The Difference Between Epsom and Magnesium Salt

I've started a little 'after work ritual' that I want to share with you because it's really making a huge difference to my evenings and it's cheap and easy to do. Would you believe, I can even do this with the kids home with me! (It just takes 20 minutes which is about the same time it takes for the kids to eat an after school snack and watch one episode of SpongeBob)!

I've been taking a warm bath loaded with Magnesium Chloride flakes, and it has changed my life! Before I tell you all about how good this is for you, I want to explain the difference between Magnesium Chloride and Epsom Salt (because they look the same).

What is Magnesium?

Magnesium is a central building block for life on earth. Magnesium is a common and essential mineral found in the body, that the body can't produce itself, so we need to ensure that we are receiving enough. It's the organising atom in chlorophyll, converting sunlight to energy in plants. In the human body, magnesium is present in over 300 enzyme systems, regulating blood pressure, synthesising proteins, and monitoring muscle and nerve functions. It's everywhere!

Epsom Salt vs. Magnesium Chloride

What is the difference between Epsom Salt and Magnesium Chloride Flakes?

Magnesium Flakes look similar to Epsom Salts but they are not exactly the same. A key difference between Epsom Salt and Magnesium Chloride Flakes is the rate of absorption into the body. The molecular structure of Magnesium Chloride is much more easily absorbed into the body than that of Epsom Salt. So while both are wonderful, I find the effects of Magnesium Chloride much more intense. In comparison to Epsom Salts, Magnesium Chloride is not usually recommended to be ingested, unless food-grade.

When it comes to soaking in a warm Magnesium bath, there may be some added confusion surrounding the difference between Epsom Salts and Magnesium Flakes! You may have noticed they look the same, and you may have also noticed that Epsom Salts are often much cheaper. The main difference is that Epsom Salts are Magnesium Sulfate, and Magnesium Flakes are Magnesium Chloride.

What is Magnesium Salt (Magnesium Chloride)?

Magnesium Chloride has a long list of benefits, from helping to manage cramps, migraines and stress, to promoting a restful night's sleep. Cosmetically, despite being commonly called a form of salt, Magnesium Chloride can actually be hydrating for the body, nourishing sensitive and dry skin.

The health benefits of Magnesium Chloride may be utilised to their fullest potential when absorbed through the skin. Magnesium supplements can also be taken orally, but their bioavailability can be diminished by their contact with stomach acids and digestive enzymes - this depends on the formula.

What are the benefits of Magnesium Chloride?

Magnesium Chloride has a long list of benefits, from helping to manage cramps, migraines and stress, to promoting a restful night's sleep. Cosmetically, despite being commonly called a form of salt, Magnesium Chloride can actually be hydrating for the body, nourishing sensitive and dry skin.

The health benefits of Magnesium Chloride may be utilised to their fullest potential when absorbed through the skin. Magnesium supplements can also be taken orally, but their bioavailability can be diminished by their contact with stomach acids and digestive enzymes - this depends on the formula.

What is Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate)?

Epsom Salt is actually a form of Magnesium. Its compound name is Magnesium Sulfate and it looks a lot like salt! Magnesium Sulfate is traditionally used in baths but can be safely ingested as well (if food-grade).

What are the benefits of Magnesium Sulfate?

Epsom Salt benefits are vast - when Epsom Salts are absorbed into your skin they can help relax and rejuvenate tired limbs, detox the body and leave you feeling refreshed and energised. That's a pretty impressive bath!

Magnesium Bath Benefits

With all the amazing benefits of Magnesium, it's no wonder why a warm soak is part of my after-work ritual! It's believed that Magnesium can be absorbed through the skin, so while you are relaxing in an Epsom Salt bath, your skin will be soaking up the goodness.

Not only are Magnesium bath flakes great for relaxation and rejuvenation for your entire body, but it's also known to make wonderful foot soaks as well as highly effective for skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Here are some more need-to-knows about Magnesium Baths:

• How often can you take an Epsom Salt bath? There's no secret number here, but you'll thank yourself for rewarding yourself a Magnesium bath 2-3 times a week.
• How much Epsom Salt should you put in your bathtub? Most Magnesium flakes and salts can recommend anywhere between ½ a cup to 2 cups into your tub, so this will depend on the product you're using. Always read the label for instructions!

The Best Magnesium Bath Products

Whether you've been on your feet all day, had a crazy day at the office, or both, a warm soak in these Organic Magnesium Chloride Flakes can help you relax and recharge. Sourced from salt lakes in WA, they are made from pure Magnesium Chloride which is wonderful for adding to the bath to promote soft, supple skin and relaxation. I add these to my kids' nice warm bath to relax them before bed. To use, dissolve ½ - 1 cup of flakes into your bath and enjoy!

As for an Epsom Salt alternative, I personally love the EpZen Magnesium Bath Crystals in their Relax blend which smells nice and feminine with essential oils of Rosewood, Ylang Ylang, Rose Geranium, Frankincense and May Chang. If you're wanting to try the detoxifying benefits of Epsom Salts without the added natural fragrances, the Pure blend is a great option. Made with Magnesium Sulphate, these crystals are high quality and great in a bath for relaxing muscles after a tough workout, as well as helping to ease general aches and sore muscles. To use, add two cups to your bath.

Caim & Able is also one of our favourites when it comes to Magnesium treatments especially the Caim & Able PROTECT Magnesium Bath Salts - Lavender & Rosemary for a soothing and relaxing bathing experience. Created by an Australian Medical Herbalist, the products are hand made in small batches, contain calming essential oils and a combination of pure, high-quality magnesium chloride and magnesium sulphate for a unique and powerful blend.

The Best Topical Magnesium Products

My love for Magnesium doesn't stop at a bath - there are so many wonderful Magnesium products that make a massive difference to my overall wellbeing!

If you're looking for some great Magnesium products I highly recommend the Amazing Oils brand of Magnesium. I discovered this company at a health expo - they rubbed some of their Magnesium Oil on my shoulders and instantly I felt great. Plus it's 100% pure, sourced and made right here in Australia, and completely toxin and heavy metal-free.

At Nourished Life, we also love the Elektra Magnesium range. My personal favourite is the Elektra Magnesium Cream in Island Spice because it smells amazing and is nice and easy to apply thanks to delicious natural ingredients like Shea Butter, Coconut Oil and Mango Butter.

I also love adding the Elektra Magnesium Mineral Salt Flakes to the bath, but these are actually food grade so you can put them in your drinking water too! Naturally evaporated from Tibetan salt water, these magnesium flakes are a wonderful addition to your daily bath (I also really enjoy adding them to my foot bath). Since they are food grade, I also add 4-5 little flakes to 1.25L of purified water and sip throughout the day. I find it makes the water taste beautiful and soft.