Epsom Salt Bath Benefits

Although the claim that you can absorb magnesium and sulfate through your skin is unproven, just soaking in warm water does have some health benefits.

Muscle soreness and pain 

Soaking in an Epsom salt bath has long been considered a way to ease muscle soreness and pain. The research on this is limited. Some experts believe that the relief people find may be related to the warm water rather than the Epsom salt. 

Inflammation

Some people claim that an Epsom salt bath can reduce inflammation in your body. A few studies have found that increasing magnesium in your diet may ease heart disease and some other conditions related to inflammation, but it's not clear that soaking in magnesium sulfate will have the same effect.

Fibromyalgia

It's not clear exactly what causes this disorder. Symptoms include widespread pain, trouble sleeping, fatigue, and memory problems. Taking an Epsom salt bath may ease your pain.

Skin health

In general, a bath can help your skin in many ways. It hydrates your skin, which is good for conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. It also can help remove excess skin, such as scales that form when you have psoriasis. An Epsom salt bath may improve symptoms of psoriasis, eczema, or other conditions that cause itching.

Detoxification 

You might see claims that an Epsom salt bath can "detox" your body by pulling harmful substances to the surface. However, the research doesn't really support the idea that you can remove toxins from your body this way.

Managing stress

A soak in a hot bath may relieve stress -- with or without Epsom salts. Some research indicates that magnesium as a supplement to your diet has helpful effects on depression.

Sleep

Can an Epsom salt bath help you sleep? Reducing your stress can be a path to better sleep, and a warm Epsom salts bath may help lower your stress level. Researchers have looked at whether adding magnesium to your diet could improve sleep. The results so far have not been conclusive.

Foot pain and fatigue

One small study of people with lupus suggested soaking in Epsom salts might improve fatigue. Another study found that Epsom salt soaks helped reduce swelling in feet during pregnancy.