Introduction

Though Epsom salt looks similar to the common household table salt (a sodium compound), it’s entirely a different chemical compound made of magnesium sulfate. Ever since its discovery some 400 years back in the United Kingdom, Epsom salt has been widely used as a potent pain reliever and healing agent.

However, Epsom salt because of its detoxifying properties is frequently added to foot soaks and hot baths to reduce stress. Leading celebs and spa professionals around the world use Epsom salt for feet care and conditioning, thanks to its tremendous potential as a detoxifying agent. 

Initially discovered in 1618 at Epsom in England by scientist Nehemiah Grew, the “bitter purging salt” was officially named as “Epsom salt” in 1695. Epsom salt can flush out toxins responsible for causing body aches and inflammation in our body. 

Along with promoting healing and reducing the symptoms of pain, Epsom salt is known to be truly beneficial for treating infection, eliminating odor, and reducing inflammation caused by gout.

How does Epsom salt heal the feet?

When mixed with hot or moderately warm water, the sulfate and magnesium content of Epsom salt gets dissolved and is quickly absorbed in the body through our skin. The salt works to flush out toxins from our body, making it easier for the sulfate and magnesium to reach our bloodstream. 

Epsom salt increases the quantity of magnesium in our body and, therefore, boosts vital bodily functions such as muscle health and energy production.

Can Epsom salt draw out the harmful toxins from the feet?

While numerous supporters of Epsom salt claim that its sulfate content can aid in drawing out harmful toxins from our body, there is an apparent lack of evidence in favor of their claims.

Although Epsom salt does not treat infection directly, it helps soften skin, decrease swelling, and reduce inflammation. As a result, it tends to enhance the effectiveness of other medications or treatments. In addition, many proponents claim that Epsom salts carry antibacterial properties too.

What are the benefits of Epsom salt bath for feet?

Epsom salt bath for feet is frequently recommended for reducing stress and anxiety, though there’re several other benefits, including:

• Exfoliation
• Healing fungal infections
• Removing splinters
• Relieving pain

While numerous proponents claim that Epsom salt is an effective natural remedies for anxiety, there’s a need for more research to be carried out for proving its antifungal and antibacterial benefits.

• Healing fungal infections

Epsom salt is known to treat fungal infections, minor cuts, and wounds. Although Epsom salt doesn’t heal the infection or wound directly, it works well to draw out the fungal infection along with softening the skin to help increase the effectiveness of the medication and treatment.

Epsom salt bath for feet can prove effective for supporting the action of medications prescribed by your health physician. Before going ahead with Epsom salt program, discuss all available treatment options with a physician. Some fungal infections like staph infection may worsen with salt mixes or hot water.

For toenail or foot fungal infection, consider soaking your feet for nearly 20 minutes twice daily. You can also add tea tree oil or several other vital diluted oils renowned for accentuating the healing effect of your body.

• Exfoliation

You can use Epsom salt as a potent exfoliator to soften cracked or rough feet. Apart from soaking your feet in an Epsom salt bath, consider massaging a handful of it on your skin to get superior results.

• Pain relief

Use Epsom salt for flushing out toxins that can lead to body pain, inflammation, or irritation in the body. For those having corns or sore feet, soak your feet in warm Epsom saltwater to reduce pain.

• Removing splinters

An Epsom salt bath for foot can help you in removing splinters. Epsom salt is rich in magnesium, sulfate, and several other mineral compounds that help reduce inflammation and pain around the affected area. It will also soften the skin to facilitate easy removal of the hangnail or debris.

• Removing bacteria and order

Epsom salt soak also comes handy for cleaning the feet to remove bacteria and dirt, thence eliminating foul odor and avoiding infection of scrapes, cuts, or aggravated toenail beds.

• Relieves muscular cramps

Soaking your feet in warm Epsom salt water can help ease out inflammation and pain, thence proving effective in the treatment of migraine headaches, acute and chronic sore muscles, athlete’s foot, and bronchial asthma.

How to prepare an Epsom salt soak for feet?

For preparing an Epsom salt for feet soak, follow the steps given below:

1. Fill your basin or a bathtub with moderately hot or lukewarm water to a height good enough for covering your feet.
2. Add half-a-cup Epsom salt to the water.
3. Gently soak your feet 30 to 60 minutes
4. To get an aromatherapy benefit, you can add a few drops of eucalyptus, lavender, or peppermint essential oil to the water
5. Make sure you moisturize your feet well after the soak.

Do this twice a week.

This type of Epsom salt soak for feet can lead to dry skin, on your feet in particular. Remember to moisturize your skin thoroughly after the soak for preventing skin irritation or cracked skin.

Ailment types and Epsom salt cure for feet

• Epsom salt for swollen feet

To treat your swollen feet, prepare a soak of 1 to 2 cups of Epsom salt in a bathtub full of warm water and soak the affected area for a minimum of 20 minutes once daily till the swelling subsides. Apply a moisturizing lotion after the soak to avoid roughness or cracked skin.

• Epsom salt for sore feet

To get relief from sore feet, prepare a soak of 1 to 2 cups of Epsom salt to a bathtub filled with warm water.  Gently rub 1 or 2 drops of cuticle oil on each toe to pamper your cuticles. Soak your feet in the solution for about 10 minutes. Repeat till you get relief from sore feet.

Tips for soaking your feet in an Epsom salt bath

Avoid soaking your feet in an Epsom salt bath for more than 30 minutes. Though there are no direct side effects of taking Epsom salt bath for feet for more than half an hour, there won’t be any additional benefits and the water won’t stay warm any longer.

An Epsom salt bath for feet is generally considered safe to use 2 to 3 times a week for 5-30 minutes each. However, if you start feeling that your feet are getting cracked, over-dry, or rough, you can choose to reduce both the frequency and/or duration of your use of Epsom salt for feet care. You may require to take Epsom salt bath to feel only once in a week in case of an ingrown toenail while a regular or daily soak may deliver better results if you are suffering from arthritis pain.

If you start noticing sores, redness, pain, or roughness on your feet with routine use of Epsom salt bath for feet, you may want to consult your physician to discuss alternative treatment.

Precautions to be followed while taking an Epsom salt soak for feet

• Topical Epsom salt has no known adverse effect on health; however, using Epsom salt bath for feet in excess can lead to cracked or dried skin on the feet.
• People with extremely dry or sensitive skin should avoid excessive use of Epsom salt. They must also thoroughly dry their skin and apply moisturizer after an Epsom soak.
• Although Epsom salt is known to heal minor wounds, a timely and appropriate medical treatment is must in some cases.
• People who have diabetes, lack of blood flow to the feet, or nerve damage should consult their healthcare physician before using an Epsom salt bath for feet. In the case of redness, swelling, or severe foot pain, immediate medical attention will be necessary.

Conclusion

For minor pains, aches, and wounds, Epsom salt bath can turn out to be a safe alternative treatment to complement medication and enhance the effectiveness of the treatment. However, consulting a registered medical practitioner ahead of using an Epsom salt soak for treating fungal infections or any other health conditions will be more beneficial.

While several success stories are supporting the tremendous healing power of Epsom salt, more researches and pieces of evidence are obligatory for understanding how and where an Epsom salt bath can prove effective. Consult your physician to discuss the most effective and safe course of treatment for your health conditions if the symptoms do not improve. Using Epsom salt as mentioned above can help you get rid of feet problems in a more beneficial way.