Seriously? Who knew that the Ralph's 10 steps away from my house was holding on to this little treasure??

Because I sure as hell didn't. Today we're talking Epsom salts.

But first, can I set the mood for you right now because it is pretttty vibey. 

It's raining (STILL WTF) but I kinda love it because I don't need to leave the house today. My candles are lit, NFL Playoffs are on, and I just made some Macha Coffee with Almond milk.

SO right after I write this I think I'm going to make my way over to Ralphs to get some Epsom salt because after reading about all the benefits, I just want my life to revolve around this ish. 

Maybe I'll Postmates it because I'm kinda over getting slapped in the face with wind and rain for the time being. 

Alright so, do any of you guys take Epsom salt baths? When I go apartment hunting next month I think my top two MUST HAVES are going to be, a nice white kitchen...and a big bath tub because I feel a Epsom salt habit coming on. 

It first came up the other day when i was at work and the other cocktail server that I work with was saying that she couldn't wait to get home, have a glass of wine, and soak her feet in an Epsom salt bath. 

We had NOTHING going on in the bar so I decided to get in to it. I was asking her why use Epsom, if she really thinks it helps, how it helps blah blah blah. 

She said that especially after working a shift where we of course standing and walking around for 8+ hours, it's like an orgasm for your feet. 

She said that it seriously helps relieve soreness and a shit ton of other things. 

She also said they have scented ones and that she buys the lavender one which made me even more excited...(I know I'm getting older when I start to actually appreciate the smell of lavender.)

I ended up looking into it this morning and these are just SOME of the other benefits that Epsom salt apparently has:

• RELAXES THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
• CURES SKIN IRRITATIONS
• SOOTHES BACK PAIN AND ACHING LIMBS (yes please!!)
• EASES MUSCLE STRAINS
• HEALS CUTS
• TREATS COLDS AND CONGESTION
• REMOVES TOXINS FROM THE BODY 
• EASES STRESS

Like what?? I feel like this is the best possible spa day, all in one. 

So what exactly Is Epsom Salt?

Well first of all, it's actually not a salt. It's a natural occurring pure mineral compound made up on magnesium and sulfate. Magnesium is a supplement that some people take as a natural way to relax as it calms down the nervous system AND it is easily absorbed by the skin soooo just imagine that relaxation for a second. 

Sulfate is ALSO very easily absorbed by the skin and it's benefits are that it helps flush toxins, relieve migraine headaches and actually IMPROVE the absorption of nutrients. 

Amazing right? I swear, I find one vital piece of taking a spa like bath and it makes me want to go buy more candles and bath bombs and wine just to take it to that level. 

(I'm 100% doing all of that by the way, HA!)

Okay, let's look at some more of the benefits and how they actually work:

1. EASES STRESS AND RELAXES THE BODY 

When we stress out whether it's over running late to work or missing a dead line, or realizing that it's Tuesday and we didn't record The Bachelor last night....

our adrenaline obviously rises but what we might not know is that our magnesium decreases. By taking a bath with Epsom salt, our skin is absorbing all of that yummy magnesium which helps produce serotonin which is like a mood elevating hormone. 

Magnesium ALSO helps increase our ATP levels which is like the energy in our cells so these baths also are shown to helps increase energy and stamina. 

2. CRAMP AND MUSCLE PAIN REDUCER

Um, yes? I feel like 80% of my life is me either cramping or trying to get my boyfriend to rub my feet. Pour 2 cups of a lavender salt into warm water and just SOAK. Don't forget your wine. 

3. HELPS PREVENT HARDENING OF ARTERIES AND BLOOD CLOTS

I'm only in my mid twenties but I feel like I pay pretty close attention to the reality of heart attacks and what we can all do to avoid them. Obviously working out helps avoid heart attacks because it keeps the blood circulating and keeps the heart strong. 

Then of course eating plant based foods and avoiding un healthy fatty, fried foods plays a critical role but if I can just lay in a tub and let something else do the work, I'M IN. 

4. RELIVES CONSTIPATION

Interesting? But if you've ever been bloated and in the world tiniest cocktail dress... then I'm sure you're willing to try anything. Taken internally, epsom salts create more water in the intestines and relieve constipation ALTHOUGH you should consult a doctor before consuming any!

5. ELIMINATES TOXINS FROM THE BODY

The sulfates in epsom salt help remove toxins and heavy metals from the cells which helps ease muscle pain AND allows the body to let go of harmful substances. If you want to detoxify, try soaking 3 times a week for 10 minutes at a time in warm water with two cups of Epsom salt. 

Also feel free to add a cup of olive oil or baby oil for smooth skin!

Leave any other tips you have below! 

XX - Chelsey