Unwind Sore Muscles with Soothing Muscle Relaxant Bath Salts

What are Muscle Relaxant Bath Salts?

Muscle relaxant bath salts are bath salts that contain ingredients known for their ability to ease muscle tension, pain, and soreness. These bath salts usually contain some combination of the following muscle relaxing compounds:

• Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate)
• Dead Sea salts
• Himalayan pink salts
• Magnesium chloride
• Baking soda
• Essential oils like lavender, chamomile, eucalyptus

The magnesium and other naturally occurring minerals in these bath salts are absorbed through the skin, helping to relax muscles, reduce inflammation, and ease pains and aches. The relaxing essential oils also provide aromatherapeutic benefits.

Benefits of Muscle Relaxant Bath Salts

There are many excellent reasons to add muscle relaxing bath salts to your tub. Here are some of the top benefits:

Soothe Sore Muscles

One of the top reasons to use muscle relaxant bath salts is to soak away muscle soreness. The magnesium and other minerals are readily absorbed through the skin, providing direct relief to achy muscles and joints.

The warm water helps relax muscles, while the minerals work to reduce inflammation and pain. This makes bath salts an excellent way to recover after an intense workout or long day on your feet.

Relieve Stress

Soaking in a warm bath is inherently relaxing and stress-relieving. But bath salts enhance this stress-relieving effect by releasing tension carried in your muscles.

As the epsom salts and magnesium get absorbed, your body is able to relax both physically and mentally. The aromatic essential oils also trigger your sense of smell to promote calmness.

Improve Sleep

The muscle relaxing and stress reducing benefits of bath salts can also lead to improved sleep. Your body temperature naturally drops after a warm bath, signaling your brain that it's time for bed.

This effect is amplified when using bath salts, as your muscles will be relaxed and your mind unwound. The magnesium absorbed from the bath may also help regulate hormones that control sleep.

Ease Arthritis Discomfort

For those suffering from arthritis, a warm soak with bath salts can help ease pain and discomfort in joints and muscles. The anti-inflammatory minerals reduce swelling and fluid build up, allowing for greater mobility.

Over time, regularly using bath salts may help strengthen muscles around arthritic joints, reducing the risk of injury or further damage.

Soothe Skin

In addition to muscular benefits, some bath salts also contain ingredients to nourish and soothe skin. Sea salts contain dozens of trace minerals that skin can absorb, while essential oils provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

This helps your skin stay hydrated, smooth, and glowing. The warm water also opens pores to deep cleanse.

Choosing the Best Muscle Relaxant Bath Salts

With so many bath salt products on the market, it can be tricky finding one that provides true muscle relaxing benefits. Here are some tips on picking the best muscle relaxant bath salts:

Look for Magnesium

Magnesium is the ingredient most praised for muscle relief, so look for it in the ingredients list. Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) are a very common source. Magnesium chloride, magnesium flakes and magnesium bath crystals are other forms.

Avoid Artificial Ingredients

Many mainstream bath salts contain artificial fragrances, colors and foaming agents. These add nothing beneficial and may irritate skin. Look for 100% natural muscle relaxing bath salts.

Add Essential Oils

While not mandatory, essential oils enhance the relaxing effects of bath salts. Lavender, chamomile, eucalyptus and rosemary are excellent choices for muscle relief and stress reduction.

Use Fine Granules

Bath salts with very fine granules will dissolve quickly in your bath, making the minerals readily available. Coarse grains may not dissolve completely.

Try Different Blends

Experiment with different blends of bath salts to see which ingredients work best for your individual needs. Many brands offer muscle relief blends, arthritis blends, sleep blends and more.

DIY Muscle Relaxant Bath Salt Recipes

Looking to save some money or create a custom muscle relaxing bath salt blend? Luckily, DIY bath salts are easy to whip up at home.

Basic Magnesium Bath Salts

2 cups Epsom salts
1 cup baking soda
10-15 drops essential oil (lavender, eucalyptus, etc)

Simply mix all ingredients together in a bowl until well combined. Store in an airtight container. Add 1/2 to 1 cup to bath as desired.

Soothing Sea Salt Blend

1 cup Dead Sea salts
1 cup Epsom salts
1/2 cup Himalayan pink salt
1/2 cup magnesium flakes
15 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops eucalyptus essential oil

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Transfer to a glass jar with lid. Use 1/2 cup per bath.

Muscle Recovery Bath Salts

1 cup Epsom salts
1/2 cup magnesium chloride flakes
1/4 cup sea salt
20 drops peppermint essential oil
10 drops ginger essential oil

Mix everything together in a container with an airtight lid. Add up to 1 cup to a warm bath as desired.

Precautions When Using Muscle Relaxant Bath Salts

While generally safe when used properly, there are some potential side effects to be aware of with bath salts:

• Pregnant women should consult their doctor before use
• Individuals with heart disease or diabetes should be monitored
• May interact with certain medications - check with your doctor
• Avoid getting salts near eyes or mouth
• Start with lower amounts to test skin sensitivity

To avoid any irritation, opt for high quality bath salts free of artificial additives. Drink plenty of water before and after to stay hydrated as well.

Enhance Your Relaxing Bath Salt Experience

To get the most out of your soothing, muscle relaxing bath salt experience, here are some tips to follow:

Soak for at Least 15 Minutes

It takes about this long for your body to fully absorb the minerals, so aim to soak for 15-20 minutes. Light some candles, put on relaxing music, or read a book to make the time fly by.

Rinse Off After

While you can towel dry, it's ideal to rinse off your skin after soaking to remove any bath salt residue. This prevents skin irritation and keeps your tub clean.

Stay Hydrated

Drink a big glass of water before and after your bath to avoid dehydration from the hot water and salt absorption.

Use After Exercise

A post-workout soak is perfect timing, as your dilated blood vessels will

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.