How much Epsom salt should I put in a bath?
In this brief guide, we’ll address the search query: “How much Epsom salt should I put in a bath?” Also, we’ll explore what Epsom salt is, what the effects of too much Epsom salt are, and what other types are used to make bath salts.
How much Epsom salt should I put in a bath?
Epsom salt use is recommended at no more than 2 cups of salt per gallon of warm water. Our readers may, however, reap benefits from lower concentrations such as 300 grams dissolved in their tub, or 1 cup (250 grams) for every gallon of water.
Ultimately, our readers will decide what concentration best suits their needs, though it should be noted that more than 2 cups per gallon may have desiccating effects on a person’s skin, and can make their bath water skiddy.
What is Epsom salt?
Epsom salt is the commercial name for magnesium sulfate, which is a naturally occurring presentation that may be combined with other substances.
Pure magnesium sulfate is water-soluble and forms white crystals, and can be found in the form of hydrates. Epsom salt itself is heptahydrate magnesium sulfate.
Epsom salt is allegedly indicated for the treatment of muscle aches, though more studies are needed to confirm or refute this claim.
Magnesium sulfate on its own, however, may be administered to address magnesium deficiencies, asthma, regulating blood pressure during pregnancy, opening a person’s constricted airways, delaying premature labor, and treating epilepsy.
Epsom salt’s effects are met with skepticism, due to the skin being less effective at absorbing salts when compared to oral administration or intravenous supplying.
It is, however, reputed to have relaxing effects that can be used to address stress, pain, and swelling.
What are the effects of too much Epsom salt?
Drawn baths with high concentrations of Epsom salts may trigger symptoms on a person’s skin. These include sensations of itchiness, reactions such as pustules, hives, and rashes, and if scratched, they may lead to infections.
People who are immunocompromised may be at risk of these types of lesions, as lesions on their skin may easily evolve into sepsis that may require cleansing and dressing by a medical professional.
Some of our users may experience sensitivity to Epsom salts and as a result, may require medical orientation.
If after using Epsom salts, you’ve experienced any of the above-listed symptoms, we encourage you to suspend their usage and speak with a general practitioner, or a licensed dermatologist. Either can provide tailored guidance and if necessary, treatment to address your symptoms and discomfort.
What types of salts are used to make bath salts?
There are many types of bath salts. Some can be homemade, while others can be purchased from retailers and bodyworks shops.
Commonly used types of salts include:
- Epsom salt – chemically known as magnesium heptahydrate, and the object of this guide.
- Dendritic salt – a highly purified variant of sodium chloride. It receives its name from the tree-like structure that its crystals resemble. It is artificially obtained (meaning that it doesn’t naturally occur) and has its mineral contents almost completely removed.
- Sea salt – Sea salt is obtained by evaporating seawater and harvesting the sediments. As sodium chloride is not the only salt dissolved in seawater, other elements in the form of minerals may be present. Most often, this salt is commercialized in coarse, irregular granules that differ not only and size and shape, but often in color.
Sea salt obtains its colors from other elements and organic materials that have been desiccated with it.
- Cooking salt – this is salt, that as its name says, can be used for cooking, though it hasn’t been iodized. Grains are often large, and irregularly shaped, and they have minimal processing. Some can be deemed kosher, as they have culinary applications.
- Specialty salts – these are salts that are sourced from specific locations throughout the world. They can be collected and commercialized in brand-specific packaging. Common types include the Dead Sea, Hawaiian salts, Himalayan salt, Celtic salts, etc.
Their size, shape, and coloring also vary, as they’re collected and undergo no processing other than cleaning and packaging.
To summarize, there are many salts that our readers can both use to make their mixtures and purchase pre-made blends.
We encourage our readers to carefully review the ingredients in bath salt formulations, and if they notice any symptoms, they should immediately suspend the usage of any product, and consult with a dermatologist.
Bath salts may be both relaxing and therapeutic, but we urge our readers to prioritize their health.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we’ve addressed the search query: “How much Epsom salt should I put in a bath?” Also, we’ve explored what Epsom salt is, what the effects of too much Epsom salt are, and what types of salts are used to make bath salts.
References
https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/salts-for-homemade-bath-salts-516585
