My answer to just about anything is ‘take an Epsom salt bath.’ Whether it’s sore muscles, aches from cold and flu, the onset of any kind of imbalance (cough, sore throat, fever), even fear, worry and sadness, my answer is ‘take an Epsom salt bath.’

On the physical side, Epsom salt which is the mineral magnesium sulfate, has been found to help alleviate pain. Additionally, soaking in Epsom Salt helps to naturally pull toxins from the body, which speeds the healing process.  When a cold or the flu is coming on, adding Epsom Salt to a before-bed bath, I find can often stop the virus in its track.

On an emotional level, I also find Epsom Salt baths to help soothe and calm emotions, again a result, I believe, connected to the presence of the Magnesium. If Caidin is out-of-balance energetically, I will give him a bath with Epsom Salt to help him settle and reconnect energetically.  He typically emerges happier and more relaxed.

According to The University of Maryland Medical Center ‘Every organ in the body — especially the heart, muscles, and kidneys — needs the mineral magnesium.’ ‘Most important, it activates enzymes, contributes to energy production, and helps regulate calcium levels, as well as copper, zinc, potassium, vitamin D, and other important nutrients in the body.’

Their overview on the scientific benefits of Magnesium goes on to state that, ‘Getting enough magnesium may enhance the effectiveness of conventional treatment for…” asthma, depression, migraine headache, and restless leg syndrome.

During a bath the body absorbs magnesium through the skin, contributing to the supporting effects of an Epsom salt bath.

I’ve used anywhere from a ¼ cup to an entire box for myself, depending on what’s going on.  I’ve even soaked in a large bath filled with 800 lbs. of salt referred to as a ‘float bath’.  But for your child use a ¼ cup.

How to –

Recommended Ages: 3 and up (consult your pediatrician prior to soaking)

Best before bed and then bundle up and get right into bed for a deep sleep.

Pour ¼ cup of Epsom salt into a warm bath

Soak for 15-20 minutes – no more as the detoxing effect may cause nausea or dizziness if you soak too long.

*Warning – keep out of eyes, it stings.

I highly recommend that before trying remedies with your child (after consulting your pediatrician), that you try them out yourself first.  That way, you know what your child will experience.

© 2012 Christine Agro

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Christine Agro is a clairvoyant, naturopath, Master Herbalist, conscious mom and author of 50 Ways to Live Life Consciously as well as of The Conscious Living Wisdom Cards (Special Moms’ Edition). Christine is founder of The Conscious Mom’s Guide , a membership site where she helps support you on your own journey of living life consciously and on your journey of being a Conscious parent. You can also join Christine on Facebook. To contact Christine, invite her to speak or to schedule an appointment with her please email her.