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Bath Salts And Their Benefits
A fairly recent trend in Western society, bath salts have become popular among soaking enthusiasts for more benefits than the fun fizzy effect.
The benefits of using bath salts are quite extensive, and vary depending on which bath salt is used.
The most commonly found form of bath salt, Epsom salt, has been established as an effective aid to circulation and also has been used for many years as an exfoliant. Epsom salt is also extremely popular with its users for its muscular relaxation qualities. In fact, there's a laundry list of other things Epsom salt can be used for, including as a laxative and a fertilizer for plants. For more information on this miracle salt, consult the Epsom Salt Industry Council.
Are you an avid bather that also has a hard water problem? Bath salts are a simple and natural way to soften your water and will provide for a much better cleansing. When bathing in hard water, the calcium and magnesium are actually bonding with the soap you are using to form what is commonly known as soap scum. Yuck. You may not be as clean as you think! Adding bath salts causes the magnesium and calcium ions to be replaced with sodium ions, thereby softening your water and allowing you to achieve a much improved cleanliness.
Do you spend more time in the bath than you do at work? If so, you're no stranger to the "prune hand" effect that comes with being submerged for an extended amount of time. This can be combated with (you guessed it...) bath salts! The added sodium aids in a process called osmosis, which is basically a process involving the exchange of fluids through your skin. By adding these bath salts, you are effectively creating a barrier between your internal water and that which is surrounding you. Reducing the amount of time you spend looking like a California Raisin will greatly reduce the instance of wrinkles for years to come.
Still not sold? Many bath salt manufacturers have added all-natural essential oils to their products to further the benefits of their use. In addition the wonderful effects that bath salt can offer, you will also receive the added benefits from the essential oils.
Use a eucalyptus-infused bath salt to relieve your cold symptoms.
Use a bath salt infused with ylang ylang to ease tension and depression.
And finally, use a lavender-infused bath salt to just plain relax.
If you can't find a certain essential oil/salt combination, it is perfectly safe and simple to just add your own essential oils to a bath. As always, for more information on the wide variety of essential oils and what each one can offer, consult the EnvyMyHealth Essential Oils Guide.
For more on Bath Salts, visit the Bath Enhancement Channel
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