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forum threadSUCHaDEAL posted Today 05:06 PM
Amazon Basics 3lb Epsom Salt Bag $2.75 S&S Prime Shipped
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## Does Epsom Salt Work for Sore Muscles in a Hot Bath?
The short answer: **The warm water provides benefits, but the Epsom salt itself likely doesn't add much beyond that.**
### The Scientific Evidence
The scientific research on Epsom salt baths for muscle soreness is mixed and generally weak. A 2017 review in the *Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research* found **no physiological benefit to magnesium sulfate baths compared to hot water alone**. Additionally, a study examining the effects of magnesium sulfate on delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) found that both hot water immersion and Epsom salt dissolved in hot water reduced perceived pain compared to no treatment, but there was **no significant difference between the two groups**—meaning the Epsom salt provided no additional benefit over plain hot water.[1][2]
The skepticism centers on a fundamental issue: **the idea that magnesium and sulfate are significantly absorbed through the skin remains debated and unproven**. Most existing research is small-scale and considered "questionable quality". The transdermal (through-the-skin) absorption that Epsom salt advocates claim simply hasn't been consistently demonstrated in rigorous studies.[3]
### What Actually Works
The genuine benefits come from the **warm water itself**:[2][3]
- Increases blood flow and circulation to sore muscles
- Temporarily reduces muscle and joint tension
- Lowers perceived stress and promotes relaxation through parasympathetic nervous system activation
- Helps blood vessels dilate, improving circulation
This warm-water benefit is legitimate and happens whether you add Epsom salt or not.[2]
### The Magnesium Supplement Distinction
Interestingly, while Epsom salt baths lack strong evidence, **oral magnesium supplementation does show promise for reducing muscle soreness**. A controlled study found that magnesium supplementation (350 mg daily) significantly reduced muscle soreness by approximately 1-2 units on a 6-point soreness scale at 24, 36, and 48 hours post-exercise. However, this oral route is fundamentally different from trying to absorb magnesium through skin via an Epsom salt bath.[4][5]
### Is It Worth Trying?
Epsom salt baths are generally safe and inexpensive to try. If you find them relaxing and enjoy the ritual, there's no harm in using them alongside proven recovery methods like massage, stretching, rest, and active recovery workouts. However, they should not be considered a primary treatment for muscle soreness.[3]
For athletes in your area engaging in trail running and cycling, a warm bath provides genuine therapeutic value—with or without the Epsom salt.
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