How to Take an Epsom Salt Bath

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: February 13, 2022 References Approved

Epsom salt is a magnesium sulfate that has been used for hundreds of years to relieve pain. Along with pain, Epsom salt has been thought to help with sunburn, psoriasis, insomnia, and sprains, among other ailments. You can use Epsom salt alone in a bath, add additional ingredients, like lavender oil, or make a paste for the shower if you’re running short on time.^{[1]
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Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Epsom Salt in Your Bath

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Draw a warm bath. Very hot water feels great, but warm water is best for your skin. Fill the bath with warm water. Fill it enough so that you submerge most of your body in the water.^{[2]
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Add 2 cups of Epsom salt to the water. Two cups (473 g) of Epsom salt is a standard amount to use in a bath. This amount will work for just about anyone, but you can tailor the amount of Epsom salt you use to your body weight. The quantity of Epsom salt you should use based on your weight is:
- 1/2 cup (170 g) for children that are 60lbs and under
- 1 cup (340 g) for people between 60 and 100lbs
- 1 ½ cup (354.9 g) for people between 100-150lbs
- 2 cups (473 g) for people between 150-200lbs
- An additional ½ cup for each every 50lbs
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3
Scrub with a dry brush. Using a dry brush helps increase the detoxification that Epsom salt provides. The dry brush opens the pores, allowing the skin to absorb the salt. Scrub all over your body, including your face, but focus on any problem areas you may have. Scrub for about 5 minutes during your bath.^{[3]
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- You may want to use a separate loofah on your face if you have a rash on your body.
- Problem areas could mean sore muscles, rashes, etc.
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Soak for up to 40 minutes. Stay in the bath between 15 and 40 minutes. If you soak for 40 minutes, the first 20 is for your body to detoxify, and the second 20 is when your skin absorbs the Epsom salt. Soaking for less than 40 minutes will be beneficial, though.^{[4]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Adding Additional Ingredients

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Add a few drops of an essential oil. You can use Epsom salt alone, but adding additional ingredients increases the benefits of your bath. An essential oil will add an element of relaxation to your bath. You can choose the essential oil of your choice. Only add a few drops of the oil to the water.^{[5]
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- Lavender oil is a common choice for baths because it is thought to be relaxing.
- Rose, geranium, and grapefruit are other good choices for fragrant essential oils.
- Eucalyptus, tea tree, frankincense, and myrrh oils are good choices for those with skin problems, like acne or dry skin.
2
Try apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar will boost the detoxification process. Add ½ cup (170 g) of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar. You can add it before or after the Epsom salt.^{[6]
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Use bentonite clay to relieve pain. Bentonite clay is thought to help with pain and stiffness. Epsom salt is supposed to help with the same problem, so adding the two together increases pain relief. Add about ½ cup (170 g) of clay to the bath water.
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Add rosewater. Rose is a sweet scent that is commonly used in fragrances. Add a few drops of rosewater to your bath for an enjoyable scent as you soak. You can also use rose petals instead of rosewater.^{[7]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Making a Shower Paste

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Add olive oil to Epsom salt. Sometimes an Epsom salt bath is needed or desired, but there just isn’t enough time. An Epsom salt paste is the answer to that problem because it can be used in the shower. Add a quarter of a cup (59 mL) of olive oil to Epsom salt. Use just enough Epsom salt to create a spreadable paste.^{[8]
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Scrub with the paste. You can apply the paste to your hand, loofah, or cloth. Apply the paste to one problem area, or your whole body. Scrub for a few minutes in total.^{[9]
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- You can also let the paste sit on one part of your body while you shampoo your hair or shave your legs.
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Rinse off the paste. Once you have scrubbed, rinse off the paste. Make sure there isn’t any gritty paste left on your body before stepping out of the shower.^{[10]
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Warnings

Soaking in Epsom salt for too long can cause dehydration. Try to limit your Epsom salt baths to no more than 40 minutes.^{[12]
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