Epsom salts baths were often recommended for persons suffering from muscular and joint conditions such as rheumatism and arthritis. Although the therapeutic suggestions sometimes varied for individuals depending upon the severity of the condition, here are some general guidelines for using Epsom salts baths.

Epsom Salts Baths

In many cases (especially arthritis), Epsom salts baths are to be taken after a series of Atomidine. To take an Epsom salts bath:

• Use at least five pounds of Epsom salts for a modern tub (about twenty gallons) or eight to ten pounds for an old-fashioned tub of water-which generally holds about thirty gallons of water.
• Be sure to stir the salts thoroughly so they do not remain in a lump at the bottom.
• Start with six to eight inches of water in the tub at about 101-102 degrees. Be sure to use your thermometer. Gradually work up to 106 degrees. Gradually add hot water as you immerse yourself so that you keep the temperature even, and progressively raise the temperature to 106 or 108 degrees by adding fresh, hot water until the bath is deep enough to cover your back; then soak. If you are trying to relieve chronic pain, eventually, as you take the baths over a period of time, you may be able to get the water temperature up to 110-112 degrees.
• To relieve pain, you should remain in the tub ten or twelve minutes to start, and gradually increase to twenty minutes.
• Massage body (especially affected parts) with Epsom Salts solution while body is in bath.
• An ice bag or cold washcloth or sponge to the forehead or back of neck will help you bear the heat.
• DON’T OVERDO – EASY DOES IT. This is a particularly good therapy for stiff joints, muscular pain, arthritis, and rheumatism; for increasing the metabolism and the work of the heart; and for raising body temperature and relieving pain.

Caution: Epsom-salt baths are contraindicated in cardiovascular or high-blood-pressure conditions. Ask your doctor, in such a case, whether you may take the bath.

Caution: When taking hot baths of all kinds, be sure to have someone nearby in case you are overcome by dizziness or faintness. It is also best to set a timer for accuracy, for your sense of time may not be accurate.

Hand and Foot Baths

Here is a simple procedure for taking Epsom salts hand and foot baths for symptomatic relief of arthritic pain:

• Make a hot Epsom-salt solution, adding about one pound of salts to a basin or bowl, which should be half full of hot water.
• Soak the hand for five minutes and then massage the fingers and the hand with the other hand under water and work the fingers and hand, rotating the joints.
• Then soak again for another five or ten minutes.
• After about twenty minutes of soaking take the hands out and massage peanut oil into one, continuing up the arm.
• Then reverse the hands and repeat.
• This same procedure can be used for the feet.

Note: As this information is not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, your use of this database of information indicates that you are aware of our recommendation that you consult with a professional healthcare provider before taking any action.