Epsom salt baths

[A_Tribe_Called_Paleo]

Are Epsom salt baths beneficial and safe to do? Are there any negative side effects?

I've got a bag of Epsom salts from target, I am suspect of the quality. What is the highest quality of Epsom salts for baths you can get?

[eveheart]

I prefer magnesium chloride (sold as "nigari" in Japanese markets) over magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts). I make magnesium oil and magnesium soaking water with it. The "good" stuff tells you where it's from (ancient seabed mining vs removal from seawater). I buy it from a local "gourmet" tofu factory run by a little old lady who preserves the ancient ways.

[cherimoya_kid]

Do you notice a difference in how you feel with the chloride versus sulfate?

[eveheart]

Do you notice a difference in how you feel with the chloride versus sulfate?

I actually don't "feel" anything beyond the nice warmth of the foot bath. I have read "marketing material" that claims that magnesium is better absorbed through the skin as magnesium chloride than as magnesium sulfate, but I've never quantified my own results that way.

When I buy a bag of nigari, I dissolve the whole bag in water and store the resulting "magnesium oil" (because it feels slick on the skin, like oil would) in a large glass jar. I use it as-is on my skin, and when I soak my feet, I pour an amount into warm water. I am seeking a pampering spa experience; I am not trying to supplement magnesium this way. I got the idea because they use magnesium salts in water to scrub you in a Korean bathhouse.

[nummi]

If you take the magnesium while having at least slight deficiency, you will feel it. Otherwise, if no deficiency present, you won't feel a difference.
Don't think chloride vs sulfate salts would feel any different, unless you have sulfate or chloride deficiency.

I use magnesium chloride internally, in a water solution (plus other salts). About 2 tsp over 2-3 days.

[Projectile Vomit]

I can't say whether Mg is better absorbed with Cl or with SO4, but many people have trouble getting enough sulfur in their diet so I'd rather use MgSO4. Both Mg and S are easily absorbed through the skin, and sulfur is very good for the skin.

[A_Tribe_Called_Paleo]

So there are no negative effects that could occur from taking an Epsom salt bath?

How long should one last, from what I've read I'm thinking 40minutes.