Epsom Bath Salts for Sore Muscles: Are They Helpful & How to Use Them

If you have aching muscles, bathing in bath salts may be helpful. In this article, we’ll discuss bath salts for sore muscles, including their benefits and how to use them. We’ll also share our favorite bath salt product.

According to Dr. Thomas Pontinen, MD, Co-Founder and Physician at Midwest Anesthesia and Pain Specialists, hot water salt baths can offer pain relief and relaxation. Below, we’ll share his professional insights and our personal experiences with Epsom salt baths.

What are bath salts?

Bath salts are a supplement usually made from Epsom salt, magnesium sulfate, and sometimes sea salt. The salts dissolve in warm water to create a healing bath that relieves stress, pain, aches, and skin conditions.

Epsom salt isn’t to be confused with salt for food. The name comes from it being a chemical compound. That said, it does look a bit like salt.

Epsom bath salts are not consumed. Instead, they’re used for therapeutic treatments, which is why many people use them in their baths.

Are bath salts good for sore muscles?

Bath salts can be good for sore muscles, whether you’ve had an injury, medical condition, or other potential reasons for pain.

“People can certainly use bath salts for sore muscles and should if it’s something they enjoy and find relief from,” says Pontinen.

Benefits of Bath Salts for Sore Muscles

A warm Epsom salt bath can be an excellent form of self-care. Not only can it offer pain relief, but it can help improve your quality of sleep.

“There isn’t scientific consensus proving that bath salts directly help muscle recovery or make you feel less sore,” says Pontinen. “However, magnesium and sulfate, the minerals that make the salts, serve important functions for the body that can support muscle recovery.”

Pontinen also explains that some researchers suggest your skin can likely absorb small amounts of the minerals, and this absorption can provide pain relief for aching muscles. People may also experience more relief when taking an Epsom salt bath versus a bath without salts.

The main benefit of bath salts for sore muscles has more to do with hot water, suggests Pontinen. “Hot water alone can be really soothing for muscles and helps with circulation. Baths with lots of salt can make your body feel lighter, which can take more pressure off your muscles and joints, thus providing more relief.” This relaxation can also help you get better sleep.

Some medical professionals also suggest that hot water baths can be an effective alternative to over-the-counter pain medication. However, if you don’t feel relief soon, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider for the best treatment.

How to Use Bath Salts for Sore Muscles

According to Pontinen, the best way to take a salt bath is to be generous with the salt and to also incorporate aromatherapy into your routine. Bath salts with essential oils can help you relax and have a more therapeutic experience. 

You can also create a dimly lit, peaceful environment that supports relaxation. This can support recovery and ease tension in the body. Since this experience will likely calm your mind and body, consider doing it at night before bed.

We recommend mixing about ¼ cup of Oakwell Cosmetics Calming Bath Salts in warm running water. Let the salts dissolve for a few minutes, then soak for at least 20 minutes. 

If you don’t have a bathtub, you can rub the bath salts onto your skin with your hands or a loofah. You could also create a foot bath with a small tub, bath salts, and warm water.

How often should I use bath salts for sore muscles?

You can soak in bath salts for aching muscles as often as you’d like. They won’t harm your muscles or internal organs, says Pontinen, so it’s okay to use them frequently. That said, bathing too much in general can be problematic for your skin, so keep that in mind and talk to a dermatologist if you have further questions.

What bath salt is good for muscle recovery?

Oakwell Cosmetics Calming Beer Bath Salts can support muscle recovery. This soothing blend of herbs, minerals, and essential oils can help nourish your skin, relax your mind and body, and relieve body pain.

The ingredients in Oakwell Cosmetics Calming Beer Bath Salts include:

• Epsom salt - a naturally occurring magnesium and sulfate mineral compound that can soothe muscles and skin irritation
• Sea salt - a salt made from evaporated salt water, which can encourage better circulation and pain relief
• Hops and barley - beer ingredients with antioxidants and antibacterial properties that can promote healthy skin
• Colloidal oatmeal - powder from oat grain that can exfoliate, cleanse, and hydrate your skin
• Essential oils - natural oils that offer fresh, calming scents and have protective antioxidants and antimicrobial properties that are good for the skin

Bath Salts for Sore Muscles: Conclusion

We hope you found this article helpful in understanding the benefits of bath salts and how to use them for sore muscles. Consider soaking in warm water with Epsom salts and other beneficial ingredients to help relieve aching muscles and support relaxation. 

Elevate your experience by pairing Oakwell Cosmetics Calming Beer Bath Salts with the Herbal Beer Bath Tea, an uplifting, aromatic blend of hops, malted barley, and herbs.