I have tried magnesium chloride and epsom salt baths, they seem to make my muscles and joints feel better and just an overall feeling of better health, could be I am magnesium deficient? And have also read that the "salt" baths are very good, which would be better to use, the dead sea or the himalayan salt, I would think which has more minerals and in the balance for the human body, anyone have knowledge of this and how often you can use these?
I like using magnesium oil topically for muscle aches/cramps, and occassionally use epsom salts in the bath. I've used packets of various salts like dead sea in the past, but I never noticed a big difference in them. Here's a forwarded message that has some info.
Quote:
Healing Remedies with Sea Salt
Salt is one of the easiest most affective remedies on the planet! Sea salt, a
salt obtained by evaporating seawater, is used in cooking and cosmetics. Its
mineral content gives it a different taste from table salt, which is usually
sodium chloride refined from mined rock salt (halite), or refined from sea salt.
Table salt may contain anti- caking agents and additives such as the dietary
supplement iodides. Areas that produce specialized sea salt include the Cayman
Islands, France, Ireland, Sicily and Apulia in Italy, and Maine and Cape Cod in
the United States.
Salt is essential for life and you cannot live without it. There are enormous
differences between the standard, refined table and cooking salt and healthy
natural salt. The differences can have a major impact on your health.
Halite crystal (sodium chloride) occurs in seawater, along with other salts of
sodium, calcium, magnesium, and other light metals. When seawater evaporates in
a closed lagoon, halite and other minerals precipitate out and sink to the
bottom as crystals. In this way, great beds of rock salt have been formed. Pure
halite is colorless, though it is often colored by impurities. It is soft and
breaks (cleaves) into cubes. Halite crystallizes in the isometric (also called
cubic) crystal system and when it forms crystals, it generally forms cubes. Its
most noticeable and important physical feature is that halite is readily soluble
in water. This allows halite to be useful in such varied applications as
cooking, food preservation, and chemical production.
Salt can be mined from rock salt either by traditional mining practices using
heavy equipment underground, or by pumping hot water in pipes into the salt
deposit, where the hot water dissolves the halite. The resulting salt water is
then pumped to surface and evaporated to yield salt. This is called "solution
mining". In some modern dry salt lakes, a crust of halite can be recovered by
simply scraping the salt crust off the lake bottom with bulldozers or scrapers.
Ancient rock salt is mined in Michigan, New York, Kansas, and other states.
Solution mining is used to recover salt from underground "salt domes" in
Louisiana and Texas. Recovery of salt from dry lakes takes place in the deserts
of California, Nevada, and Utah.
Table Salt
Table salt is actually 97.5% sodium chloride and 2.5% chemicals such as moisture
absorbents, and iodine. Dried at over 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, the excessive
heat alters the natural chemical structure of the salt causing the potential for
many health problems in your body. Table salt is not recommended in your healing
arsenal.
Dead Sea Salt
The mineral content of the Dead Sea is significantly different from that of
ocean water, consisting of approximately 53% magnesium chloride, 37% potassium
chloride and 8% sodium chloride (common salt) with the remainder comprised of
various trace elements. The concentration of sulfate, SO42-, ions is very low,
and the bromide ion concentration is the highest of all waters on Earth.
Chlorides neutralize most of the calcium ions in the Dead Sea and its
surroundings. While in other seas sodium chloride is 97% of the salts, in the
Dead Sea the quantity of NaCl is only 12-18%. Comparison between the chemical
composition of the Dead Sea to other lakes and oceans show that the salt
concentration in the Dead Sea is 31.5% (the salinity fluctuates somewhat).
Because of its unusually high concentration of salt, anyone can easily float in
the Dead Sea because of natural buoyancy as a result of the higher density of
the water.
Celtic Sea Salt
This salt is unparalleled in the world. Less than 1% of the world's salt harvest
has the quality of Celtic Sea Salt. Pure, moist, biologically active, and free
from any chemicals or additives, this is considered "living sea salt". Celts
discovered a way to harvest salt from the ocean using the sun, the wind, and
shallow clay ponds. Pristine ocean channels spiral water into the concentrating
ponds. The live flowing mixture is carefully stirred by the salt farmer, and
dazzling crystals form and are gathered by hand. The ionizing action of the
clay, combined with the artisan's skillful method, passed down through
generations, enlivens the unique, bioavailable array of trace elements that
exist in a perfectly balanced matrix.
Epsom Salts
This salt is a rich source of magnesium. Magnesium helps to regulate the
activity of more than 325 enzymes and performs a vital role in orchestrating
many bodily functions, from muscle control and electrical impulses to energy
production and the elimination of harmful toxins. Epsom Salt also delivers
sulfates, which are extremely difficult to get through food but which readily
absorb through the skin. Sulfates serve a wide variety of functions in the body,
playing a vital role in the formation of brain tissue, joint proteins and the
mucin proteins that line the walls of the digestive tract. Sulfates also
stimulate the pancreas to generate digestive enzymes and are believed to help
detoxify the body's residue of medicines and environmental contaminants. Soak in
a tub full of hot water with a few cups of Epsom Salts. This is good for
relaxing muscles and drawing toxins from the body. When magnesium sulfate is
absorbed through the skin, such as in a bath, it draws toxins from the body,
sedates the nervous system, reduces swelling, relaxes muscles, is a natural
emollient, exfoliator, and much more. Soak for 15-20 minutes.
Himalayan Crystal Salt
Himalayan Crystal Salt is salt in its native form, with all its vibrational
energy intact and it helps your body return to a state of balance. Not having
balanced electrolytes shifts your body out of homeostasis - the balance of
chemicals that is conducive to the body's function. The renowned Frezenius
Institute in Europe analyzed the Himalayan Crystal Salt and proved that it has
an amazing array of important trace minerals and elements including potassium,
calcium and magnesium that help your body achieve balance by restoring fluids
and replenishing your supply of electrolytes whenever you sweat heavily.
Salt Water
The healing abilities of salt water are profound and well documented. Salt water
is an astringent and speeds wound healing. Floating in sea water is an extreme
release of tension and stress of the day. Allow yourself to float weightlessly
in the water. You deserve it.
Sea Air
Deep breathing of ocean air helps us to relax and let go. The faint smell of
salt in the air can take us to a place of pure joy. Sea air has a certain
aliveness found no where else. This deep breathing can help release tension and
the problems associated with it.
Thalassotherapy (from the Greek word thalassos, meaning "sea") is the medical
use of seawater. The properties of seawater are believed to have beneficial
effects upon the pores of the skin. Thalassotherapy was developed in seaside
towns in France during the 19th century. Trace elements of magnesium, potassium,
calcium sulphates and sodium, found in seawater, are believed to be absorbed
through the skin. The therapy is applied in various forms, as either showers of
warmed seawater, application of marine mud or of algae paste, or the inhalation
of sea fog. Spas make hot seawater and provide mud- and seaweed wrapping
services available.
Healing Salt Remedies
Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis refers to inflammation of the sinuses that continues for
weeks, months, or even years. Allergies are the most common cause of chronic
sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis can persist even after antibiotics are given. It's
the most frequently reported chronic disease.
Acute sinusitis occurs when bacteria invade the sinus cavities and impair proper
drainage of mucus from the sinuses to the nose. Chronic inflammation of the
nasal passages or rhinitis also can lead to sinusitis. Allergic rhinitis or hay
fever is the most common cause of chronic sinusitis and is a frequent cause of
acute sinusitis.
The common cold is the most prevalent predisposing factor to sinusitis. Acute
sinusitis typically causes symptoms of nasal congestion and a thick yellow or
green discharge. Other symptoms include tenderness and pain over the sinuses,
frontal headaches, and sometimes chills, fever, and pressure in the area of the
sinuses.
Entering bacteria gets trapped and filtered out by mucus and minute nasal hairs
called cilia. This air-flow system can sometimes slow down when something
impedes the cilia, if a cold clogs the sinus openings, or if an allergen swells
the sinus linings. Then air gets trapped, pressure builds, the mucus stagnates,
and bacteria breed. Infection sets in and you have sinusitis. When you get
clogged up, you may end up with a permanent thickening of the sinus membranes
and chronic congestion.
Sinus Wash
Flush out nasal secretions. Mix 1 teaspoon of non-iodized salt or sea salt with
2 cups of warm water and a pinch of baking soda. Pour it into a shot glass, tilt
your head back, close one nostril with your thumb, and sniff the solution with
the open nostril. Then blow your nose gently. Repeat on the other side.
An Ayurvedic solution, similar to this is done in the same manner with a Neti
Pot. It looks similar to a tea pot, but with a longer, narrower spout for the
nostrils. These can be found in most health food stores.
A cup or handful of water in your hand or neti pot is a wonderful cleansing
therapy. Slowly inhale the salt water into your nose to cleanse your sinus and
open up the air passages. Over the counter nasal washes (not nasal sprays) are
available. The simplest form is a non iodized salt water spray.
Mouth Care
The tissues in the mouth can benefit greatly from sea salt.
For bleeding gums - make a paste of 1 tsp. baking soda to 1/2 tsp. sea
salt...brush with this mixture 3 times per day instead of the toothpaste. You
can also add a few drops of tea tree oil.
Gargle with warm salt water a few times a day to relieve a sore throat, mouth
sores or canker sores.
Sea Salt Baths and Scrubs
Sea Salt Scrubs
1. Take a handful of Sea Salt
2. Moisten it into the bath water.. and
3. Gently scrub whole body in circular motion until all the body is scrubbed.
4. Pay extra attention to your feet
5. Rinse with cool clear water
Sea Salt Bath
Dead Sea Salt - 1 cups
Sea Salt - 2 1/2 cups
2 TBSP of Ground Sea Weed
1 TBSP cup of Oatmeal
1 TBSP of Kelp
2 TBSP cup of Baking Soda
1 TBSP - Vegetable Glycerin
1-2 tsp of EO Blend of Choice
Thoroughly Mix all dry ingredients, then drizzle Glycerin and EO's over them.
Mix them well and store in an air tight container for several days prior to use.
Mix well.
Add 1/4 cup or more under running water. Light a candle or incense and Enjoy.
Detox Bath
Fill the tub with water
1/2 cup sea salt
1/2 cup of baking soda
1/2 cup of Epsom salt
1/2 cup of peroxide
1 cup of apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon of oregano oil
Add to bath water, stir until dissolved. Bath in water for at least 20 minutes
Feng Shui Detoxification Bath
2 Cups Sea Salt
2 Cups Baking Soda
4 Tbsp. Ginger Powder
Place all ingredients in a hot bath and bathe for 20 Minutes Drink plenty of
water. This bath withdraws impurities from your body and helps you to feel
better. This bath can be done 2 to 3 times in a week or as needed.
Sea Salt Foot Scrub
1/2 Cup Sea Salt
1/2 Cup Epsom Salt
1/2 Cup baking soda
1 Cup Oil of grape seed oil
15 drops Peppermint Oil
Homemade Exfoliator
Mix 1/8 cup of olive oil
1 heaping tablespoon of sea salt
Use on knees and elbows in the shower and rinse off. Pat dry with a soft towel.
Negative Energy and Sea Salt
Cleansing with sea salt is a safe and effective way to clear any space of
negative energy. Sea salt is obtained by evaporating seawater. Salt occurs
naturally in many parts of the world as the mineral halite and as mixed
evaporates in salt lakes. Underground salt deposits are found in both bedded
sedimentary layers and domal deposits.
Energy in itself, is the vital source, which radiates from everything and
everyone around us. When we are ill, emotionally upset, angered or imbalanced,
our moods and of course, our energy is altered. Coming in contact with energy
that is negative can often be sensed, even felt. The result is often a feeling
of uneasiness, confusion or an opposed feeling to our current state of mind.
Cleansing with sea salt or rock salt is preferred over iodized, processed table
salt.
Cleansing a room with salt can be done by placing salt in small bowls and
placing them in the 4 corners for 24 hours. Take two teaspoons of sea salt and
dissolve it into some warm water. Pour it into a mister or spray bottle and
spray it where ever you need cleansing.
Cleansing yourself of negative vibs can be done by misting yourself for an
overall clearing. Draw a bath. As the hot water is filling the tube, add two or
more tablespoons of sea salt to the running water and stir it so it dissolves in
the tube. Relax in your bath for 15-20 minutes.
Cleansing your crystals can be done by placing a teaspoon of sea salt into a
bowl of luke warm water. Make sure the salt is dissolved, then place your
crystals in the water for twenty four hours.
Adding herbs or essential oils to sea salt can give an added bonus to cleansing.
Herbs such as lavender, sandalwood, tea tree, thyme, rosemary are all good
compliments. When using herbs, place them in the salt and shake the salt in a
closed container. This bruises the herbs and allows its essential oils to
incorporate into the salt matrix. When using essential oils, add a few drops to
salt and then stir or shake the salt in order to mix them well.
Andrew Pacholyk, MS. L.Ac
(peacefulmind.com)
__________________ "We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." ~Immanual Kant~
Great information! Thank you! My digestive system is very sensative lately, thus I can't seem to take any type of magnesium orally so think I may try the foot baths. I'm not wild about transdermal magnesium oil on a daily basis, but do use it once in a while.
I tried Epsm salt baths too and whiler I enjoyed them, I found at the recomended dose, it acted as a laxative. So I used less less often.
I had initially tried Himalayan salt baths and while I love them, I cannot afford them regularly.
THEN I found sea salt I now have a sea salt bath every morning and lie in it for about 10 minutes possibly up to 20 depending on temperature and my mood. I've found it to be very helpful and pleasant for me AND within my price range.
Try them all and see what works for you.
If you're looking to ease muscles, ginger can be helpful as can other herbs. Even just a hot soak helps mine.
Yes! that does look like a good price. I was paying about $7 for 26 oz of Redmond salt. But they are calling it bath salt.. does that make a difference... can you eat the bath salt? I just sent them an email to ask about it. Maybe it just needs to be ground up?
Since I supplement with iodine routinely I wonder if that will keep the bromide from settling in .... maybe its not so bad? Iodine makes you detox bromide.
That's due to one halogen being heavier than the other. But you have to take in more iodine than bromine as well as enough to displace what is already seated in the thyroid. Also, iodine is just about the only thing that will displace fluorine too. Just in case you have municipal water, and are soaking in it. And don't forget chlorine. All those halogens. It is good to take plenty of iodine.
__________________
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- Jim
"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving." - Albert Einstein
Pink Himalayan salt is perfect for my tastebuds! I can make a container of it last quite a while for myself, a pinch at a time, but if I were cooking for a large family I'd say it might be too expensive. When you consider the health benefits, it would probably pay for itself many times over.
By looking at this, the dead sea salt might be better for bathing because of the lower amount of salt content? The same site has dead sea salt for about the same $$, and seemed a pretty good price of bath salts, and if you can eat them too anyway which would be the best choice for health purposes?