The Importance Of Epsom Salt Baths

I'm sorry I haven't made it on here to do a post recently.  I have been having an extra busy time recently and the blog has had to take a bit of a back seat.  I was involved in a minor vehicle accident about 1 1/2 weeks ago and have just not been myself, exhaustion and pain pretty describe how I've been feeling.  My daughter and I are "okay", but are suffering from whip lash type symptoms, that along with some seatbelt soreness.  Anyway, it has been a real set back for me and as I have struggled to grasp and accept it this week, it has caused me to do some reflecting.   First of all is gratitude, I am so thankful that the Lord watches over and keeps us each day.  My husband has been in the fire service for the past 23 years which has made us very aware of just how fragile life is, and how it really is not in our control.  The Lord knows the number of our days, and we just get to live them out to His glory,  be grateful and consider each day a gift, this was a great reminder of that for me.  Second, life isn't fair!  I was not at fault in the accident, yet that doesn't matter, we still got hit and we still have to deal with it!  I could sit in the corner and cry or pout about it, or move on.  And trust me I have done my share of crying about it, but then it's time to move on, I have a family that still needs me and a life that doesn't stop.  One of my biggest complaints  is that I was just getting back in CrossFit shape after battling Adrenal Fatigue and a long back injury.  Between the two I was unable to work out for nearly 4 months, and just started working out more seriously again in January.  The last 3 weeks I had started seeing some leaps, getting back in CrossFit shape is hard work.   Anyway, all that to say, what I am going to do about it?  I can't change the circumstances and once again I am feeling out of control, and driven to cling to the one solid thing I have to cling to, the one thing that I know can give me life.  It has made me cry out to the Lord, shaking my fist at him, thanking and praising Him, petitioning for health and much more. So for now I will be faithful to do what I can to help myself heal, eat well, rest lots, exercise when I am released to do so, but most of all I will rest in His peace and just except the life I've been given.  I'm really so much happier when I'm not a victim of my circumstances, and when I remember I have neighbors who need me (especially my immediate neighbors, my family).  I don't want to be so wrapped up in myself that I don't have time to see the blessings around me, to see and serve my husband, children and friends.  Granted my serving may just be sitting and reading a book to the little ones, but by serving I mean making them a priority.   I'm not talking about being "super" mom and doing, but being in the here and now.  And thankfully when I fail in all that I can get forgiven and just start over, that is such good news!  

One of the practical things I have been doing during this time is continuing to take my Epsom Salt baths.  This is something I have been intending to blog about and have done research to write a more science based piece on.  However, I feel it is so beneficial that I am going to just throw the idea out there for now and hopefully later I can get to writing that piece for you all.  
I discovered Epsom Salt baths this fall, and fell in love with them immediately! I mean who doesn't love a little shut the door, mommy quiet time!   A couple of times a week I put all the younger kids to bed and then about half an hour before I intend to go to bed, I take an Epsom Salt bath. Since I have digestive issues and have to limit my oral consumption of Magnesium, this is a great way to get more magnesium (something most of us in America are deficient in).  The Epsom salt promotes better sleep, and if you take it in a darkened room (I use a lavender scented candle), that will also help prepare your body for sleep.  Not only does the Epsom Salt help with your magnesium levels it is also a great way to detox your body, reduce stress and help achy/sore muscles.  Many a time I put my aching/sore body in there and got out feeling so much better!  


Here is the simple run down of how to do it.  

1.  You want your bath water as hot as you can, this is important as it opens your pores for better absorption and also makes you sweat which helps detoxify your body.  
2. While your tub is filling with hot water, add 2 cups of Epsom Salts and if you are focussing on detox you can take it up a notch by adding 1 cup of baking soda also.  Sometimes I add baking soda and sometimes I just skip that step.  
3. Then sit back, relax and enjoy some peace and quiet for 10-15 minutes.  I like to use this time for my prayer time, which is another added benefit for me, it's hard to squeeze in some quiet time for prayer when you have a houseful of people.  I also like to drink a cup of Yogi Bedtime tea while I am sitting there soaking, I have found it to be very helpful and relaxing.  My Epsom Salt bath time has become so therapeutic for me that even my husband has noticed the difference, and I think he loves knowing that I am in there praying for him and our family too.  If you would like more information on the subject of Epsom Salt Baths, a quick Google search should yield some great information.  

I have found Costco to be 

the best deal locally 

for Epsom Salt, 

3 four pound bags for a great price.

I also buy my baking soda in a large bag from Costco.

I also suggest purchasing a 1 cup measuring cup from a thrift store or dollar store.  It is much more convenient to just leave the measuring cup in the bag, then you don't have to look for one every time you want to take a bath.  I like to keep everything I need together, matches, candle, measuring cup, epsom salt and baking soda.