An Epsom Salt and Hydrogen Peroxide Bath For Sore Muscles

A few months ago I started boxing & sometimes it makes me so sore ( in a good way ) that I started researching how to sooth sore muscles. Low & behold I found a trick that needs to shared.

Soothing sore muscles is all about the Epsom salts…or so I thought. But what I’m about to share with you is a detox bath on steroids.

It relieves all the pain & is known to stop infections too. I got the recipe for this Epsom salt and hydrogen peroxide bath from this site.

An Epsom Salt and Hydrogen Peroxide Bath For Sore Muscles

What You’ll Need:

♡ 4-6 cups of Epsom salts ( I like Dr Teal’s )

♡ 32-64 oz. of hydrogen peroxide ( 3% which is what you can find in most grocery stores )

♡ 2-4 tbsp of ginger ( grate it & then wrap it a thin cloth or tea ball )

Directions:

♡ Fill your bathtub with water then add all the ingredients.

♡ Soak yourself for at least 20 minutes because the benefits will increase in effectiveness.

♡ You can do this for up to 7 days in a row.

++ VERY IMPORTANT:  don’t do this if you are pregnant ++

Epsom Salt And Hydrogen Peroxide Bath Benefits:

Hydrogen Peroxide Bath Benefits

♡ Hydrogen peroxide is a simple, nontoxic molecule of H2O2 that is beneficial in oxidizing (breaking down) toxins as well as killing anaerobic microbes. It also detoxifies pesticides and petroleum-based toxins, and oxidizes metals. Macrophages in the body naturally produce hydrogen peroxide to kill harmful bacteria. Most harmful bacteria are anaerobic and cannot survive in the presence of oxygen or hydrogen peroxide. Cancer cells are also often very sensitive to oxygen and cannot survive in oxygen-rich environments.

Epsom Salt Bath Benefits

♡ Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) help to stabilize hydrogen peroxide so that its ultimate breakdown into water and free oxygen is more gradual and beneficial to the body. Recent research has shown that when you soak in a bath of magnesium sulfate, both magnesium and sulfate increase measurably in your blood and urine. The Epsom Salt Council reports the following about the benefits of magnesium in Epsom salt baths:

♡ “Magnesium, a major component of Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate), is the second-most abundant element in human cells and the fourth-most important positively charged ion in the body. Magnesium also helps to regulate the activity of more than 325 enzymes and performs a vital role in orchestrating many bodily functions, from muscle control and electrical impulses to energy production and the elimination of harmful toxins.”

Other Hydrogen Peroxide And Epsom Salt Bath Benefits:

♡ Improved heart and circulatory health, which in turn reduces irregular heartbeats and blood clots, prevents hardening of the arteries and lowers blood pressure

♡  Improved the body’s ability to use insulin, thereby reducing the incidence or severity of diabetes

♡ Flushing of toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances

♡ Improved nerve function by regulating electrolytes. Also, calcium is the main conductor for electrical current in the body. And magnesium is necessary to maintain proper calcium levels in the blood.

♡ Relieved stress. Excess adrenaline and stress are believed to drain magnesium, a natural stress reliever, from the body. Magnesium is necessary for the body to bind adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of wellbeing and relaxation.

♡ Finally, ginger opens up the pores of the skin and increases blood flow at the surface of the skin. So that the oxygen from the hydrogen peroxide can do its work of detoxifying poisons, and killing bacteria and fungi. The pores open wider so that the magnesium sulfate can be more readily absorbed. Ginger is invigorating and can stimulate perspiration for the elimination of toxins.

What Is The Difference Between Epsom Salt And Regular Salt

Regular salt, or what is commonly called Table salt, is edible and it’s used to flavor a variety of foods. But Epsom salt isn’t for eating. And it isn’t actually true salt. Epsom salts are often used to soothe overworked muscles or as part of cosmetic treatments, such as facials. But it don’t actually contain any sodium.  Do not use regular salt in bath salt as it has no therapeutic nor health benefits in your skin.

Substitute For Epsom Salt In Bath For Sore Muscles?

Substitutes for Epsom salt in bath for sore muscles, use Baking Soda. It is also usually referred to as Sodium Bicarbonate. Its known properties is exfoliating the skin.  A great for removing dry skin, dead skin cells and loosening blackheads. In addition, it is being used therapeutically as a treatment for sunburn and irritated skin, baking soda can also be added to baths to soothe painful muscles. A baking soda with warm water bath can be relaxing and purifying. Refrain from using baking soda if you have dry skin as it can aggravate the problem.

Another alternatives to Epsom Salt is Apple Cider Vinegar. Its known properties are lactic acid for fighting fatigue and malic acid that relieves joints aches and pains.  Perfect for foot soak for you may not like the smell of ACV in your bath.

Other Alternatives for Epsom Salt

Mustard Powder: Though it doesn’t have all of the same properties as Epsom salt, it is thought to increase blood flow and helps with pain.

Prune Juice: Epsom salt has a bland flavor even though it can aid with constipation relief. Fortunately, you can swap it out for the far more delectable prune juice. Compared to Epsom salt, prune juice is a safer laxative to eat. Prune juice can help you move your bowels by being consumed both before and after meals.

HOT TIP:

Drybrush before your bath. This removes dry & dead skin & just feels so fucking good. Seriously, it’s addicting. It will help your skin absorb all the benefits of this bath better. Plus, all your nice skin products you use after.

This is such a good way to wind down after a long day, especially if you’ve had a stressful one – or an intense workout.

TA-DA! That’s my hippy dippy hack if you’re sore or just want to spice up your bath situation.

As I said, I got the recipe & all the info from this site, so head over if you want more info.

And before we go, if you want to get really psycho you could do this but in an ice bath. You should do it in the morning though because you’ll be bouncing off the walls with energy. Just run a cold bath, add ice, the recipe above. DONE.

x, lauryn

+ the best shower cap if you don’t want to mess up your blowout

++ why cold rinsing your hair is one of the best things you can do. 

+++ DIY baking soda as body scrub.

++++ Your badass guide to essential oils.

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