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Every night right before I go to bed you can find me doing an Epsom salt foot soak. I’ve seen such great benefits from doing it, I hardly ever skip a night! It’s super easy to make and quick to do.
Epsom salt baths are fantastic for relaxing your whole body and getting the benefits of magnesium, but if you don’t have time to take a bath you can pretty much get the same benefits by doing an Epsom salt foot soak. You don’t need a tub, so it’s very convenient to do anytime and anywhere.
Why Use Epsom Salt:
MAGNESIUM
Epsom salts provide many health benefits. When added to water, the minerals are easily absorbed through your skin. Which is the best way to boost your magnesium (aside from through food). Sometimes getting the magnesium transdermally can be a good way because it is less affected by activity in your gut, from things like stomach acids and digestive enzymes. When the liver and stomach are bypassed more of the magnesium can go directly into the bloodstream.
Most of us need to increase our magnesium because it is estimated that at least 50% of Americans are deficient in this mineral. Magnesium can get depleted whenever we are under stress or have anxiety.
One study found that a daily 20 minute Epsom salt foot soak resulted in a significant increase in individuals overall magnesium level in 4 weeks.
Since Epsom salt increases your magnesium, it has also been found correspondingly helpful in increasing the level of serotonin in your brain, which is a “happy” chemical and this helps make your feel good and relaxed!
Cardiovascular benefits of Epsom Salts
Epsom salts may also help your cardiovascular system by improving circulation, elasticity of the arteries, and lowering your inflammation. It can even help lower your blood pressure! When your arteries benefit, then you reduce the risk of blood clots, accumulation of plaque and lessen any damage that may happen to the arterial wall. To get these full benefits you may want to try a bath.
Additional Benefits Include:
- Flush out toxins
- Increase and absorb magnesium
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Relieve muscle aches, pain, and cramping
- Eliminates odors
- Treats foot fungus
- Helps regulate blood sugar
The benefits I’ve seen from doing Epsom salt foot soaks:
Every time I do an Epsom salt foot soak, I feel a difference in just 20 minutes of soaking my feet! I notice I feel less stressed and more relaxed. Since I started doing one every night, my sleep has also improved. I get to sleep easier and don’t wake up as often in the middle of the night.
How to Do an Epsom Salt Foot Soak:
What you need:
- A large container of any kind big enough to soak your feet in (I use a plastic bin)
- 1/4 cup of Epsom salts
- Warm water (Not too hot, or you won’t get the optimum benefits)
For additional benefits you may also want to add ( I only add these occasionally, once a month)
- You can add essential oils, like a drop or two of lavender. Lavender gives a soothing and calming effect which aids in relaxation. This is especially helpful to use near bed time. Many find it help them get to sleep easier.
- Some like to add in ginger or cayenne to help boost the detoxifying benefits.
- A few tablespoons of baking soda can also be added to help with detoxification and also soften your skin.
Steps:
1. Add the Epsom salt to your container and add warm water from your sink or tub (enough so that the water will come up to your ankles when you put your feet in).
2. Find a comfy spot to do the Epsom salt foot soak because you need to do it for at least 30 minutes. I like to sit in a comfy chair and watch TV while soaking my feet.
How Long Should you the Epsom Salt Foot Soak and How Often?
I typically do an Epsom salt foot soak for 30 to 45 minutes every night or at least a few times a week. Some recommend doing it for at least a full 40 minutes in order to allow your body time to get rid of the toxins and fully absorb the magnesium.
I was just wondering if anyone purifies the water first? or uses sterile water? Since tap water has impurities, even low bacterial levels etc. Theres also low (legally acceptable) levels of heavy metals in all tap water. Even lead, at very low levels is found in almost every city. So shouldn’t it be sterilized if the goal is to expel toxins? Just wondering if that matters
That would be great if you have a way to purify it.
im going to try epsom foot bath . i have a callous on the bottom of my foot plus develop pain on the bone right below my big toe !
Epsom salt foot soaks are the best!
Wonderful information. I must congratulate you guys for this awesome content you have shared here.
Actually, I’m using spa foot massage for now to eliminating odors & to improve blood circulation for awhile. But the thing you shared here seems good & It works at the very cheap effort. So, I would like to switch my existing massager to this Epsom Salt Foot Soak.
Glad you found it helpful!
Are Epsom foot baths helpful for neuromas?
esom footh baths ohlpful rng neuromas?
Hi. Have you ever heard of someone having a bad reaction to it ? I have started a few weeks ago with hot epsom salt foot baths in a foot tub that has bubbles and keeps the water warm. I start with hot water thinking it was best. And I have been adding a half cup or more of Epsom salts. A week or so later I come down with a gout like feeling in my right big toe but it’s in the bendy joint which isn’t typical. I have never had gout like this. I have had some feeling of ache in that toe but never a full blown attack. So I have been trying to get rid of that the last few days with everything recommended like celery juice and cherries etc etc. and then did another salt bath yesterday after work and then overnight my left foot in the second third toe main joints are in excruciating pain and stiff I can barely walk. I am thinking I have been doing too many and too hot of baths maybe or I am having a reaction to them. I have maybe been doing one every couple days but probably for at least an hour. And since the supposed hour flare up I have done it once a day I think.
Sorry to hear that. Have you ever had gout before? Maybe it was a coincidence? I haven’t heard of a connection, but anything is possible.
When I soak for a sprained ankle or gout or plantar fasciitis (whatever it is that attacks my ankle upon waking up in the morning) I soak in a small tub but I tie a washcloth around my ankle and pack it with epsom during the soak so there is salt packed against my ankle. When the crystals are dissolved, I load a bit more in. Do you think this is helpful?
Yes, many use it for sprained ankles.
I use a igloo playmate cooler for size 11 shoe size with room to spare, also it holds temp a bit and can be covered and carried easy!
Awesome great idea!
i like to try epsom salts esentiel magnesium sulfate b.p can send me sample my address 3-B GUILLEMARD ROAD
SINGAPORE 399684
u can buy at any guardian pharmacy dear
I am going to try this…soak my feet in warm epsom salt while watching the evening news at 6:30. I will also be eating a can of no salt beets at the same time. Hope this lowers my blood pressure…I don’t like taking blood pressure meds.
Foot soaks are so relaxing 🙂
started magnesium foot bath not that long ago and can’t say I notice much difference. perhaps i wasn’t that deficient but I still don’t fall asleep easily or feel muscles relaxed the way it’s put on here. Sorry.
That’s OK. Everyone is different. Thanks for sharing your results.
Hi, thanks for the information and so many wonderful feedbacks. I have just started using it today and I hope I can also feedback something wonderful ✌
I.am.vitamin d defiecient so it is crucial i supplement with magnesuim as a cofactor. I use foot baths couple times a week , really need to bump that up to daily. O dont take well to oral magnesuim supplements or the oil sprays. Having a coconut water with potassuim before or during or after is also good .
Just seeing this article now. Thank you for posting it. Would you have any idea how many mg of magnesium might be absorbed into the body after a 1/2 hour foot soak? Thanks.
Curious of this myself
i have nuropate in my feet. i tried the epson salt treatment for the first time and i see good results so far and i am up tight
I have a small amount and I hope I get some relief with only half a cup.
Hope it works for you!
can you post the studies that show it increased mag levels?
Sure! : http://www.epsomsaltcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/report_on_absorption_of_magnesium_sulfate.pdf
Hi i work in a factory wearing steele toes boots and standing for 8 hrs. My feet pains so much like there’s fire under my foot bottom and its very unbearable.
Will epsom salt helps and do you have any other suggestions that will help my feet for the long 8 hrs.
Angelique
The Epsom salts help relax the muscles. It’s very soothing and helps me when I have any soreness.
i have a foot bath and i use vit C in the bath water to take out the chlorine when i use epson salts. should i put some in my foot bath to remove the chlorine?
Sure you can add some. I would add it first though.
You might also benefit from orthopedic inserts in those boots. My feet used to kill me from standing for long periods of time as well. I found out I didn’t have such a great arch and the inserts have helped a lot.
Perhaps the application of a cooling pain relieving gel such as Biofreeze or Cryoderm to the bottom of your feet will be soothing. If pain persists, then speak with your Dr. re prescription Voltaren gel.
Which toxins are you speaking of, that will be “flushed” out of the body? I asked my physician this question and he started laughing.
This post has more details about the removal of toxins: http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400545/Salt-Soak-for-Detox.html
Okay thanks. I’m familiar with Dr. Weil.
Hi Lori, I am unclear. I looked at the Dr. Weil post that you recommended; however, Dr. W. indicates that there is no proof that Epsom baths remove toxins ??? Thank you.
I am an RN and most main-stream physicians think anything done without drugs is hocus pocus. If a doctor laughs at a “natural remedy”, it is time to consider looking for a new doctor. I worked as a critical care nurse for several years and never witnessed true health until I got sick and regained my health with natural remedies, proper nutrition and lifestyle changes and then started helping others to regain their health with natural means. Listen to common sense and the healthiest people on this planet, and no, they aren’t taking any medication!
Going to try soaking my feet in Epsom salt today. Thanks for the tip using 1/4 cup. I added baking soda as well and 5 drops of Lavendar EO…just waiting for the water to cool down 😛
By teh way, I like your basin alot. Where did you buy it?
Thank you! I got it at Target. Let us know how the foot soak worked for you 🙂
what about being dibeic
I had a stress fracture on my right foot last winter. I thought I dropped something on top of my foot while in my garage in extremely cold weather. Now I have a stress fracture on my left foot, I bought better, supportive orthopedic shoes but am in so much pain I can hardly walk. I have benen using a boot, icing and elevating but it is achy and painful. Enter the foot bath . Ahhh. wow, nothing has helped but the foot bath. I am finally enjoying a moment not trying to ignore the pain.
So happy the Epsom salt foot bath is helping.
Can you do this while pregnant?
I would check with your doctor just to be safe.
I have some excema below my knee.Will eps salt soaks help
Can lupus and Reynards sufferers use Epsom foot soak ?
I would ask your physician just to be safe 🙂
I do. Just make sure the water is not too hot and not too cold and it shoukd not trigger either flareup. Also consider adding magnesium oil to water instead of magnesium sulfate if by any chance the epson salts dont agree with you. Us rheumatic disease folk are so unpredictably sensitive
I really need to give this a try. I have dry, cracking heels, and may add some coconut oil just for a boost of softening. I’m interested in the magnesium absorption factor too. My blood pressure is having a hard time coming back down after a third round of preeclampsia with my fourth baby and it would be so great if something as simple as a foot soak could help my blood pressure! Do you just let the water get cool? It doesn’t need to stay warm the whole time?
Adding coconut oil is a great idea! You can definitely let it cool. I don’t like to make mine too hot.
Thank you for your blog!! Since January I’ve had 2 severe toenail infections on the same toe – I’m enduring the 2nd infection as we speak and will be trying the Epsom foot soak. But until this year, nothing like this has ever happened to me!! Any idea what may cause my toe to all of a sudden become severely infected not just once but twice in 2 months?? So painful!!
I had a toenail infection once. I’m not sure what the cause is. I haven’t had one since (knock on wood). Let us know how the Epsom salt foot soak works for you.
I have foot pain from a benign tumor that causes a tremor in my foot which causes my toes to cramp up and I’m wondering if the salt will help with the cramping. I’m getting salt this week.
Hope it helps when you get the salts. Does soaking in a regular bath help at all too?
I have eczema on the bottom of my feet. Soaking helps my feet but I can’t dry my skin out for this will make the condition worse.
Won’t Epson salt soaking cause the skin to get dry?
I haven’t experienced dry skin from it myself. Maybe try using coconut oil after?
Hi! I have to admit, I am so confused right now because I assumed that a plastic tub/foot bath would be toxic while detoxing. Wouldn’t clays and essential oils pull out toxins from the plastic? Can you safely detox the feet in a plastic tub? This contradicts everything I have been taught, but I hope I am wrong because I truly want to invest in a foot bath/tub and start doing foot detoxing and plastic tends to be the only thing out there. Any information is much appreciated! Please educate me on this:)
Interesting! Probably glass or stainless steel would be best. But, I’ve had a hard time finding a container that’s large enough.
I am going to try a large stainless roasting pan and will reserve it just for foot soaks!
That’s a great idea!
Ditto!
how many times a day to soak an injured (from falling) foot? Thanks, Ann
When I injured my toe, I soaked it 2 times a day.