Are epsom salt baths 'safe' for CD

[DaisyB]

Hi,

I've just bought a tub of Epsom salts because I've read they help with relaxation and sleep and also with fatigue etc. I've been looking online and I'm seeing conflicting opinions on whether CD sufferers should take baths with ES - I've read on one site that it can cause diarrhoea (which is something I definitely do not need more of!) and another that says it can help with CD.

I've googled these forums and see a few add Epsom salts to sitz baths but I'm looking to add it to a full bath. Also, on my phone I can't see if the posters adding ES have UC or CD!

As you can imagine I'm very wary of trying this now because I'm starting to reach a more manageable place with my CD symptoms and don't want to go backwards.

Thanks for any advice and apologies for any mistakes - typing on my phone because my laptop is broken.

 

[Lisa]

I've taken multiple Epsom salt baths over the years and never had a problem with them,......

 

[DaisyB]

Thanks Lisa. How much do you add? I was going to add only a couple of tablespoons the first time round.

 

[Lisa]

Oh gosh...I load it up - a cup or two! In a regular bath tub.....

 

[DaisyB]

Oh gosh...I load it up - a cup or two! In a regular bath tub.....

Thank you for your help. I'm looking forward to a nice soak tonight!

 

[Cat-a-Tonic]

I also use Epsom salts in my baths sometimes and I've never had any negative effect. I don't know if they help or not (I suspect not) but they shouldn't hurt either.

I believe Epsom salts can only cause diarrhea if you ingest them! So as long as you don't drink them, you should be fine. I googled and this was the first link that came up:

http://www.med-health.net/Drinking-Epsom-Salt.html

You can drink Epsom salt for it will relax your digestive muscles and provide laxative effect.

Edited to add: Like Lisa said, I also dump a bunch into my bath. I never measure but the packaging says to add 2 cups so I just pour a bunch in. It smells nice (I have the kind that smells like "milk and honey") and it's nice and relaxing although I'm not sure if that's just the bath itself or if the Epsom salts are doing something.

 

[DaisyB]

I also use Epsom salts in my baths sometimes and I've never had any negative effect. I don't know if they help or not (I suspect not) but they shouldn't hurt either.

I believe Epsom salts can only cause diarrhea if you ingest them! So as long as you don't drink them, you should be fine. I googled and this was the first link that came up:

http://www.med-health.net/Drinking-Epsom-Salt.html


Edited to add: Like Lisa said, I also dump a bunch into my bath. I never measure but the packaging says to add 2 cups so I just pour a bunch in. It smells nice (I have the kind that smells like "milk and honey") and it's nice and relaxing although I'm not sure if that's just the bath itself or if the Epsom salts are doing something.

Thank you Cat for this advice and for the link. I'm really hoping they'll help me to get a good night's sleep. I'm so fatigued but when go to bed I can't sleep!

This forum is such a great source for informed advice, thanks again

 

[2thFairy]

Epsom salts can cause diarrhea if taken INTERNALLY. It's an old timey laxative for constipation. However, adding it to a soaking bath should not cause that same effect.

edit: I just saw Cat already said this up above. :smile:

 

[nogutsnoglory]

They should be totally safe for bathing in, it's only orally that it acts as a laxative. The only concern for bathing is if you have high bp it may increase your levels.