10 Surprising Benefits of an Epsom Salt Bath

An Epsom salt bath can ease your aches and pains

One of the most popular uses of an Epsom salt bath is to help soothe away muscle aches after a hard workout or a long day of work. Some believe that the chemical composition of the salt—magnesium sulfate—can be absorbed by the skin to help block receptors from feeling the pain. But a study about applying magnesium sulfate to the skin failed to elevate blood levels of magnesium, so it’s unclear if that soothing feeling comes from the salts—or simply the warm bath itself. Learn the truth about Epsom salts.