Discover the Most Extraordinary Uses for Epsom Salt
Epsom salts, my granny’s secret being rediscovered…
Epsom salts, or magnesium sulfate, is a natural occurring mineral first discovered in a bitter saline spring in Epsom, England. Traditionally used as a bath salt, these days we can find them in many of our beauty and household products. Even gardeners use them to improve their crops.
Magnesium and sulfate both play an essential role for your body’s optimal health. Magnesium plays a major role in over 300 enzyme reactions, reduces inflammation and improves muscle and nerve function. Sulfate is important for the formation of brain tissue and joint proteins, it helps to improve nutrient absorption and flushes toxins.
Did you know that almost half of the Americans have a magnesium and/or sulfate deficiency? And guess what, Epsom salts can help you restore magnesium and sulfate levels in your body. They can easily be absorbed through your skin and that’s why Epsom salt baths became so popular over the years.
But that’s not all, keep reading and discover how Epsom salts can aid you in your daily life.
Epsom Salt Baths
Soaking in an Epsom salt bath is one of the easiest external ways to boost your magnesium and sulfate levels and detox your body. Research studies have shown that magnesium is more easily absorbed through your skin then via your digestive tract.
Just add 2 cups to your bath water and soak for at least 15 minutes, 3 times a week, to reap the benefits. Do not use soap as it will negatively interfere with the salts.
To enhance relaxation add lavender essential oil as well.
Benefits of adding Epsom salts to your bath tub:
• Boost magnesium and sulfate levels
• Improved circulation and heart health.
• Improved ability for the body to use insulin
• Eliminates harmful toxins
• Relieves body aches
• Improved nerve function
• Natural stress-reliever, binds serotonin which creates a feeling of well-being and relaxation.
• Reduced pain and muscle cramps
• Improved absorption of nutrients
• Reduce swelling of sprains, bruises and can be used to treat boils.
• Prevent or ease headaches
• Soften your skin
• Soothe itchy and sunburned skin
• Helps you and your children to sleep better
Foot-hand Soak
Add ½ cup of Epsom salt to a large bowl and soak your feet or hands for about 20 minutes to:
• Soothe aches
• Remove odors
• Soften rough skin
• Draw out splinters
• Relieve tired feet
• Relieve Athlete’s foot
• Treat toenail fungus
• Ease gout
For more information read our article about the health benefits of Epsom salt bath and foot soak.
Epsom Salts For White Teeth
Combine 1 part Epsom salt with one part water, mix well and brush your teeth and gargle with the mixture to:
• Whiten your teeth
• Fight periodontal diseases
To get more ideas how to whiten your teeth, have a look at the article 13 natural methods for teeth whitening.
Exfoliator For Rough Skin
Combine 2 parts of oil (olive oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil are all good options) with 1 part Epsom salt. Use the scrub on your face, hands and/or body while making circular movements and rinse with warm water. Repeat regularly and be patient. This process will take some time before any visible effects are obtained:
• Soften your skin
• Remove death cells
• Remove blackheads
• Break down callus
• Improve absorption of your skin care products
Epsom Salts And Hair Care
Mix equal parts of natural conditioner and Epsom salt. Apply on your hair and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse well and let air dry.
• Thicker hair with more volume
• Softer hair
• Treats dry or greasy hair
Laxative, Internal Use
Dissolve 1 teaspoon in water and drink.
Epsom salts can, occasionally, help you with constipation. But before you start using Epsom salts internally, make sure to check with your doctor first. You can find here more natural remedies for constipation.
Epsom Salts Around Your house
Epsom salts are not only great for your health… but they are wonderful for many application in your house and garden as well.
Tile cleaner
Make a paste like scrub, and soap scum on your tile will be history in no time. To whiten your floor tiles mix ½ cup Epsom salt to a gallon of warm sudsy water and scrub with a brush. Rinse with clear water and be amazed by the result. You can also create effective cleaning products using essential oils. You can find all the information in the e-book Magical Arometherapy.
Keep Raccoons out of your garbage
Instead of laying down dangerous poison that can be ingested by your kids or pets, try Epsom salts to keep raccoons naturally out of your garden.
Just sprinkle salt on the garbage lid and encircle the environment as well and those raccoons will search another place to feast.
Fertilizer
Especially roses, palm trees and tomatoes are a huge fan of Epsom salts. Just work some Epsom salts into the soil during blooming and your plant will produce beautiful and long lasting flowers or fruits.
Or add Epsom salts regularly to your watering routine to boost flavor, color and size.
Mix 1 tablespoon to a gallon water and sprinkle and soak each plant.
For a greener, lush lawn, mix 2 tablespoons to every gallon used to water your lawn. This will also keep slugs and other insects and weeds under control
And the list of Epsom uses goes on….
Epsom salts can be found in most drug stores, pharmacies or grocery stores.
As you can see, adding Epsom salts on a regular basis to your life provides many health benefits, but if you are pregnant or have any severe health concern, please check with your doctor before using them.
Read out other articles about Epsom salt: The Best Uses For Epsom Salt In Your Garden
This is a guest post written by Amy Goodrich, yogini and dedicated blogger who loves living a natural, eco-friendly and healthy lifestyle. Visit her website http://www.body-in-balance.org and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/bodyinbalance.org
Can you use Epsom salt for gald stones if so can it be harmfull to use
I would consult a doctor before taking it internally. I’ve read in Livestrong website, for example, that people taking antibiotic medications or certain cardiac medications shouldn’t take Epsom salts until cleared by a physician. It’s a good health practice to check with a doctor first.
hi..can epsome salt help to remove my cyst in ovary?and how?thank you…
There are some references that Epsom salt baths can treat painful cyst in holistic health. The references talk about mixing a cup of Epsom salt in hot water, which can be relaxing ease the pain. The hot water increases blood circulation so more white cells come to the area and attack the cyst. I don’t know how effective this treatment is and I don’t know how long it takes until you see a positive effect on the cyst. In any case, you should still maintain periodical medical checks to make sure the cyst is under control.
Can you use epsom salts to lose fat around the waist?
Hi Dona, I don’t know much about Epsom salt and weight loss, but you can read more about it in Livestrong website – http://www.livestrong.com/article/328957-epsom-salt-for-weight-loss/ – it is mentioned there that the Epsom salt detoxifies the body by eliminating environmental toxins that have been absorbed by the body, and getting rid of these toxins automatically brings down your weight (this is according to Dr. Oz show). They also mention that Epsom salt is a laxative if taken internally, but remember that in this way you mainly loose water and not fat, so it’s not the right way to go, especially that it can cause side effects and interfere with medications.
Should you shower after the epsom salt bath. Ive heard you should to stop toxins reabsorbing.
Some people like to shower after Epsom salt bath, and it is generally a good idea. They lightly shower after soaking in this bath to rinse off any toxins the Epsom salts may have pulled out and still might be on their skin. Others like to shower because any salt that hasn’t dissolved in the water may dry on your skin as an opaque white powder. The salt may continue to absorb into your skin and possibly irritate it so you can easily rinse it off with a shower.
Hi to you all and the founder of this remarkable site. I find your site very informative and I’ve learnt a lot from your postings, I’m really happy to know that this site is available. This is a part of God blessings. Thank y’all so much and continue doing the good work.
Thanks for all your help! Does this also work for peskie animals like ticks and fleas??
I’m not sure, but you can have a look at my article about how to naturally get rid of fleas from your home, garden and pets – https://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/get-rid-of-fleas-naturally/
Thanku 4 this info, Much Appreciated
Really loved all your helpful info
i am just wondering if.the Philippines has epsom salts available in our drugstores…i used to bring home some from NZ as i worked there years ago as a nanny. thanks for the interesting info btw.
According to my friend they bought their Epsom salt at one famous drug store in tne Philippines
You can get Epson salts at S&R and Mercury Drugs
For using to brush your teeth, can it be mixed with baking soda?
Yes, baking soda is used as a tooth powder and is good for routine oral hygiene, refreshing breath and whiten teeth, so you can mix them in equal parts.
Epsom Salts sprinkled on the surface of wet paint especially on steps and decks will make for a slip resistant surface and will not break down the paint the way sand does
Thanks for the knowledge transfer. Much appreciated.
I have been drinking annually to remove gallbladder stones. The procedure has been popularized by a Chinese Doctor, and is proved effective. For one week apple juice should be drunk every day of the day for at least 4-5 glasses; eating 2-3 real apples together with drinking good quality apple juice will be more effective. Up to the sixth or seventh, you will have to eat your normal meals and drink the apple juice… and by six o’clock in the evening of the final day you have to skip dinner…. and drink 1 teaspoon of Epsom Salt in a glass of lukewarm water. And then by eight o’clock repeat drinking 1 teaspoon of Epsom Salt in a glass of lukewarm water.
And the final step is to drink half a glass of pure lemon juice mixed with half a glass of virgin olive oil after 2 hours… exactly at 10:00pm.
Hi ,
Is epsom salt can mix with water to clean bedsore
Hi Lina, see the details in eHow website “How to Soak Open Wounds in Epsom Salt” – http://www.ehow.com/how_5724075_soak-open-wounds-epsom-salt.html
can epsom salts that are bought from an agricultural supplies store be used for epsom salt baths etc or is it a different grade quality . ive heard it contains mercury when bought in that form. can you help me with this one. thanks
Hi Wayne, I’ve read that any package that has a “drug facts” box or that’s labeled “USP” has been manufactured, tested and certified to meet stringent regulatory standards that are safe and acceptable for human use. That’s true for ingesting Epsom salt or soaking in it. It’s therefore best to buy it in drug stores.
Hi ms. Jenny,. I have a gallstone,. The measure is 5mm according to ultrasound,. What should i do for best natural way,.
Hi Fernando, I haven’t written yet about this subject, but you can refer to these sources which I consider reliable for more information:
1. Dr. Andrew Weil – http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART02972/Gallstones.html
2. There are a lot of references in the web about gallbladder cleanse. I don’t know how effective it is, but you may want to have a look at what Mayo Clinic has to say about it – http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gallstones/expert-answers/gallbladder-cleanse/faq-20058134
After reading this article I was very excited about trying the formula on my kitchen floor. Unfortunately, it did not work for me. I scrubbed very hard in between the tiles with a hard brittle brush but it did not whiten anything. I think clorox may do better.
I have throbbing pain on my upper body, especially on the left side of my chest. Sometimes my veins swell and the pain continues. Can Epsom salt baths help? Sometimes I feel I have bad circulation. I wish I could visit the doctor but the health care system in RSA is bad. Please reply.
I don’t know what the reason of your pain is and as I am not a doctor, I cannot give you any specific advice. You can try Epsom salt bath, but this is not instead of a proper medical diagnosis. I apologize I cannot be more helpful.