Epsom salt is a naturally occurring salt. It was first discovered in the Epsom waters, located in England. Epsom salt consists of three main elements; magnesium, oxygen, and sulfur. Due to its chemical composition, Epsom salt is also referred to as magnesium sulfate.
However, Epsom salt is not just a salt-like any other salt. Since the 17th century, this chemical composition has been used as a medicinal drug for many ailments. Epsom salt also finds application in many other ways, as is discussed in this article.
Uses of Epsom salt
The following are 25 most common uses of Epsom salt;
1.) Body Aches
When absorption of magnesium occurs into the skin, the magnesium component helps to relieve all body aches and pain. Epsom salt contains magnesium, hence, is used for the treatment of all body aches. It also reduces inflammations and relieves sprains.
2.) Stress Relief
The deficiency of magnesium in the body lowers the serotonin levels. When serotonin levels are lowered, they promote sadness and also affect a person’s appetite. Soaking in a bath, into which Epsom salt has been added, can boost the production of serotonin levels in the body. This salt, therefore, works as a stress relief.
3.) Healthier Feet
Epsom salt is used for relaxing the feet when a person is tired. Also, it serves as a medicinal drug for the treatment of feet infections, such as athlete’s feet.
4.) Relief from Constipation
When constipated, a person can make a solution of a teaspoon of Epsom salt in water. When this solution is drunk, the Epsom salt acts as a gentle laxative, relieving constipation.
5.) Improving Blood Circulation
Epsom salt has also been proven to increase the elasticity of the arteries. When the elasticity of the arteries is increased, blood circulation is improved, lowering blood pressure in the process.
6.) Relief from Sunburn
Most people apply aloe vera on the skin after they’ve spent a long day out in the sun. However, Epsom salt can be used as an alternative to aloe vera. It has anti-inflammatory properties, which make it ideal for use in relieving sunburn.
7.) Removing Splinters
Some splinters tend to attach themselves stubbornly on the skin, making them quite difficult and painful to remove. Adding Epsom salt into a bath, then soaking in this bath helps in drawing of the splinter to the skin surface, where it can be easily removed.
8.) Exfoliating Properties
The magnesium sulfate salt has great exfoliating properties. It can, therefore, be used in a face wash. It effectively removes dead skin cells and impurities in the skin.
9.) Treatment of Acne
Not only does Epsom salt exfoliate the skin, but it also serves as an efficient face cleanser. Since this salt contains properties that can fight bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, it is used for the treatment of skin acne.
10.) Removal of Blackheads
When a solution of Epsom salt is mixed in iodine, the resultant mixture can be used to remove blackheads on the skin. The solution on the skin should be washed off with warm water and then patted dry.
11.) Healthier Hair
Styling products, such as hair sprays and other hair treatments, can build up on the hair after some time. This build-up can be removed by applying the hair with a solution of Epsom salt and lemon juice. Epsom salt can also be added to hair conditioner, so as to increase the volume of the hair.
12.) Hand Wash
Mixing Epsom salt with baby lotion makes an effective hand wash/cleanser. This cleanser can be placed by the sink and used for keeping the hands clean and soft.
13.) Sedative Bath
If you intend to have a relaxing bath, add a generous amount of Epsom salt to your hot bath. Soaking in this bath brings about a relaxation effect.
14.) Skin Mask
Epsom salt can be used as a skin mask for softer skin. The magnesium sulfate salt is mixed with honey, eggs, milk, lemon, and other exfoliating products, to make a skin mask for oily or dry skins.
15.) Treatment of Cold and Flu
The symptoms of cold and Flu include the tightening of muscles and body aches. Soaking in a bath of Epsom salt helps to relieve these aches associated with Flu. Furthermore, it relaxes the muscles, fighting off the infections in the process.
16.) The antidote for Poison Ivy
Poison ivy infections are always accompanied by a lot of irritation and swelling of the victim’s skin. In order to relieve the swelling and irritation, rub cotton cloth, soaked in an Epsom salt solution, on the affected area.
17.) Bites from Bugs
When bugs bite the skin, they may cause itching and inflammation of the affected area. Mix a 1:1 ratio solution of Epsom salt and warm water, then spray this solution on the affected skin area. The Epsom salt solution brings about relief from the bite.
18.) Washing Household Cutlery
Magnesium sulfate crystals have quite an abrasive texture. Due to this texture, Epsom salt is used to wash household pots and pans, onto which foods tend to stick. Epsom salt cleans these utensils gently, without causing any damage to the pots and pans.
19.) Cleaning Grouts and Tiles
Bathroom and kitchen stains can be effectively cleaned using Epsom salt. Also, when Epsom salt is mixed with dish cleaning detergents, it can be used to effectively clean tiles and grouts.
20.) Cleaning the Washing Machine
When not regularly cleaned, detergents and other cleansers tend to build up in washing machines after some time. In order to remove any accumulated build-up in the washing machine, add a cup of Epsom salt to vinegar, then mix this in a solution of hot water. This hot water solution is then soaked in the washing machine for an hour.
21.) Garden Use
In the garden, some Epson salt can be sprinkled in the garden. The salt helps to eliminate harmful garden pests, as well as act as a fertilizer to the plants.
22.) Houseplants
Sometimes, houseplants turn yellow. Sprinkling Epsom salt on these houseplants boosts their magnesium and sulfate levels. It, therefore, helps to rejuvenate their original lush and green color.
23.) Promoting Sleep
Sleep is promoted by enough levels of magnesium in the body. Epsom salt in a bath boosts the production of neurotransmitters, which induce sleep.
24.) Recovery from Exercise
Too much, or intensive physical activity and exercise causes soreness of muscles and cramps. Soaking in a bath of Epsom salt helps to relieve the muscle soreness. This is because magnesium in the salt triggers the breakdown of glucose and lactic acid, which cause muscle cramps.
25.) Treatment of Arthritis
People suffering from arthritis have a magnesium deficiency. Epsom salt baths, therefore, boost the magnesium levels of arthritis patients. This helps to relieve the pain and swelling symptoms associated with arthritis.
Conclusion
Epsom salt has incredible uses, both medical and non-medical. This is why Epsom salt is a must-have for each household. After all, it is easily available in stores, at very cheap prices. When you have had a long day at work, or even at home, prepare that relaxing Epsom salt bath. Its preparations only take 15 minutes, but its benefits last for an eternity.
