Epsom Salts

[itself]

As I have been training for a Century ride, I made sure to pick up a lot of Epsom Salts to do some nice soaks in the tub. I can't say enough about how simple and how well they work.

If you have some aches and pain, give them a try!

[pinkychique]

I LOVE epsom salts!! A good long soak in them is so nice. Good on the saddle sores too

[Biciclista]

so what exactly are epsom salts? I Looked it up in wikipedia:

Magnesium sulfate is used in bath salts, particularly in flotation therapy where high concentrations raise the bath water's specific gravity, effectively making the body more buoyant. This property is also used to restore some Lava lamps damaged by being shaken by exchanging the water and adding drops of a concentrated solution until sustainable buoyancy is reached. Traditionally, it is also used to prepare foot baths, intended to soothe sore feet. The reason for the inclusion of the salt is partially cosmetic: the increase in ionic strength prevents some of the temporary skin wrinkling ("pruning" – partial maceration) which is caused by prolonged immersion of extremities in pure water. However, magnesium sulfate can also be absorbed into the skin, reducing inflammation. It is also sometimes found in bottled mineral water, and accordingly is sometimes listed in the contents thereof. It may also be used as a coagulant for making tofu.[4]

[Eden]

Good on the saddle sores too

owie, owie, owie... you are talking about sitbone soreness and not open saddle sores I'm guessing? Salt in saddle sores hurts!

[zoom-zoom]

When I first sprained my ankle I LOVED soaking in epsom solution. REALLY brought down the pain and swelling. Now I wish I'd known about it when I was training for marathons and doing ice baths (ie our super cold tap water) after long runs. I'll bet a cup or two of epsom salts in the bath would have added extra relief.

[itself]

Just a friendly reminder that from what I have read, you should only soak in epsom salts for 10 minutes. After this time, the toxins are reabsorbed into the body. A bummer as I like long soaks!

[redrhodie]

Where did you read that? I haven't heard that before. There are no warnings for length of time of a soak on the carton. I've been soaking for a half hour 3 times per week for years.

[westtexas]

Just a friendly reminder that from what I have read, you should only soak in epsom salts for 10 minutes. After this time, the toxins are reabsorbed into the body. A bummer as I like long soaks!

What toxins?

[Susan]

I never heard of this before - how do you use it - how much do you put into the water?

[pll]

Where did you read that? I haven't heard that before. There are no warnings for length of time of a soak on the carton. I've been soaking for a half hour 3 times per week for years.

@Itself linked this web page elsewhere:

http://www.ehow.com/way_5585341_long...alt-bath_.html

A little googling showed that has made it to the Livestrong web site, too, and the source of the 10 minute recommendation seems to be this newsletter article:

http://www.achs.edu/news/news-detail.aspx?nid=48

It does not cite any research.

[redrhodie]

@Itself linked this web page elsewhere:

http://www.ehow.com/way_5585341_long...alt-bath_.html

A little googling showed that has made it to the Livestrong web site, too, and the source of the 10 minute recommendation seems to be this newsletter article:

http://www.achs.edu/news/news-detail.aspx?nid=48

It does not cite any research.

Thank you.

[itself]

Here is the article I was referring to:

http://www.ehow.com/way_5585341_long...alt-bath_.html

I think they may be referring to toxins like lactic acid build up. With injuries too, there may be certain toxins that build up in the injured area. I'm no expert in this area.

[TsPoet]

Here is the article I was referring to:

http://www.ehow.com/way_5585341_long...alt-bath_.html

I think they may be referring to toxins like lactic acid build up. With injuries too, there may be certain toxins that build up in the injured area. I'm no expert in this area.

It's crap like this that...
Oh, never mind.
But please forget the whole "toxins" word and concept, it's .... sorry can't think of a word that's appropriate for this forum.

[Sky King]

My fave, is DR Teal's Epsom salt soaking solution with Eucalyptus and Spearmint but our new live/work condo doesn't have a tub so have to find a deep bucket now ~

[Owlie]

It's crap like this that...
Oh, never mind.
But please forget the whole "toxins" word and concept, it's .... sorry can't think of a word that's appropriate for this forum.

I'm with you on that.