The Regency Spa: Create Your Own Bath Salts

Throughout history, physicians have touted the health claims of various "Waters" and have advised their patients to immerse or ingest from numerous wells around the globe. While no one has yet discovered the proverbial "Fount of Youth", it is true that the ancient healers were on to something. Cities, such as Bath and Tunbridge Wells often sprang up around "curative" springs, each boasting it's own brand of health and happiness.

One such spring was discovered in Epsom and was so restorative that enterprising businessmen began selling the mineral deposits found there for use at home. The result? Epsom salts. Though not a salt in the sense of table salt, they are called so for their salt like appearance and are actually composed of Magnesium sulfate (or magnesium sulphate) an inorganic salt (chemical compound) containing magnesium, sulfur and oxygen, with the formula MgSO4.

The salt was produced from the springs that arise where the porous chalk of the North Downs meets non-porous London clay. Epsom salt has been traditionally used as a component of bath salts. Epsom salt can also be used as a beauty product. Athletes use it to soothe sore muscles, while gardeners use it to improve crops. It has a variety of other uses. Epsom salt is also effective in the removal of splinters. It is on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, the most important medications needed in a basic health system.

To make your own bath salts and enjoy a relaxing soak (preferably with a good novel) you will need equal parts coarse grained salt and Epsom salts (found for pennies at your pharmacy.) If using 1 cup of each, you might also want to add 1 tsp of your favourite essential oil or finely ground herbs like lavender or rose petals. Mix thoroughly (a few drops of food colouring make it pretty when packaged) and store in an air tight container. Use 1/4 cup in a warm or hot bath to imitate a soak in the hot springs. The benefits, from shinier hair to relaxed muscles, are to numerous to list.

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