The benefits of Epsom salt are endless. That’s why it’s been used for centuries in cultures around the world. Not only can Epsom salt detoxify the body, but it also can be used for domestic tasks like crafts and gardening.
Following are six great uses for Epsom salt.
Soak in Epsom salt to increase magnesium levels in the body.
We all love a relaxing bath, and a bath that boosts health is ever better. To understand the benefits of Epsom salt when it comes to bathing, it’s important to look at the science behind it.
According to the Epsom Salt Council, “Most people know about the importance of calcium and Vitamin D, but many Americans are also magnesium deficient. Doctors say it stems largely from the increasing prevalence of processed foods in our diets. Today, 68 percent of U.S. adults consume less than the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of magnesium, according to the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, and 19 percent consume less than half of the RDA.”
The problems associated with inadequate magnesium levels can be vast. That’s because magnesium helps regulate more than 300 enzymes in the body. Issues associated with a lack of magnesium can include high blood pressure, hyperactivity, cardiovascular issues and many other health problems.
In addition to the magnesium found in Epsom salt, the Epsom Salt Council says that the sulfate it possesses is needed for many inherent processes in the body. For starters, it is known to assist the body in flushing toxins, and it can aid in the formation of protein in joints, brain tissue and mucin proteins.
The good news is that there is something you can do to increase your magnesium and sulfate levels. Of course, that is soaking in Epsom salt.
Just add two cups of Epsom bath salt to a warm bath. And make it a point to double the amount of Epsom salt if you’re soaking in a big tub. Then take a bath in Epsom salt about three times a week for 12 minutes. Your body will thank you later.
Use Epsom salt to relieve muscle pain and remove splinters.
Bathing in Epsom salt isn’t the only way to reap health benefits. You can use Epsom salt to relieve muscle pain and remove splinters.
To reap these benefits, make compresses by soaking a cotton washcloth in cold water mixed with Epsom salt (2 tablespoons per cup), then apply to the skin. Or create a paste to apply to the skin by adding Epsom salt to about a cup of hot water until it dissolves, then chill the solution in the fridge for about 20 minutes. The minerals should draw the splinter closer to the skin's surface and make it easier to pull out with tweezers.
Make Epsom salt a part of your gardening routine.
“Studies show that magnesium and sulfur, two naturally occurring minerals that are major components of Epsom salt, may help plants grow greener with higher yields and more blooms,” reports the Epsom Salt Council. Magnesium helps seeds to germinate. and is known to increase chlorophyll production and boost phosphorous and nitrogen uptake. Sulfur helps plants produce vitamins.
To feed house plants, the Epsom Salt Council suggests adding two tablespoons of Epsom salt to every gallon of water used. And for beautiful roses, soak bushes in a half a cup of Epsom salt (per gallon of water) before planting. Further, give roses a tablespoon of Epsom salt in the hole you dig before putting them in. Spray roses with a gallon of water containing a tablespoon of Epsom salt to get rid of nasty pests.
You can also use Epsom salt when growing fruit. Just mix it with water. The Epsom Salt Council says to use a quarter-cup per 500 square feet when irrigating plants. Some who grow fruit even say that Epsom salt makes it taste sweeter.
Include Epsom salt in your beauty routine.
Did you know that many famous people use Epsom salt as a part of their beauty routine? That’s because Epsom salt has secret benefits that can add to your “va-va-voom.”
To exfoliate skin, add a little coconut oil to Epsom salt to make a paste. Smooth over trouble spots like elbows, knees and feet to make them silky smooth, then rinse. Let the beauty benefits of Epsom salt go to your head -- add it to your preferred brand of conditioner to boost volume. Just leave it in your hair and voila!
And for a perfect at-home facial, the Epsom Salt Council says to add a half a teaspoon of Epsom salt to your preferred cleansing cream. Then massage it into your skin and rinse with cool water.
Use Epsom salt to create crafts.
There are some pretty cool crafts you can make using Epsom salt. In fact, the Epsom Salt Council claims you can use it to make nifty greeting cards.
All you need are cardstock, white craft glue, Epsom salt, food coloring and a bowl. Add a cup of Epsom salt to the bowl and mix in in food coloring until you reach desired color intensity.
Next, fold the card stock to look like a greeting card. Create a heart or whatever shape you envision on the cover of the card with the craft glue. Sprinkle the Epsom salt mixture onto the glue and shake off the excess Epsom salt.
Give your card a few hours to dry and then it’s good to go. Someone will thank you later.
Fight “summer bummers” with Epsom salt.
Let’s face it -- mosquito bites and sunburns are no fun. However, a little Epsom salt just might do the trick when it comes to feeling better.
The Epsom Salt Council says that Epsom salt can help relieve discomfort associated with mosquito bites, bee stings, sunburns and poison ivy. To do this, make compresses by soaking a cotton washcloth in cold water that has been mixed with Epsom salt (2 tablespoons per cup), then apply to the skin.
The best thing about Epsom salt is its super-economical price point. You get a lot for just a little money – and it goes a long way!