As a single mother of two sons, I do not have the means to afford quality insurance that covers essential healthcare that I need right now. While I have had many rounds of physical therapy, I have yet to be able to do the necessary rehab on my knees, which leaves me in great pain. Here are some of the injuries I have been dealing with so far:
- Impingement in the left shoulder
- Scar tissue buildup and limited range of motion in my right shoulder
- Pelvic floor muscle loss and nerve pain
- Sciatica on the lower left side of my back
- Limited range of motion in the neck
- Bunyon on the right foot
- Torn meniscus in the left knee
- Baker’s cyst on the back of left knee
- Torn meniscus in the right knee
- Baker’s cyst on the back of the right knee
As you can see, the bottom four issues deal with my knees. Just as I was about to start rehab and utilize a knee rehabilitation equipment device, my insurance changed, leaving me utilizing the homeopathic route.
When I was a student-athlete, there were many days when we were in spring training that I came home feeling very sore on every part of my body. It was then that my mom suggested Epsom salt baths. And wow, did they work well! Fast forward thirty-some years, and those old injuries are rearing their ugly heads. Back to the homeopathic drawing board!
Epsom salt baths help to relax my muscles while providing therapeutic support to my knees and joints. It has been an effective way to reduce the inflammation and stress in my body, which, in turn, is helping to manage the condition. Here are some key benefits of utilizing Epsom salt baths:
- Eases muscle tension, alleviates stress, and helps with muscle fatigue and body aches.
- Assists in regulating blood pressure when diluted in water.
- Can help reduce instances of constipation when mixed with water.
- Serves as a sleep aid when added to bathwater, though effects fade after 30 minutes
- Beneficial for the kidneys, liver, brain, and nervous system.
- May help clear mucus from the lungs when inhaled in some instances.
- Offers relief for psoriasis or dermatitis when applied topically.
- Keeps your skin smooth and soft.
- Acts as a laxative by increasing the water in your intestine and stimulating colonic muscle cells to promote bowel movements
Adding Epsom salt to bathwater does wonders for relaxing muscles and detoxifying your system by flushing out toxins. However, it’s crucial to remember that Epsom salt should only be used in bathwater. Using it elsewhere can harm various materials and surfaces.
*Note: All content within this article is meant for informational purposes only and is in no way a replacement for professional medical or psychological advice or support. Seek immediate and appropriate care from a healthcare professional should you deem it necessary.
Benefits of soaking in Epsom salt
Let’s dive a little deeper into the benefits of soaking in Epsom salt. Epsom salt boasts a range of benefits, largely thanks to its unique physical and chemical properties. One of its standout features is its ability to dissolve effortlessly in water without altering the water’s pH balance or mineral content. This dissolution process breaks the salt into anions (negative ions) and cations (positive ions), both of which offer substantial health benefits.
Rich in magnesium and sulfate ions, Epsom salt is particularly effective at easing muscle tension and enhancing blood flow to the muscles. Magnesium, a key component, plays a crucial role in activating vitamin D, which is essential for bone and muscle growth. Beyond its physical benefits, magnesium also has a calming effect on the nerves and can help alleviate symptoms of depression.
What makes Epsom salt genuinely remarkable is its affordability and accessibility, making it one of the most cost-effective options for addressing various health issues. Unlike other treatments, such as physiotherapy or medication, which may require time to show results, the benefits of Epsom salt can often be felt after just one use. It provides pain relief without the need for drugs, making it a natural and effective alternative.
As discussed, Epsom salt is used as an additive in bath water, helping to relieve skin conditions like dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis by reducing itching. Additionally, it can be applied to eyelids to decrease puffiness around the eyes.
While it’s true that Epsom salt treatments might take longer compared to other methods, their slow absorption through the skin allows the beneficial compounds to penetrate deeper tissue layers, offering longer-lasting relief.
Beyond its medical uses, Epsom salt also finds applications in the kitchen. It can be mixed with fruit juice or other beverages and added to baked goods like cakes and cookies to enhance their moisture. It also serves as a thickening agent in salad dressings and soups.
Moreover, Epsom salt has practical uses in gardening. When dissolved in water and sprayed onto plants, it acts as a natural pesticide to deter pests such as aphids and spider mites.
Epsom salt is a versatile and affordable solution for a variety of health and everyday needs, making it an invaluable addition to one’s life.
Natural remedies for knee pain and inflammation
Well, we have talked about the uses of Epsom salt baths and their benefits as a natural remedy; let’s see what other natural courses we can take to remedy knee pain and inflammation.
According to Medical News Today, they suggest the following natural ways to address knee pain, “
- Physical activity
- Strengthening exercises
- Posture and support
- Weight loss and diet
- Medications (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory)
- Massage
- Aromatherapy preparations
- Protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation (PRICE)
- Heat and cold packs
- Climate
- Acupuncture
- Tai chi
- Medical Marijuana
- Apple cider vinegar and other foods,”
Can a knee injury be repaired with Epsom salt baths?
In summary, while Epsom salt baths offer significant benefits in alleviating muscle pain and reducing inflammation, they are unlikely to completely repair severe knee injuries like torn menisci or Baker’s cysts. Integrating Epsom salt soaks with other natural remedies and under professional guidance can provide holistic support and potentially enhance your rehab efforts. Always consult a healthcare professional to tailor the best treatment plan for your specific needs.