You may have heard about Epsom salt in many healthy and beauty aisles, but have you ever wondered what it really is? And most importantly, is there a good connection between Epsom salt and pregnancy?

What is Epsom Salt

Epsom salt is actually a compound of magnesium and sulfate that occurs naturally. It is named after a bitter salt spring in Surrey, England. It has been used for so long in alternative medicine as remedy for many illnesses, not to mention its use in household maintenance and gardening.

How Does It Work

Its chemical structure allows Epsom salt to be easily absorbed through the pores on your skin. When mixed with water, it breaks down into magnesium and sulfate, rendering it absorbable and usable by the body. Given the medical benefits, making use of Epsom salt in baths is an efficient way to deliver supplemental magnesium to your cells. Magnesium has a vital role in maintaining body processes, including reducing inflammation, cell growth, and detoxification.

Epsom Salt Baths and Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be a very stressful time in a your life, both in emotional and physical aspects. Carrying around a growing child means that your body has to keep up with the demands of both your body and your baby's. Sometimes, pregnancy can take its toll and cause certain uncomfortable sensations such as tension headaches, sore muscles, and digestion problems, just to name a few. This is where the use of Epsom salt while pregnant comes in useful.

1. Muscle Soreness

The increasing demands that come with pregnancy can sometimes mean that your body systems may be deficient in raw materials needed for every day processes. This may manifest in the form of cramps and muscle soreness. Magnesium in itself relaxes muscles by stabilizing microscopic fibers that make up individual muscle groups. The entry of magnesium by way of the skin through the use of healing Epsom salt baths could aid in the relief of soreness and cramps associated with carrying around the increasing weight in your tummy.

2. Stress

The surge of hormones along with the societal demands associated with pregnancy can surely cause anxiety and stress for new and longtime mothers alike. During this time, emotional lability and mental overdrive can be very evident and problematic not only for you, but also to the people you care about. With the help of being in an Epsom salt bath while pregnant, one could allay stress in the same way Epsom salt relaxes muscle fibers. It enters the body and prevents the neurons from being too excitable, giving a sensation of calmness. Of course, when done at the perfect water temperature, an Epsom salt bath is an instant relief to stress.

3. Digestive Problems

Along with the alterations in the hormones and enzymes in your body, the increasing size of your womb could cause problems in processing the food you eat. Manifestations of this can range from excess vomiting to constipation. With the help of magnesium and sulfate salts, you can relieve yourself from uncomfortable gut problems. Aside from calming down the muscular and neurological components of your digestive system, it can also replace electrolyte deficits associated with gastrointestinal losses, such as vomiting.

4. Detoxification

Research has shown that the presence of certain ions such as magnesium and sulfate in a water solution can aid in ridding the body of harmful toxins. These electrolytes draw out all the harmful by-products of metabolism, which are notably increased because of the efforts of your body to maintain the pregnancy. It is also worthy to note that because the drawing out of toxins from the body is coupled with a gradual entry of the needed compounds and ions through the skin, having an Epsom salt bath while pregnant is relatively safe.

5. Hemorrhoids

Remember the thing we said about muscle relaxation and neuron stabilization brought about by magnesium? Pretty much the same thing goes with magnesium and blood vessels! This means that having an Epsom salt bath while having hemorrhoids, especially among pregnant women, is quite helpful. The pain in hemorrhoids is actually explained by a defect in the vascular components of the structures located at the anal area. In the presence of magnesium and with the right amount of heat from a comforting bath, veins in this area tend to relax. Blood flow is also improved, thereby contributing to its healing effects.

Other Uses of Epsom Salt

Do you still have a lot of Epsom salt lying around? This product is so versatile, you do not have to worry about tossing them in the trash unused!

1. Cosmetic Uses

The compounds found in each grain of Epsom salt can be used for cosmetic purposes, such as hair volumizing and maintaining skin moisture. Its abrasive texture can also make it effective as a skin exfoliant. Soaking your hands and feet in a warm Epsom salt solution is even known to easily soften callus and treat ingrown toenails.

2. Domestic Uses

Other domestic uses for Epsom salt makes it a good thing keep around the house. This product can be used to fertilize plants, clean tiles and bathroom fixtures, and even kill slugs and insects! https://goo.gl/images/CC1e6e

In Summary

Becoming a mother is a very challenging, but exciting aspect of a woman's life. Taking care of business at home adds a unique sense of responsibility on top of childbearing. It is very helpful to own something that is versatile and safe to use at home. Putting this in mind, it is not difficult to place the idea of Epsom salt and pregnancy together.