The mineral most associated with muscle relaxation and sleep. It is the active ingredient in Epsom-salt baths (magnesium sulfate).
Magnesium is the mineral people reach for after a hard day or a hard workout. As magnesium sulfate it is the active ingredient in Epsom-salt baths, and magnesium-rich thermal water is traditionally used to ease muscle tension and support sleep. The science on how much magnesium the body actually absorbs through the skin is still debated, but the warm-water-plus-magnesium combination is reliably, deeply relaxing — which is much of the point.
How you'll know it
No colour or smell of its own — the quiet muscle-relaxing mineral.
Traditionally good for
Associations from long use and emerging research — restorative, not medical claims.
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Traditionally used to relax muscles and ease tension
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Associated with better sleep and stress relief
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The active mineral in Epsom-salt (magnesium sulfate) baths
Springs rich in magnesium
Sources & further reading
For general interest, not medical advice. Benefit claims reflect long tradition and emerging research; the strength of evidence varies by mineral and condition.