Can you put Epsom salt in an ice bath?

If you’ve already started your cold plunge journey, then you’re likely already well aware of all the benefits that come with taking a regular dip in your ice bath after an intense workout or to wake yourself up first thing in the morning.

But as impactful as regular ice bathing can be for reducing anxiety and improving your skin, for those in the cold-water therapy community who have their standard plunge routine down, you might be wondering if there’s anything else you can be doing to enhance your ice bath experience – such as addition Epsom salt to your ice bath.

A well-known wellness mineral, Epson bath salts are often used in warm baths to help relieve muscle tension and stress, and now studies are starting to suggest that their use may have a place in ice baths as well.

Take a look at our guide below to learn more about what Epsom salts are, their benefits, and whether or not you can use Epsom salt in an ice bath.

What are Epsom salts?

Epsom salts, (or magnesium sulphate to give them their true chemical name), are a type of naturally occurring salt local to Epsom Surry in the UK – hence their name. But unlike table salt, Epsom salts are not used for seasoning or food preservation.

Instead, Epsom salt is specifically a mineral salt, one that’s high in magnesium content, which is an essential mineral for the cells in our bodies to function correctly, making its absorption through water a very popular element in many modern spa treatments across the wellness sector.

How do Epsom salts work?

Much like regular salt, Epsom salts dissolve when exposed to water. When they dissolve, they release all the magnesium and other minerals that form their crystals into the surrounding liquid, which then allows your body to absorb them via exposure and contact through your skin, straight into your bloodstream.

What are the benefits of Epsom salts?

Although the registered benefits of Epsom salts are numerous and far-ranging when it comes to specifically using them in water and ice baths, the main bonuses they provide to your body come in the form of improved muscle recovery, improved mental well-being, and reduced levels of inflammation.

This is because magnesium plays a vital role in what’s known as cold thermogenesis, which is the process your body uses to enhance your metabolism and boost your body’s internal temperature when exposed to cold external temperatures.

When cold thermogenesis takes place, your body’s blood flow naturally increases, sending greater volumes of blood to your muscles and helping them to operate more efficiently, including improving the rate at which they heal after a workout.

On top of this, magnesium also plays a role in how your mitochondria operate, ensuring that they have the energy to keep going for longer, again promoting a faster rate of healing and muscle recovery.

Essentially, what all this means is that Epsom salts in your ice bath can help reduce muscle aches and pains after exercise, improve circulation, and generally promote a sense of alertness and calm by getting more blood to your brain while you soak.

What are the risks of using Epsom salts?

While Epsom salts have been used in the spa industry for years, that’s not to say their use doesn’t come with risks. Like many naturally occurring substances, there is a chance that your body might experience irritation or an adverse reaction to Epsom salt use.

Perhaps more seriously, however, the addition of salt to water has been shown to lower the temperature of the water, which could potentially bring your ice bath temperature below safe levels.

Therefore, if you do plan on using Epsom salts in your ice bath, you should pay attention to how your body feels and exit your tub promptly should you experience any noticeable discomfort.

Finally, while there are several studies available that have analysed the use of ice baths with Epsom salts, data is still relatively restricted on how effective their use is. There is a chance you may experience little or no effects from the use of an ice bath with Epsom salts, but there are also many ice bath users out there who are firm advocates of its use.

How much Epsom salt should you add to an ice bath?

How much Epsom salt you should use in your ice bath will depend on the size and volume of water it can hold. But, with that being said, most users recommend starting with 250-300g of Epsom salt to begin with.

After adding your Epsom salt, simply stir the water of your ice bath until it’s fully dissolved, then step inside and let your open pores do the work of absorbing all that extra magnesium.

Find the right Chill Tub for you today

And there you have it, that’s everything you need to know about using an ice bath with Epsom salts. As we noted, much of the evidence associated with Epsom salt ice baths is still in its infancy, but if you want to give it a go, there’s no harm in trying.

Alternatively, if you’ve previously used Epsom salts in your regular bath and were simply interested in how they relate to ice baths and their benefits, then you can head over to the Chill Tub store today to see our full range.

From beginner ice pods to professional cold tubs, we have something for everyone in our ice bath collection. Get in touch today to learn more about how to add an ice bath to your workout routine and the associated benefits of cold plunges, and don’t forget to visit our blog for more articles like this one.