Does anyone know where I can buy large amounts of Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate). Back in Australia, Epsom salt is available from most supermarkets for approximately $4 per 1kg.
In case you are wondering, I am using it in a bath to relieve aches and pains. It is cheap and very effective.
For those who are interested:
Magnesium: a powerful vasodilator required for proper muscle function, as well as neuromuscular coordination. It prevents the muscles from going into spasm resulting from strenuous activity.
Sulphate: improves elimination & detoxification from the increased metabolic waste resulting from physical activity, and therefore improves recovery time.
Together they also combat inflammation which occurs in the body all the time, but at a greater rate after strenuous exercise.
How to use it:
For general maintenance to prevent muscle stiffness and improve recovery time, use 3-4 cups in a bath once or twice a week. Gently kneed your tight muscles while in the bath.
I sometimes get bad cramping in the back of legs when sleeping (I do a lot of MT biking, so give me legs some abuse), which caused the muscles to ache for a couple of day.
I usually take magnesium after this which helps, but I wouldn't mind trying out Epsom salts for the reasons mentioned.
A recent study conducted by the University of Birmingham indicates elevated blood levels of magnesium and sulfate after bathing in epsom salts. However, there were no findings concerning the mechanism, or the therapeutic effects. [EDIT: Just noted this is the same study Uno posted above]
On a related note, here's a good article on aiding recovery after your workouts.
Uno: Please keep us updated if you find a good source for epsom salts
For exactly the same reasons the OP uses it - aches and pains. An epsom salt poultice will also draw out infection. Good for dogs when they get something stuck in their feet too.
I use it after exercise too. In the French region it's called Sel d'Angelterre and is sold by the kilo at pharmacies.
The nice thing about it here is that it's ground finely rather than the cylindrical grains you normally find with Epsom Salt. It dissolves much faster.
I just had a local reformhaus quote me 91.00 CHF for 5 Kilos! When I was obviously shocked and didn't want to order from him he started telling me that it is because I make much more money here in Switzerland so it should be a perfectly acceptable price. Since I'm used to paying around $10. CDN per kilo I can't help but think that this guy drank the coolaid.
I use 3-4 kg cooking salt, i belive it works as good as epsom salt or even better than 500g epsom salt. For muscle cramps a mineral drink (i think water is good enough) for replacing the lack of minerals, carefully warming up and streching before and after your exercise helps in my opinion the most.
I love epsom salt baths as well and you do need several cups per bath. In the UK I found a companay called Just a Soap - for bulk prices (great for massage oils as well)
But they don't have Switzerland on their list of countries - might be worth asking though.
The benefit of Epsom salts comes from the magnesium - so table salt (sodium chloride) just wouldn't be the same - although may have benefits of its own??? Dead sea salts contain a mix of minerals - I usually throw a couple handfuls of Dead Sea salts into the bath with the Epsom salts.
I have tried Epsom salt several times, but i got an itchy and drye feeling skin. Table salt is cheap and everywhere available, so why should i spend a lot more on sea or bath salt when its exatly the same. I belive it is even better because it comes from an very old and unpollutet environment.