As naturopaths, we are always recommending our clients to take time out for themselves to relax and unwind from their busy lives. This not only provides amazing benefits for their nervous system but can also have a huge impact on their hormonal health too. Epsom bath salts are ancient healing practice that has been carried into modern times for their many healing benefits including calming the mind and nourishing the nervous system.
What are Epsom Salts?
Although this mineral is called a salt, it is not actually a salt at all. It is a naturally occurring mineral compound made up of magnesium and sulphate. Epsom salts can be used externally to relax muscles and reduce aches and pains, draw toxins from the body, relax the nervous system, improve skin health, and soothe back pain and aching muscles.
How can an Epsom Salt bath benefit my hormonal health?
Implementing daily stress techniques like an Epsom salt bath, can be vital for supporting healthy hormonal balance. When we are stressed our Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal Axis (HPA axis) becomes activated triggering the classic “fight or flight” response. When the HPA axis is in overdrive, this can cause havoc on our reproductive hormones and lead to impairing ovulation.
One hormone that particularly bears the brunt of stress is progesterone. This is because we produce cortisol and progesterone from the same hormonal precursor- pregnenolone. When we are stressed, our bodies go into survival mode and will prioritise cortisol rather than progesterone. Over time this can lead to ovulation issues, fertility problems and menstrual cycle irregularities due to progesterone lowering and being unable to rise back up due to the stress response.
When you soak in Epsom salts, your body absorbs the magnesium, allowing for overall mind and body benefits. We also love combining Epsom salts with some healing herbs such as soothing lavender and chamomile. We recommend an Epsom salt bath in the evening before bed 2-3 times per week to replenish magnesium stores, calm the nervous system, promote sleep, and relieve sore muscles and stiff joints.
Bath Bliss Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups of Epsom salt
- ½ cup lavender flowers
- ½ cup chamomile flowers
- ¼ lemon balm leaves
- Sprig of rosemary
*Can use essential oils instead of dried herbs
Equipment
- Cheesecloth drawstring bag
Method
- Mix together the herbs and 1 cup of the Epsom salt.
- Tie the bag to the tap so the hot water can run through it.
- Pour the other cup of Epsom salt into the bathtub and fill the bath. Once full, let the herbal bath bag float in the bath.
- Relax in your dreamy herbal bath for 20-30 minutes.
