Some of you have read my reviews about my suffering with Arthritis and Fibromyalgia. They are both part of my everyday life in which they both cause a great deal of pain. I have mentioned in those reviews that it is not uncommon for me to take a hot bath in the middle of the day.

Sometimes I will use various bath beads or bubble baths to soften the water and to help me relax. The smells of some bath accessories are relaxing as well and this is another reason why I use them. (I’m a girl what do you expect from me, grease and slim!)

The Product

One of the beads I use is Epsom Salt. I was in my local Wal-Mart one day and noticed an entire end counter of the salt. Now I have always heard of people using Epsom salt for soaking in hot baths but had never tried it myself. That day I decided to. I only paid a $1.50 for a 4lb box, and I figured I would not be throwing away money if I didn’t like it. There are other usages of Epsom salt, which I tell you about below.

That night while the water was running into the tub I poured about 2 cups or so (they recommend 2 cups) under the water. The beads are very small chunks of salt, white in color, that dissolve after hitting water. Epsom salt is made from magnesium sulfate.

When getting into my bath I noticed instantly the softness of the water. Sitting there in my bath, with a good book and a great cup of coffee I began to realize that the Epsom salt might actually help to make me feel better. The water was soft, soothing and very inviting. There is no obnoxious odor, which is a plus for me. (I had really thought that I would smell like salt but did not.)

You know how sometimes bath beads don’t dissolve and when you step into your tub you hit one with your foot or worse sit on one! I can honestly say I have not had that problem yet because all the beads dissolve and I think our water softner helps out too.

Other Uses

Epsom Salt™ can be used for various other reasons. I have not used the salts for these other purposes so I cannot say how it really works, but I hear that using as a fertilizer and as a laxative works well for some folks. (Elder people from church have told me this.)

Fertilizer (for the lawn) “apply 1/2 pound per one thousand square feet of lawn.”

For garden plants and shrubbery you would “sprinkle 2 tablespoons around the base of each plant.”

Laxative. Now some people use the salt for this because the “magnesium sulfate” “increases water volume in the intestine”, which will help the bowels along. “Dissolve 1 to 2 teaspoons to ˝ glass water for ages 12 and up. You will need ˝ to 1 level teaspoonful to ˝ glass water for 6 to 12 years old. Repeat every four hours if needed.” Not recommended for ages under 6, consult your doctor first as always! I would imagine that the taste might be salty (duh!) so consider using some type of juice to dilute the salt taste.

Ingredients

“Magnesium Sulfate U.S.P. Minimum Guaranteed Analysis.”

“Magnesium (Mg) 9.80% (9.80% water soluble Magnesium (Mg) derived from; Magnesium Sulfate” )

Just some info on magnesium and sulfate from the “Webster’s Dictionary:” ”magnesium means a light silvery metallic chemical element and sulfate means: a salt of sulfuric acid which means an oily, colorless, corrosive liquid used in explosives or fertilizers.”

You may need to contact your doctor before usage to make sure there will be no problems in using the product. There should not be but one never knows.

Warning

”If pain persists or recurs or if redness, irritation, swelling or infection occurs, discontinue use and consult your doctor.”

I read also that using Epsom salt for a laxative usage may cause serious side effects if over used. So be careful if this is the purpose of buying Epsom salt. You really should let your doctor advise you on the proper use as a laxative I believe. He/she will know how to guide you accordingly. Please don’t just assume the product will work for you without checking first.

And as always never ever use if you have pain in your stomach or feel nauseated or if you are throwing up. Certainly consult with your doctor first! The package does suggest that you do not use if you have “kidney disease or are taking medication for any reason or are pregnant” without speaking with your doctor first.

I keep my package tightly closed. There is zipped seal across the top for easy closing. And please keep out of the reach of small children. Those little hands can and do get into things they shouldn’t. If a small child were to get into your bag of Epsom salt get assistance quickly by contacting their doctor or a poison control center.

How I Feel

I have really enjoyed these Epsom Salts™ a lot! Over time I have bought many boxes/bags of it from different companies. I buy the Humco brand most because I like the boxes. Some of the other brands do come in a resealable zipper bag, which are nice as well. With the box though I can store it easier.

My husband on occasion has also used them to help ease tired muscles.

For me the Epsom Salt™ works well. For you they may not. My old bones and muscles are very relaxed with each use for several hours, which allows less pain for me. And sometimes I don’t use the salt I just depend on the hot water for help in releasing me from the pain my Arthritis and Fibromyalgia causes me.

I hope that this has helped you in some way.

God Bless!

ŠLKD 2004


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