4 Salts to Consider For Your Next Bath

The most basic bath salt is Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate (sulphate if you're British English) and comes in different "grades" for different applications. Pick up a huge bag at your local Rx store and you're set for a while. Epsom salt has been shown to help soothe sore muscles and tired feet, as well as reduce swelling from minor sprains and bruises. It is also the base for most branded bath salts, bath soaks, and any other name you want to give them.

Epsom salt originated from Epsom, England, back in Shakespeare's day. And includes the term "salt" in reference to the specific chemical structure of the compound, rather than the crystalline structure, which has an appearance similar to table salt.

Some bath salts contain a variety of different cosmetic agents including additional salts, oils, botanicals and ingredients for show, such as colorants and/or glitter. Below are some common salts used in soaks for destress and rejuvenation

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Salts to Consider

Dead Sea Salt comes from the saline marshes of the Dead Sea. It is extracted and solar dried creating one of the best therapeutic salts available. It can be used for treating skin problems such as acne, psoriasis and cellulite, as well as muscle ache and arthritis. This salt is for cosmetic use only and should not be consumed. 

Black Lava Salt originates from Hawaii and is sometimes called Hawaiian Black Salt. It is sea salt that has been mixed with activated charcoal, and carries its name in color too. This salt offers essential minerals for regulating fluids, improving brain function, and providing muscle cramp relief. The activated charcoal adds additional benefits of assisting with removing toxins, fighting premature aging and assisting with treating gas and bloating.

Himalayan Pink Salt is a rock salt that has been extracted from the foothills of the Himalayas in the Punjab region of Pakistan. Himalayan pink salt has been shown to support relaxing muscles, maintaining proper fluid balance, preventing dehydration and preventing low blood pressure. This salt contains trace minerals including potassium, magnesium and calcium, which give this salt its light pink tint.

Red Alaea Salt is another salt that comes from the Hawaiian islands. It has a gorgeous deep red color from mixing with red volcanic clay and the high amounts of iron in the clay. There are up to 80 different naturally occurring minerals.

What to Use

So what's the best combination for your bath? Well, that's going to be different for every individual, but try one, two, or try them all. And no matter what you choose, lay back, relax and enjoy your soak.

Healthcare Disclaimer: Content on this site is for reference purposes only. Writers for OAK Apothecary are NOT Medical Doctors, and posts have not been reviewed by medical providers. Information gathered on this site should be taken as guidance only, and not replace actual medical advice.