Get Instant Relief from Gout Pain with Epsom Salt

Updated on February 20th, 2020
epsom salt for gout

The intensity of gout and arthritis are killer. Men, after 40, suffer mainly from gout than women. And if they have uric acid, the chance of suffering from gout will increase. You definitely can visit a specialist and can have the best treatment, but to get relieved from the inflammation, using Epsom salt for gout is effective. According to researches, Epsom salt has two main components, magnesium and sulfate, which work the best on the symptoms of gout.

According to a recent study, made by Dr. R.H. Waring of the School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, England, it has been proved that soaking in Epsom salt can increase the level of magnesium and sulfate in your body. Thus, you can get relief from the excruciating pain and inflammation of gout and other types of arthritis.

Did You Know?

  • The name of this salt came from a spring in Epsom, Surrey in England. It is a natural mineral salt with magnesium and sulfate.
  • Apart from gout, Epsom salt is useful for detoxification, sunburns, and exfoliation. This salt is used a lot in the beauty industry to make beauty products.

Why Does it Work?

Gout is one of the most painful arthritis, and it happens due to excessive deposition of uric acid in the joints. Lots of researches have proved that Epsom salt can alleviate the pain of gout.

As it contains a high concentration of magnesium and sulfate, it can reduce swelling, makes your joints supple, detoxifies your body, and thus, relieves pain. Therefore, besides medicines, you can also have an Epsom salt bath to get relief from gout pain.

Hopefully, you get enough information on Epsom salt for gout pain. While using this salt, you should always maintain the dosage strictly. Taking an Epsom salt bath is not the only solution for gout. Instead, you should concentrate on your diet to get relieved from this pain. Avoid red meat, sugary beverages, canned fish, etc. and add more fruits and vegetables to your diet.

How to Use Epsom Salt for Gout?

epsom salt benefits
Image:ShutterStock

Epsom salt is not at all like table salt, so you can’t consume it anyways. But, you can use this salt in your bath water or prepare a salt solution to get rid of the pain of gout. Even if you don’t have the gout pain, bathing in Epsom salt(1) can relieve your senses and remove all the fatigue during the day.

Take warm water in a tub and mix a ½ cup of Epsom salt into it. Soak your feet for 20 minutes to get quick relief. Make sure the water is not too hot to burn your feet. Enjoy a comfortable soaking in the Epsom salt solution.

If you have gout at any part of your body which is difficult to soak, add 2 cups of Epsom salt in your bath water and soak your body into it for around 20 minutes. Repeat the step at least thrice a week.

You can also compress the affected joints and muscles with Epsom salt solution. Make the solution and soak a towel into it. Now, compress the sheet on your painful areas.

[Also Read: How to Get Rid Of Gout Naturally]

Precautions while Using Epsom Salt

  • Never use Epsom salt more than recommended by experts or mentioned on the package. Too much use can cause life-threatening side effects.
  • You should avoid using Epsom salt during pregnancy as magnesium sulfate can cause the low bone density in of your baby in the womb.
  • If you have diabetes, avoid using Epsom salt as it may cause dryness, irritation, and infection.
  • Your skin will be super dry after soaking as magnesium sulfate makes your skin dry. So, always use a good quality moisturizer.
  • If you find any side effects after using Epsom salt, consult your doctor immediately.

DIY Homemade Bath Salt Recipes with Epsom Salt

You can prepare different types of bath salts with this magical ingredient. Read on to know more-

1. Muscle Soothing Salt

bath
Image:ShutterStock

Stiff joints and pain are the main symptoms of gout. With Epsom salt, you can get relieved from those. Not only that, but bathing in Epsom salt solution can remove all your tiredness throughout the day and gives you a peaceful sleep at night.

How to Use

  1. Take 1 cup of Epsom salt into your bathing water and let it dissolve
  2. Add a ¼ cup of baking soda and a ¼ cup of sea salt into it
  3. Mix well and take a bath
  4. If you feel dryness, apply moisturizer on your body.

2. Lavender Oatmeal Bath

You know the benefits of Epsom salt. Now, if you use lavender oil in it, the fragrance will revive your senses and oatmeal will prevent your skin from getting extra dry that happens after using Epsom salt.

How to Use

Take a ½ cup of oatmeal and ¼ cup of dried lavender flowers(2). Grind them well in a food processor and now mix the mixture with Epsom salt. You can store this bath salt and use later in your bathing water. Always take a ½ cup of this salt and soak in the solution for 20 minutes.

3. Mustard Bath with Epsom Salt

Mustard
Image:ShutterStock

You can use it as a foot soak or have a bath with it. This bathing salt is good for relieving sore muscles and cleansing your pores. Bathing in this solution can improve your sleep also.

How to Use

  1. Take 1 cup of Epsom salt.
  2. Mix it with 2 tbsp of powdered mustard.
  3. Add 2 drops of each rosemary and eucalyptus essential oil.
  4. For bathing, take a quarter cup of this solution. For foot bath, 1 tbsp of this solution will be perfect.

[Read: Mustard Health Benefits]

Precautions while Using Epsom Salt

  • Never use Epsom salt more than recommended by experts or mentioned on the package. Too much use can cause life-threatening side effects.
  • You should avoid using Epsom salt during pregnancy as magnesium sulfate can cause the low bone density in of your baby in the womb.
  • If you have diabetes, avoid using Epsom salt as it may cause dryness, irritation, and infection.
  • Your skin will be super dry after soaking as magnesium sulfate makes your skin dry. So, always use a good quality moisturizer.
  • If you find any side effects after using Epsom salt, consult your doctor immediately.

[Read: Baking Soda For Gout]


FAQs

1. Does Epsom Salt Help Gout?

Though it is not proved officially, still the magnesium and sulfate in Epsom salt can reduce swelling and pain of arthritis and gout.

2. Is Egg Bad for Gout?

Not at all. You need enough source of protein to stay healthy while you have gouts which are purine-free. Eggs are the best options for that.

3. What Is the Best Thing to Drink in Gout?

If you suffer from gout pain, drink cherry juice to get quick relief.

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