Everything You Need to Know About Bath Salts

Most of us use bath salts as just a means to improve a relaxing soak in the bath, however bath salts have been thought to give some significant health benefits for those with: joint pain and stiffness, migraine headaches, insomnia and low blood pressure. A natural detox bath is typically made of Dead Sea salt. However, if you’re not familiar with salts in general, or with Dead Sea salt in particular, it may be worth your while to learn a thing or two about bath salts before starting your own relaxing bath salts experience. Here’s how.

Not all bath salts contain the same ingredients. While they do share some common ingredients such as sodium bicarbonate, glycerin, lavender and other natural fragrances, they are not all created equally. Most brands will list the ingredients on the label or web page, but if there are any ingredients you aren’t familiar with, it’s okay – there’s no reason you have to assume they’re bad. In fact, there are some brands that claim their products are made from organic or natural ingredients, so you can rest assured knowing your next bath salts experience will be safe and satisfying.

When we talk about the “natural” bath salts crowd, our minds first turn to Dead Sea salt, which has long been recognized for its healthful properties. As with many natural or “organic” foods, Dead Sea salt is high in fat and magnesium, both of which are known to help treat conditions such as high blood pressure and arthritis. It’s also been proven that bath salts containing magnesium can aid in relaxing the muscles and soft tissue of the body. As well as being full of healthy fats and vitamins, these bath salts can also be full of trace minerals, including calcium and potassium. Calcium and potassium are essential for good bone health, and a bath salt full of these minerals can help make your bath salts soothing and refreshing… and maybe even improve your skin tone!

Of course, there are other bath salts out there, such as lavender, which has been used for hundreds of years to help soothe and calm skin, as well as help relieve skin irritations and rashes. If you look online, you’ll find there are also bath salts with added herbal remedies, such as aloe vera and chamomile. Both of these herbs have been used to treat skin conditions for centuries, and many of these herbs can be found right in your local grocery store!

If you have a more sensitive skin, there are bath salts out there that contain anti-inflammatory herbs, such as turmeric and rosemary. These can relieve symptoms of both arthritis and eczema. They can also help to relieve the pain of a sunburn, and can be used on cuts and scrapes. If you’re taking medication that your doctor has prescribed, be sure to read the ingredients on the medicine before using it on your body!

The most popular bath salts you’ll find are those that include ingredients like witch hazel, Celtic sea salt, and ginger root. They come in liquid or gel form and can be used hot or cold. Most of them will need to be soaked in hot water for the best effects, though some of them can be directly applied to the skin. All of these ingredients work together to bring relief to dry skin, itching, burning, and cracking. They’re even great for fighting colds and flu!

Now, if you find that none of these bath salts seem to work for you, there are bath salts containing organic essential oils that work just as well. Some of the oils are known for their antibacterial properties, while others have antiseptic properties. Oils are very similar to the oils used in bathing products, only they’ve been extracted from plants instead of petroleum byproducts. If you use bath salts with organic essential oils, make sure you read about their safety before using them. Always dilute oils before applying to sensitive skin.

Organic bath salts can be a natural alternative to expensive bath products and offer an inexpensive way to add relaxation and health to your bathing experience. If you’re looking for ways to relax, bath salts can help, but so can bath oil and body scrub products. You should always mix a small amount of one oil with one bath salt (or bath oil or soap) to get the full benefits. It’s just a matter of personal preference.