your soak.

For Pain relief

Lavender oil– It has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties which can help to soothe muscle aches and pains.

Peppermint oil– It has cooling and pain-relieving effects that can help to ease muscle tension.

Chamomile oil– It has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that can help to ease pain and reduce inflammation.

For Relaxation

Lavender oil– It has a calming and relaxing effect on the body and mind.

Ylang-ylang oil– It has a sweet, floral scent that can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Bergamot oil– It has a citrusy, refreshing scent that can help to uplift the mood and promote relaxation.

For Detoxification

Lemon oil– It has a refreshing, citrusy scent that can help to stimulate the lymphatic system and promote detoxification.

Grapefruit oil– It has a fresh, citrusy scent that can help to boost energy levels and promote detoxification.

Juniper berry oil– It has a woodsy, earthy scent that can help to promote detoxification.

Precautions

If you have any cuts or open wounds, it’s important to avoid adding bath salts to the water as they can sting. Don’t use bath salts if you have any skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, as they can aggravate the condition. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s best to avoid using bath salts. If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or any other medical condition, consult your doctor before using bath salts.