How much Epsom salt for a foot soak?

Epsom salt is a well-known treatment for muscle pain and tension. Epsom salt foot soaks are used to treat a variety of foot problems. It comes in grades from 1 to 6 pounds and also has 2 types (pure form and industrial use grade), but how much Epsom salt do you need for a foot soak?

In this article, we will discuss what Epsom salt is, how to use it for a foot soak, how much of it you actually need, and the risks involved in using this. Stick around to the end of this article to get all the answers you want. 

What is Epsom salt?

Epsom salt is a magnesium sulfate-based natural substance with a crystalline form. Epsom salt has been used to treat a range of diseases, including pain, for hundreds of years.

Many of the medical claims, however, are based on an inadequate study. It is mostly added to hot baths and foot soaks to reduce stress. It is also a popular remedy for muscle aches. 

How to make a foot soak using Epsom salt

Follow these easy steps to produce an Epsom salt foot soak:

• Warm the water in your bathtub or basin until it’s deep enough to cover your feet.
• To the warm water, add 1/2 cup Epsom salt.
• Twice a week, soak your feet for 30 to 60 minutes.
• Consider adding a few drops of diluted lavender, peppermint, or eucalyptus essential oil to your foot soak for an aromatherapy boost.
  • After you’ve soaked your feet, make sure they’re well moisturized.
  • Dry skin, especially on your feet, might result from this type of treatment. To avoid cracked skin and irritation, hydrate your skin after an Epsom salt foot bath.
  • If you get pain, redness, or sores before or after using a foot bath, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss other options.

How much Epsom salt do I need for a foot soak?

There are 2 forms of Epsom salt: USP (pure) and Agricultural (industrial grade). The USP is usually meant for personal use and self-care.

Make sure you purchase Epsom salts for foot soaks that are meant for humans. Although all Epsom salts include magnesium sulfate, manufacturers make a variety of salts for various uses. 

Just as it was mentioned earlier under how to prepare Epsom salt for a foot soak, you will need a half cup of Epsom salt when you want to prepare the Epsom salt for a foot soak.

According to the Epsom salt weight calculator, one US cup of Epsom salt weighs about 0.88lbs which translates to about 397.47g. Hence, in other to get the half cup of Epsom salt for the foot soak, you can use 198.73g of Epsom salt.

The volume of water to which you have to add the 397.47g of Epsom salt should be enough to cover your whole feet up to the ankle level.

What are the benefits of Epsom salt foot soak?

Epsom salt has many health benefits. It is most notably known for relieving stress and muscle aches. Below are some of the numerous health benefits of Epsom salt foot soaks.

Treating fungal infection

Epsom salt has traditionally been used to treat wounds and infections, but it should be used with caution because it might aggravate the wound.

Epsom salt can be used to draw out the infection and soften the skin to help improve pharmaceutical benefits, even if it doesn’t cure the condition. Epsom soaks can serve as adjuncts to prescribed drugs to enhance efficacy.

Discuss your choices with a doctor before utilizing this treatment. Hot water or salt mixtures can make some illnesses worse, such as staph infection.

Soak your feet twice a day for around 20 minutes to treat fungal infections in your feet or toenails. Consider incorporating tea tree oil or other essential diluted oils that are proven to aid in the healing process. 

Reducing the symptoms of athlete’s foot

Epsom salt does not kill the fungus that causes athlete’s foot, according to the Epsom Salt Council. It may, however, aid in sucking moisture out of the surroundings, making it less appealing to fungus. 

Exfoliating the skin

To soothe rough, cracked feet, Epsom salt can be used as an exfoliator. Massage a handful of Epsom salt into your skin while soaking your feet for an extra boost.

Reducing odor

Another health benefit of Epsom salt foot soak is that it reduces foot odor. This helps to keep the feet clean and free from bacteria.

Reducing inflammation

While some proponents believe that soaking in Epsom salts cleanses toxins from the body, there is no good evidence to back this up.

The absorption of magnesium through the skin, on the other hand, may increase magnesium levels in the body and reduce inflammation. Reduced inflammation may help relieve pain and stiffness associated with arthritis and gout.

Pain relief

Orally consumed Epsom salt eliminates toxins from the body that cause irritation, inflammation, and pain. Soak your feet on a daily basis if you have aching feet or corn to relieve pain. Soaking the feet can reduce restless feet and inflammation in diabetics. 

Removes splinters

Splinters can also be removed with an Epsom salt foot soak. The mineral components in salt aid in the reduction of inflammation in the affected area. It will then soften your skin, making the dirt or hangnail easier to remove.

Risks of Epsom salt foot soak

Soaking the feet on a regular basis can cause dryness, which can lead to cracking and infection. Before utilizing a foot soak, people who have open wounds or sores should consult their doctor.

Other foot soaks that can be used

Baking soda

Baking soda can be used to soak the feet to exfoliate the skin, relieve irritation, and clean the feet. 3–4 teaspoons of baking soda in a basin of warm water is a good start.

Vinegar

For a foot soak, combine 2 parts water and 1 part vinegar. The vinegar kills microorganisms while also reducing odor. It may also inhibit fungal growth.

Olive oil

For a moisturizing foot soak, add a few drops of olive oil to warm water. Olive oil includes antioxidants that may soften the skin as well as ease dryness.

The takeaway from this article

Epsom salt soaks might be a safe home alternative to medication for minor aches and pains. Reduced itching, inflammation, and pain are all possible advantages of an Epsom salt foot bath.

You need about 397.47g of Epsom salt for a foot soak in a basin of water enough to cover your feet to the ankle level. Using an Epsom salt foot soak carries very little danger. It might be worth a shot for most individuals.

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