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Salt bath
A listing is not a recommendation.
Origin: Japan and elsewhere (also related to European and Dead Sea salt baths) · Tradition: Folk bathing practice · Heat & water
What it is
A method of adding salt to the bath. It is used in folk practice for the feel of the skin, buoyancy, and keeping warm. The type of salt differs from an Epsom-salt bath.
A short introduction (not a treatment instruction)
- Use an appropriate amount of bath salt. If you have a wound, check for irritation.
- Do not stay in longer than a usual bath by forcing yourself.
- Whether to rinse with fresh water afterwards depends on the skin and the product label.
Symptoms or aims often mentioned with this practice
- Dry skin
- Tiredness
- Muscle stiffness
- Feeling cold easily
Related symptom videos
Research notes (this is not a promise of effect)
D: Traditional use only. This review did not find enough clinical research on the practice itself
The sources were not confirmed in this review.
There is some dermatological research on salt baths and Dead Sea salt, but evidence that allows generalising from a home table-salt bath is weak.
Safety notes
Irritation of mucous membranes and wounds, and dehydration. People with high blood pressure are not drinking the salt, but watch for accidental ingestion and for children handling it.
If you are unsure, or if you have a health condition, are pregnant, or take medicine, consult a qualified professional.
Situations in which this is better avoided
- A large open wound
- Dermatitis that worsens with salt