And Introduction to Sea Salt Remedies
Research from The University of Edinburgh (2019) suggests that sea salt can reduce common cold virus symptoms by boosting the immune system's antiviral defense.
Minerals and salts are buffers that bind and neutralize acids in your body. When your system has a high level of acid, these minerals are unavailable for maintaining and repairing bone and muscle tissue. Instead, you end up with alkalosis (too little acid) or acidosis (too much acid), which triggers stress-related symptoms.
You can obtain the minerals and salts your body needs from the foods you eat. However, typical American foods never contain enough magnesium, and calcium and magnesium are necessary to balance your pH (as well as a slew of other natural minerals). One way to absorb essential minerals is to use them in a bath.
Whether you use salts to flavor your food, for bathing, or to protect your home from negativity, always opt for natural sea salt. Your average "run of the mill" table salt contains no medicinal or metaphysical benefits whatsoever. Throw it away. It will only serve to give you hypertension. On the other hand, natural sea salt contains minerals your body needs to survive and thrive. There are many types to choose from, such as Dead Sea, Himalayan, French Sea, or Alaea.
What to Toss In the Tub
You can ease conditions causing aches, pain, and itch by sitting in warm to hot bath water 2-3 times daily (for at least 20 minutes). However, it can help add natural ingredients to the tub, such as Dead Sea salt (or any natural sea salt), for added benefit.
Dead Sea salt contains numerous minerals, including magnesium chloride, which is readily absorbed and metabolized by the body.
You can use Epsom salt in the bath. However, the singular ingredient in this salt is magnesium sulfate, which is excreted by the body much more quickly, so its effects don't last as long.
Baking soda and ground oatmeal can also be helpful in the bath. Both work well to relieve itching. Add 2-4 tablespoons or a combination of these to a shallow bath.
Adding Essential Oils to Sea Salt
You can also add a few drops (6-12) of your favorite essential oil to your bath to help you relax. Oil and water don't mix, so very little oil will be absorbed topically, if at all. The purpose is to inhale the fragrance. Vanilla, sweet orange, lavender, and rose come to mind. Another way to incorporate essential oils into the bath is to add them to your bath salt recipes. Also, see Essential Oils for Relaxation.
Adding Seaweed to the Bath
Because minerals are absorbed through the skin, adding seaweed flakes or powder to your bath will help you heal faster than sitting in plain water. Seaweed is packed with minerals your body needs for optimal immunity and for your skin to heal correctly. Break up or crush dried seaweed flakes and add a handful (or two) to your bath, or use the powdered form. These are available at most stores. You can powder-dry seaweed at home using a coffee grinder.
How to Keep Your Drains Clear
To prevent clogging your pipes, consider placing dried seaweed pieces in a mesh bag or tying them to a piece of cheesecloth to keep them from going down the drain, which helps with tub ring cleanup.
A Sea Salt Compress
If you don't have a bathtub, you can repeatedly apply hot, moist cloths as a compress soaked in a natural salt solution (such as sea salt and water) to the skin or area of pain for up to 20 minutes.
