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.

Try the apotheke (pharmacy) or the reformhaus (health food store)...

In the meantime you could try using ordinary bath salts...most have mag sulfate in them...

you could also try bicarb soda, stops you from getting quite so wrinkly when soaking for a long time...

So how's magnesium assimilated through the skin?

Perhaps it's time to revive one of this forum's all time greatest threads on detoxification...^^

Anywhere that sells horse supplies should stock it. Your local pet food store might too.

This is an interesting one.

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.

This could help me out too.

Phil.

The German word for Epsom salt is Bittersalz.

The pharmacy at Bellevue sells 100g for Fr 4.60. I need 500g for each bath. A bit expensive for a bath.

I will have a look at the pet store, health food store and garden centers. Perhaps they might sell larger quantities for a cheaper price.

Back home, I knew several athletics who would use an Epsom salt bath to recover from intense training. I found this site that might interest you: http://www.epsomsaltcouncil.org/health_benefits.htm

Sorry can't help you on this but perhaps this site might help you find the answer to your question. http://www.mgwater.com/transdermal.shtml

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

Hi Uno

Did you manage to track some down?

Why do horses use Epsom Salt?

S

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.

Hi,

For those who are interested,

Morgental Apotheke, (the Drogorie)
Albisstrasse 44
8038 Zurich
tel: 043 399 88 66
Tram 7, Bus 33 or 66 stop at Morgental

will sell you 1 kg of Bittersalz, Magnesium Sulfate for 12.60 SFr.

Enjoy.

careful there. if you actually take the epsom salts, it is a good idea to keep close to certain facilities.