Epsom salt, chemically referred to as magnesium sulfate has many surprising applications within your home. Grab that carton from under the sink and use it by using these creative ways.
What is Epsom Salt?
Epsom salt (or “salts”) was first discovered in the waters of a town called Epsom, in England. In the 17th century, there were records of people taking advantage of its inherent properties. It was once the most sought-after medicinal remedy in England.
The amazing health benefits and versatility of Epsom salt, not to mention the fact that it’s inexpensive–make it a essential item to have in every medicine cabinet. Try these solutions:
1. Alleviate Body Aches
One of the main applications for Epsom salt is to treat bodyaches. The magnesium and other components are absorbed into the skin and relieve aches and pains caused by tension and inflammation. Epsom salt eliminates toxins your body to relieve bruises, sprains and swelling. To use, include 2 cups Epsom salt into your bath, and then submerge yourself for at minimum 20 minutes.
2. Relaxation and Stress Relieving
If your body isn’t rich in magnesium, it could lower your serotonin levels and make you feel sad in addition to affecting the quality of your food and sleep. When you bathe in a bath of Epsom salts, it aids your body in the release of serotonin. Magnesium present in Epsom salt not only helps to ease stress and improve your mood, but will also help you sleep. Studies have also shown that those suffering from Lyme disease can greatly benefit from Epsom salt baths. Be sure that the water isn’t too hot (keep it at 95 F).
3. Healthy Feet
Not only can Epsom salt soothe tired feet, but it can also be used to treat athlete’s feet and nail fungus. Add 1 cup of Epsom salt to warm water and soak your feet.
4. Constipation Relief
In mild constipation cases, Epsom salt can be used internally as a gentle laxative. Dissolve 1 teaspoon plain (no fragrances) in 8 1 oz. of water. Drink. It is always wise to consult with a doctor before drinking anything in the body.
5. Anti-Inflammatory
Epsom salt is an excellent anti-inflammatory and has been shown to reduce inflammation as well as increasing the elasticity of your arteries. In a bath, soak yourself into bathtubs with Epsom salt bath a few times a week to lower inflammation, which could cause joint aches.
6. Sunburn Relief
After a long day on the beach, it’s not uncommon to get ourselves one of the more frequently used aloe vera in order to soothe sun-baked skin. Epsom salt’s anti-inflammatory properties make it a great option for a way to ease the discomfort of the sun’s harshness. In a spray bottle empty mix 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt with 1 cup of water. Spray the area affected.
7. Splinter Removal
The splinters are often too sharp and lead to spend hours scrubbing our skin with the help of tweezers. Instead, try soaking in an epsom salt bath Epsom salts prior to. This will increase the osmotic pressure on the face, and will help bring the splinter back to the surface. The magnesium will also help reduce the inflammation around the splinter, making it easier to remove. If you only have a toe finger, dissolve two tablespoons Epsom salt in the water in a cup and then let it sit for a while.
8. Exfoliator
No need to shell out for costly spa treatments or exfoliants. Epsom salt is a fantastic natural exfoliant. It can help remove dead skin cells and dirt, add a little to your usual face wash, gently rub in a circular motion, and wash off.
9. Acne Treatment
Epsom salt is also a powerful natural face cleanser, containing antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. This makes it an excellent alternative to treat acne. Before bed, mix a tablespoon of Epsom salt with your regular facial cleanser and wash as normal.
10. Blackhead Banisher
Alongside removing dead skin and clearing blemishes, Epsom salt works well for removing blackheads. Mix one teaspoon of Epsom salt with four drops of iodine into one cup of hot water. Stir until dissolved. Once slightly cooled, massage it into the skin affected, then dry completely, clean using warm water, then pat dry.
11. Healthy Hair
Not only will your body appreciate the addition of Epsom salt to the daily routine, but your hair will also be benefited. To remove build up of styling productslike hairspray, mix 1 cup each of Epsom salt and lemon juice into a gallon of water. Cover the mix and let it remain for 24 hours prior applying. Simply sprinkle the mixture on hair and let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes. Wash and condition as usual. To give volume to your hair, mix equally parts of conditioning and Epsom salt. Apply the product to hair and let sit for 20 minutes. The Epsom salt can help remove excess oil that weighs hair down.
12. Hand Wash that moisturizes and moisturizes
Are you looking for your hands to remain soft? Make a mixture of equal portions Epsom salt and olive oil or baby oil. Keep the hand cleanser moisturizing in bottles and keep by the basin. Massage the cleanser into your hands and rinse it off after washing your hands.
13. Cold and Flu Relief
Indulging in an Epsom bath can boost your immune system, creating more white blood cells that combat infection. Epsom salt baths can also ease muscles and joints, which aids in restorative sleep and help fight infection. You can add a few drops of eucalyptus oil in the bath for easy breathing.
14. Poison Ivy Relief
A cold Epsom salt compress may help offer some relief for poison ivy sufferers by relieving inflammation and swelling. Soak a cotton washcloth with an Epsom salt and water solution (2 tablespoons Epsom salt, and one cup cold water) and then squeeze it dry and then apply it to the affected area.
15. Bug Bite Relief
To ease the itchiness of bug bites, mix half 1 cup of hot water with 1/2 a cup Epsom salt in the spray bottle. Spray onto the affected skin. It also works for the causes of itchy skin.
16. Pans, Pots Pans Scrubber
The rough textures of the salt crystals help to remove food particles that have accumulated, without harming the cookware. Simply sprinkle a little of Epsom salts into your pans or pots prior to cleaning them.
17. Grout Cleaner
Mix equal parts Epsom salts and liquid dish detergent for a highly effective tile and grout cleaner. Apply this mixture to any stains in your kitchen or bathroom. Let it soak for a few minutes, remove grime and then rinse it clean.
18. Washing Machine Cleaner
Your washing machine can get quite gritty. After use laundry detergent, and other contaminants build into the inside of the machines. Epsom salt keeps your machine running smoothly by getting rid of gunk. Fill the tub of your washing machine by hot water. Add 1 one-quarter cup of white vinegar as well as one cup Epsom salt. Let the machine agitate for one minute before you end the process to allow the solution to sit in the machine for approximately one hour before continuing to complete the process. Perform a rinse before adding clothes.
19. Helper in the Yard and Garden
The benefits of Epsom salt don’t stop in the house. Visit the garden and magnesium sulfate is great for greening up your garden and fertilizing your plants. It also gets rid of unwanted pests and slugs. Just sprinkle the garden with a line to keep them away.
According to research, studies have shown that magnesium and sulfur, two naturally occurring minerals that form the major component of Epsom salt, can aid in helping the plants become more green and have higher yields, and also more blooms. Magnesium can create a conducive environment to growth by helping seeds to germinate, increasing chlorophyll production and improving nitrogen and phosphorus uptake. Sulfur is also an essential element in plant growth, aiding in the production of vitamins.
The addition of Epsom salt in your soil prior to planting vegetables provides it with an increase in magnesium (test soil for deficiency first). You can also sprinkle Epsom salt around the plants for healthier foliage. One tablespoon per 12 inches height (once once a month). Tomato plants are also benefited by Epsom salt treatments. Just sprinkle your plants with 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt, dissolved in the water of a gallon every two weeks. Acid-loving plants, like hydrangea roses, azaleas blueberry, rhododendrons and hibiscus will also appreciate the treatment.
20. Healthier Plants
If your homeplants are turning yellow they could be suffering from an insufficient magnesium level. Epsom salt is the solution! Try adding one teaspoon of Epsom salt to each gallon of water and drinking as usual as well as spraying foliage with solution to help them grow more vibrant and healthy.
Important: Epsom salt is not an all-purpose fertilizer. It can help create more healthy, greener, and bushier houseplants only if your houseplants lack magnesium or sulfate.
