5 Creative Ideas Using Bath Salt For Body Care

Illustration (Roberto Nickson/Unsplash)

JAKARTA - Different from ordinary table salt, bath salt or bath salt is generally made from Epsom salt and sea salt. Epsom salt itself is a source of magnesium sulfate which offers many benefits, including lowering blood pressure and reducing skin inflammation. Not just for relaxation, here are various creative ways to use bath salt at home.

Detox Bath

The minerals in the Epsom salt bath can "attract" toxins that are trapped in the body. In addition to detoxification, this bathing ritual can also overcome constipation, relieve stress, and accelerate weight loss if you are on a program. If done regularly, this detox bath ritual with Epsom salt will also make the body fitter.

The method:

- Dissolve two cups of Epsom salt for a standard sized bathtub. Be sure to pour it right in the water stream so the salt dissolves faster.

- Add lavender or peppermint essential oil for added relaxation and relief.

- Soak for 15 minutes, or 20 minutes if you are constipated.

Stretching Muscles

Bath salts can also be used to relax tense muscles and reduce inflammation.

The method:

- Dissolve two cups of Epsom salt in warm water in the bath tub.

- Add two drops of cinnamon bark essential oil. In addition to providing a warm feeling, cinnamon bark also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve muscle pain.

- Soak for 12 minutes.

For Irritated Skin

Salt water is known to relieve irritation and inflammation of the skin caused by eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, to fungal infections.

The method:

- Dissolve one cup of Epsom salt/sea salt/table salt into the bathtub for a full body soak.

- Make sure the water is room temperature.

- Add three to four drops of tea tree oil. The antiseptic and antimicrobial properties of tea tree are effective in treating minor skin infections naturally.

- Soak for 20 minutes.

For Dry and Itchy Skin

You can use a salt water bath to treat dry and itchy skin, including itching caused by insect bites.

The method:

- Put one to two cups of Epsom salt / sea salt / table salt into the bath tub.

- Make sure the water is room temperature.

- Pour a tablespoon of olive oil and stir by hand until completely mixed with the salt water. You can also use almond oil and oatmeal to soothe and moisturize your skin more intensely.

- Soak for 12 minutes, two to three times a week.

Foot Bath

One more trick without a bathtub. Take advantage of bath salts for a foot bath. In addition to providing relaxation benefits, this method can also help soften dry, rough and cracked heels, and get rid of unpleasant odors.

The method:

- Dissolve half a cup of Epsom salt or sea salt in a large bowl of warm water.

- Add a few drops of tea tree oil to get rid of bacteria and soak for 15 minutes.

- If you have gout, soak for 30 minutes without adding oil.