What Are The Benefits of Soaking Feet in Epsom Salt?

Using An Epsom Salt Foot Bath for Pain Relief and Inflammation

Epsom salt or if you call it by is scientific name magnesium sulfate is regularly used by people to help ease joint pain and inflammation.

The reason for this is because the Epsom salt bath allows magnesium to be absorbed through the skin. Magnesium is essential for muscle function and relaxation and if you are deficient in it you can end up with muscle cramps and discomfort.

By replenishing your magnesium levels Epsom salt can help to alleviate tension in your foot muscles which in turn makes your feet relax and that helps with sore feet and foot pain.

I can testify that it absolutely works! In summer I often suffer from leg cramps due to the heat and they are agony. So I started using a magnesium spray on my legs before bed and it stopped them instantly.

Epsom salt also has anti-inflammatory properties so using it can help with the reduction of swelling and discomfort. This means that Epsom salt baths are great to use if you have foot problems like plantar fasciitis or arthritis.

Helps Reduce Stress

The benefits of Epsom salt are certainly down to the wonderful powers of magnesium as this element also plays a crucial role in the body’s stress response. This is because it helps to regulate the production of stress hormones like cortisol and promotes relaxation which obviously calms you.

So when you soak your feet in an Epsom salt bath it can help to relax tense muscles and tired feet which is instantly going to make you feel better.

Plus when I buy Epsom salts now they tend to have essential oils added to them such as lavender or chamomile which also have stress-relieving properties.

So the combination of taking time out for myself, the Epsom salt foot soak and the aromatherapy oils create a totally calming experience which can help alleviate stress and increase relaxation.

They Help Your Sleep

My other day job apart from being a content creator is working as a therapist and one of the biggest problems I see in my clinic is people who have problems with their sleep.

I know that a good sleep hygiene routine works wonders for a persons sleep and part of that could involve using an Epsom salt foot soak just before bed.

Think about it. If you are stressed after a long hard day at work and you know that Epsom salt baths or foot soaks can relax and calm your muscles that can help with getting you ready for bed.

Plus if you use Epsom foot soaks with essential oils that promote sleep such as lavender you will be ready to relax and fall asleep as soon as your head hits the pillow following your foot soak.

Epsom Salts Uses For Feet Include Improved Circulation

Whilst Epsom salts shouldn’t be a substitute for medical interventions they can be used as a complementary product to help improve your circulation.

The benefits of Epsom salt is that it contains magnesium sulfate and that helps to widen blood vessels which means that they can improve blood flow to the feet and legs.

Plus as I have already mentioned they are relaxing and when your muscles relax it is easier for blood to move into the blood vessels. When muscles are tense the opposite happens so Epsom salts alleviate constriction and increase circulation.

As I have already mentioned they can also help to reduce inflammation as well which can impede blood flow. By decreasing this inflammation they are helping better circulation and allowing blood to flow more freely into the body’s tissues.

Combating Foot Odor and Fungal Infections

If you have smelly feet or you regularly suffer from fungal infections like Athlete’s foot or toenail fungus then an Epsom salt foot soak can help.

Epsom salts have some anti-fungal properties so when you soak your feet in them (and dry them properly) you are helping to create an environment that is less conducive to fungal growth.

Epsom salts can also help reduce foot odor by drawing out bacteria that live on the skin. Bacteria love warm moist environments so soaking your feet in the salts helps to dry out the skin making it less hospitable to odor-causing bacteria.

Plus an Epsom salt foot soak keeps your feet clean on a really basic level which is obviously going to help with foot smells.

If you use Epsom salts with essential oils contained in them in your basin or foot spa that helps as well. I like to use ones with tea tree oil because they increase the positive impact on reducing foot odor and infections.

Using Epsom Salts For Feet Softens the Skin

Personally I use Epsom slat mainly for skin softening and exfoliation.

When I use an Epsom salt bath for my feet I let them soak for at least 20 minutes to help soften calluses. The salts make it easier for me to then use a foot exfoliator to remove the hard dead skin.

I also sometimes use an Epsom salts scrub and massage it into my feet to help with exfoliation and then rinse it off with warm water.

Just remember that Epsom salts can be drying so I always use a foot moisturiser like Bliss foot lotion after a foot soak.

Precautions When Using Epsom Salts For Foot Care

Whilst Epsom salts tend to be safe it is worth noting that there are some things you need to be aware about if you use them.

1. Skin sensitivity: If you have sensitive skin or allergies try and do a patch test first before using them on your feet for long periods. The last thing you want is to cause a rash or flare up.
2. Open wounds or cuts: Avoid using Epsom salts if you have open wounds, cuts, or irritated skin. The salts sting so I always wait until my skin has healed before using them in a foot bath.
3. Diabetes or circulatory issues: If you have diabetes or circulatory problems, consult with your healthcare provider before using Epsom salts on your feet. These conditions can affect circulation and nerve function in the feet, increasing the risk of complications from foot soaks or baths.
4. Hydration: I mentioned earlier that Epsom salts can be quite drying so moisturizing your skin after using them is really important. Try to limit using them to no more than a few times a week to avoid overexposure especially if you already have dry skin.

Remember if you have any underlying health issues especially with your feet check with your doctor or healthcare provider before using them.