The bath salt trade is exploding with a huge variety of products that all claim to be the best. The name originated from the times when the various medicines were disguised as bath salts. They can also be mislabeled as household cleaning products, powdered cleanser, and many other such substances. Today, they are used primarily to add a touch of flavor to any type of bath or body spa experience. This is not a foolproof plan, however. With new products being introduced on a daily basis, you want to make sure that you truly are getting a bath salt product that will work for your unique needs.
First of all, know what bath salts are. Generally speaking, they are concentrated and mineral-rich substances which are added to water in a bath or other container to add a relaxing, refreshing feeling. While they have no chemical content per se, bath salts are known to contain such elements as Epsom Salt, Calcium Hypochloride, Potassium Hypochloride, and others. However, these elements are only a fraction of the complete list of ingredients. Some of the more common bath salts contain such substances as Sulfur, Zinc, Magnesium, and Other Calcium and Iron components. As you can see, this trade is both extensive and ever-changing.
To begin, there are four main ways in which to use bath salts, or as they are often called, bathtub salts. These include using them as a foot soak, as a shower scrub, as an after bath use, and as a hand massage. Each method has different benefits. Let’s examine them all and explore some ideas that can be implemented using each method.
As noted above, the most popular method by far is the foot soak. This method begins by purchasing an inflatable beach chair for easy inflation, filling it with bath salt. Next, place a towel or a plastic bag on top of the chair and allow it to soak for approximately ten minutes. The skin benefits from being so relaxed while the salt detoxes the body, as well as removing toxins through perspiration.
While bath salt was once used to treat medical problems, it has been used instead of chemical medications for decades. This is probably why bath salts have become so mainstream; they work just as well, but without the harmful side effects. Many bath salts contain stimulant ingredients. Some common ingredients include caffeine, licorice extract, ginseng, ephedra, and synthetic cathinones. Stimulants in bath salts are similar to those found in coffee and can be habit forming or addictive.
One of the best ways to use this product is also one of the easiest. Simply add three warm spoons of a bath salt into running water and add about two inches of water at a time. The salt will dissolve quickly and provide a very soothing soak. However, if you do not have running water, it would be even better to just add the salt to your favorite hot bath water. It will dissolve that way, too. It is important to make sure that it is mixed completely into the water, not left in the container.
This is done by pouring the salt into a container with a lid and leaving it somewhere with room temperature. For an instant release, you can add a cup of olive oil to the mixture, stirring to dissolve faster. It is important to keep the entire solution stirred while adding the oil. It would take too long to stir one tablespoon of olive oil into running water and then pour it into a container without stirring. The process of stirring increases the absorption of the salt.
At this point, it is a good idea to add another 2 tablespoons of the salt and continue stirring. Stirring will help the olive oil to penetrate the water deeper into your skin. After you have added the oil, you can pour it into your bath tub and sit in it for twenty minutes or so. If you want to know how to dissolve faster, you can also try soaking a towel in running water and trying that method for a couple of minutes, as well. Your body will soak up the salt and leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated after the bath.