Epsom salt is an amazing mineral compound that’s been used for centuries as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments. But there are so many other uses for Epsom salt that you may not know about.
From skincare to gardening, pain relief to pet care, there are many benefits of epsom salts. Whether you’re looking to soothe sore muscles or just take a relaxing bath, Epsom salt will leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.
Epsom Salt is Really Magnesium Sufate
First of all, it’s not a salt at all. Epsom salt is actually a mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. It was named after the town of Epsom in England.
It was first discovered there in the early 17th century and quickly became a popular remedy for various ailments.
Benefits of Epsom Salt
The minerals in Epsom salt help to cleanse and detoxify the skin while reducing inflammation, making it an excellent ingredient in skincare products.
The magnesium and sulfate present in the salt help plants grow by providing nutrients that are essential for their development. It also aids in chlorophyll production, which is a vital process in the plant’s photosynthesis.
The Many Uses For Epsom Salt
Face Scrub
One of the most popular uses of Epsom salt in skincare is as a facial exfoliator. The coarse texture of the salt helps to scrub away dead skin cells, unclog pores, and leave the skin feeling smooth and refreshed.
To use Epsom salt as an exfoliator, simply mix a small amount with your favorite cleanser or facial oil and gently massage into your face using circular motions.
Use it in a facial scrub or mask to brighten your complexion and leave your skin feeling soft and radiant.
Volumizing Haircare
Epsom salt can be a great addition to your haircare routine due to its ability to cleanse and exfoliate the scalp, as well as promote hair growth. When mixed with your favorite shampoo or conditioner, it can help remove buildup from styling products and excess oils, leaving your locks feeling clean and refreshed.
In addition, Epsom salt contains magnesium which can stimulate circulation in the scalp and promote healthy hair growth. You can create a homemade hair mask by mixing Epsom salt with olive oil or coconut oil. Apply the mixture to your entire scalp and massage gently for five minutes before washing your hair as usual.
Note: on some hair types, this will lead to frizz.
Gardening
Gardeners can use Epsom salt to fertilize their plants, improve soil quality, and deter pests. When added to the soil, the magnesium present in Epsom salt improves nutrient absorption by plants and prevents yellowing of leaves due to magnesium deficiency.
Adding a tablespoon of Epsom salt per gallon of water during watering stimulates growth and enhances flowering. And Epsom salt acts as a natural pesticide to keep away garden pests such as slugs and snails.
Sprinkling it around plants or using it as a foliar spray creates an environment that these pests find unpleasant or even toxic.
Relaxing Epsom Salt Baths
Epsom salt is known for its ability to relax tired muscles. Add it to a warm bath to help soothe muscles and ease tension throughout your body.
The magnesium in Epsom salt helps to calm the nervous system, which can help you get a more restful night’s sleep and an overall feeling of peace and tranquility.
Add about two cups of Epsom salt to a nice warm bath and soak. You can also add a few drops of lavender or chamomile essential oil to your Epsom salt bath. These soothing scents can help promote a sense of calmness and relaxation, making it easier to unwind after a long day.
Pain Relief / Injuries
We already talked about how an epsom salt bath relaxes tired muscles. But it’s also known for its ability to reduce pain and inflammation in the body. When dissolved in warm water, it releases magnesium and sulfate ions that can be absorbed through the skin and provide relief from sore muscles, arthritis, joint pain, and headaches.
If you’re an arthritis sufferer, this stuff is such a help. For a relaxing Epsom salt bath, add 2 cups of Epsom salt to a warm bath and soak for at least 20 minutes. The magnesium in Epsom salt helps to relax muscles while the sulfate flushes toxins out of your body.
You can also create an Epsom salt compress by soaking a clean cloth in a solution of warm water and Epsom salt. Apply the compress to sore or inflamed areas for 15-20 minutes at a time.
Foot Soak
One of the most popular uses for Epsom salt is foot soak. Our feet are subjected to constant pressure and stress, which can lead to muscle tension, swelling, and pain.
To create an Epsom salt foot soak, fill a basin with warm water and add 1/2 cup of Epsom salt. Stir until the salt is completely dissolved and then soak your feet for 15-20 minutes. You can also add a few drops of essential oils like lavender or peppermint to enhance the experience.
A foot soak with Epsom salt not only relaxes your muscles but also stimulates blood circulation in your feet and relieves fatigue. Additionally, it helps soften rough skin on your feet while improving overall foot health. A regular foot soak in Epsom salt can do wonders for your feet and leave you feeling refreshed.
Pet Care
Epsom salt can be used to treat various skin conditions in dogs, such as hotspots, rashes, and dry flaky skin. It’s a natural anti-inflammatory which will help reduce inflammation and itching.
You can use Epsom salt by adding it to your dog’s bathwater or making a compress by dissolving it in water and using a clean cloth to apply it directly on the affected area.
It can also be used to keep your pets safe from fleas. Mix one cup of Epsom salt with five drops of lavender oil and sprinkle it on your pet’s bedding. The mixture will repel fleas and keep them away.
Kitchen Surface Cleaning
Mix Epsom salt with water and a teaspoon or so of dish soap to create a powerful cleaning solution for kitchen countertops. But you should definitely test it on a small inconspicuous area before you start using it everywhere. There’s always a chance some surfaces would be damaged by Epsom salts.
Cleaning Pots and Pans
It’s also great for cleaning pots and pans. Just rub a little bit of it around a dirty pan and then use a damp sponge to wipe away stains and stuck on food.
Unclogging Drains and Toilets
Epsom salt can also work wonders in unclogging drains by breaking down grease and grime. Pour some hot water into the clogged drain or toilet. Then drop in a couple of teaspoons of Epsom salt. Follow that with warm water. After a few minutes, you can flush it with water and it should be running again.
Cleaning Grout
Sprinkle Epsom salt on a damp sponge or cloth and clean the grout between your tiles. It can help remove mildew and dirt buildup with ease.
Constipation Relief
Epsom salt is a popular natural remedy for constipation relief. The magnesium sulfate in Epsom salt draws water into the colon, which softens the stool and makes it easier to pass.
To use Epsom salt for constipation relief, mix 2 teaspoons of Epsom salt into 8 ounces of water or juice and drink the mixture. It’s important to drink plenty of water throughout the day as well to avoid dehydration.
It’s best to take Epsom salt before bed, as it can take a few hours to work. It’s not recommended to use Epsom salt for constipation relief on a regular basis, as it can lead to dependence and other health issues.
So Many Ways to Use Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is a versatile and affordable household item that has many benefits. From skincare to home cleaning and gardening to pain relief, there seems to be no end to what you can use it to do.