The earliest document talking about the different kinds of salts, its uses, and the methods of its extraction was published in China around 2700 years BCE. Hippocrates encouraged his fellow healers to make use of salt water to heal various ailments by immersing their patients in sea water. The ancient Greeks continued this and in 1753, English author and physician Dr. Charles Russel published "The Uses of Sea Water".
Salts change the osmotic balance of the water so that less water is absorbed by the skin via osmosis. This reduces the "pruning" or "wrinkling" effect of prolonged exposure of skin to fresh water. Some bath salts have a detergent action which softens calloused skin and aids in exfoliation. Some bath salts act as water softeners and change the way soap rinses. Some confusion may arise after a first experience with soft water. High concentrations of salts increase the specific gravity of the water and increase buoyancy which makes the body feel lighter in the bath. Very high concentrations of salts in water are used in flotation therapy.
Fragrances and colours are often added to bath salts, and one purpose of salts is as a vehicle to extend fragrances, which are otherwise often too potent for safe use in a bath.
Through the 1980s and 90s, bath salts were the kind of bath time treat most often given as gifts to grannies – but the turn of the 21st century saw them return to the mainstream and they have grown from strength to strength.
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