Q: Why do Epsom salts help relieve arthritis pain? What’s in it, and what else can I put in my bath to help? Someone suggested essential oils.
– D.J., Denver, Colorado
A: Epsom salts are magnesium sulfate. In the bath, magnesium breaks apart from the sulfate and both get absorbed into your skin. Both substances reduce inflammation and pain.
The hot water is also soothing and improves your circulation – you want more blood flow (and oxygen) to sore suffocating muscle cells.
You can also put Naturopathica’s Arnica Muscle & Joint Bath and Body Oil in the bath. I like this one because it contains basil, rosemary, bay laurel and arnica – a soothing combination that should relieve sore, achy muscles and joint pain from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or overexertion. Arnica is also found in many over-the-counter arthritis rubs because it increases circulation and reduces swelling and joint pain.
As far as essential oils go, don’t just buy a bottle of oil and put a few drops into your bathtub; your friend told you wrong. Most pure essential oils need to be diluted in a carrier oil (like almond oil) or you could “burn” your skin. Lavender (for relaxation) is one exception. This is why I recommend that people buy blended mixtures – combined in the right ratio to soothe your skin, your senses and your ailment, whatever it is. You see products like this at salons and bath and body shops in the malls. For more information, visit naturopathica.com or call 800-592-7995.
Q: Used to be you could just buy soap, but now it comes in all sorts of types. Should I buy the “antibacterial” type or not? Something tells me those chemicals are bad.
– K.N., Port Charlotte, Fla.
A: Before we talk about antibacterials, let’s just talk about soap. If you Google soap’s sudsing agent, sodium lauryl sulfate, you will find a lot of dirt. Apparently, studies show sodium lauryl sulfate causes skin/scalp irritation and liver damage. It is found in most soaps, shampoos, detergents and toothpastes. Now add the antibacterials and you have a relatively chemical-laden mixture to kill off the bacteria. I don’t know what’s worse, the nasty bugs or the harmful chemicals to kill them.
America is getting germ-phobic. I don’t think these “supercleansers” are any better than plain soap and water because there isn’t any real hard evidence they lead to fewer infections. As a pharmacist, I imagine that our bacteria will become resistant to our antibacterial efforts. Also, these soaps dry out your skin. I think washing with plain soap and water will do the trick. If you want your soap to be free of sodium lauryl sulfate, too, then go to the natural health food store or look online.
Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist. Write to her at dearpharmacist.com.
