Skip to content
Home » The Many Uses of Epsom Salt

The Many Uses of Epsom Salt

Epsom salt, chemically referred to as magnesium sulfate has many interesting uses within your home. Take that old carton out of under the sink and utilize it with these inventive ways.

What Is Epsom Salt?

Epsom salt (or “salts”) was first discovered in the waters of a town named Epsom, in England. From the 17th century, there are reports of people who took advantage of its natural benefits. It was once the most popular treatment for ailments in England.

The incredible health benefits and versatility of Epsom salt, not to mention the fact that it’s inexpensive–make it a necessity for every household medicine cabinet. Try some of these remedies:

1. Alleviate Body Aches

One of the most frequent uses of Epsom salt is the treatment of body aches. The magnesium and other compounds are absorbed by your skin, and help reduce pains and aches by inflammation and tension. Epsom salt draws toxins from your body , reducing bruises, swelling, and sprains. To use, put 2 cups Epsom salt in your bath and immerse yourself for at minimum 20 minutes.

2. Help with Stress and Rest

If your body isn’t rich in magnesium, it may reduce your levels of serotonin and make you feel sad and also impacting your appetite and sleeping. If you take a bath of Epsom salts they aid your body’s production of serotonin. Magnesium in the Epsom salts not only help reduce stress and improve your mood, but also aids in sleep. Additionally, studies have shown that people who suffer from Lyme illness can benefit greatly from Epsom salt soaks. Make sure that the water isn’t over high (keep it at 95 F).

3. Healthy Feet

Not only do Epsom salt soothe tired feet, it can also be used to treat athlete’s feet or toenail fungus. Add 1 cup of Epsom salt to warm water and soak the feet.

4. Constipation Relief

In mild constipation cases, Epsom salt can be taken internally to act as a gentle laxative. Dissolve 1 teaspoon plain (no scents) in 8 oz. of water and drink. It is always wise to consult a doctor prior to drinking anything in the body.

5. Anti-Inflammatory

Epsom salt is an effective anti-inflammatory. It has been demonstrated to reduce inflammation and increasing flexibility of arteries. Immerse oneself into an Epsom salt bath several 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 are tempted to grab an aloe vera gel that is commonly used aloe vera to soothe sun-baked skin. Epsom salt’s anti-inflammatory qualities make it a fantastic alternative to soothe the pain of too much sun exposure. In a spray bottle with no refill add 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt along with one cup of water. Spray affected area.

7. Splinter Removal

Sharp splinters can lead to painfully scratching our skin using Tweezers. Instead, you can soak in a bath of Epsom salts prior to. This will increase the osmotic pressure that the skin experiences, which will bring the splinter back to the surface. Magnesium can also help reduce the inflammation around the splinter, making it much easier to get rid of. If you only have a toe finger, you can dissolve two tablespoons Epsom salt in a cup of warm water and then soak.

8. Exfoliator

There is no need to spend a fortune on expensive exfoliants or spa treatments. Epsom salt is a fantastic natural exfoliant. In order to help eliminate dead skin cells and dirt, add a little to your regular face wash, then gently rub it into a circular motion, and wash off.

9. Acne Treatment

Epsom salt is also an effective natural face cleanser. It has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral benefits, making it a fantastic alternative to treat acne. Before you go to bed, mix a 1 teaspoon Epsom salt with your regular cleansing product and wash your face as normal.

10. Blackhead Banisher

In addition to removing dead skin cells and clearing acne, Epsom salt works well for removing blackheads. Mix one tsp of Epsom salt with four drops of iodine in the water for a half cup. Stir until dissolved. After cooling, gently massage the mixture onto the skin affected, then dry completely, rinse 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 of Epsom salt and lemon juice in one gallon of drinking water. Cover and let the mixture rest for 24 hours prior to making use of it. Pour the mixture over your hair and let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes. Wash and condition as usual. To increase the volume of your hair, mix equally parts of conditioning and Epsom salt. Apply the product to hair and let rest for 20 minutes. The Epsom salt helps remove excess oil that weighs hair down.

12. Hand Wash that moisturizes and moisturizes

Do you want the softest hands you can have? Blend equal quantities of Epsom salt and olive oil or baby oil. Store the moisturizing hand cleanser in bottles and put it by your bathroom sink. Massage the cleanser into your hands and rinse it off after washing your hands.

13. Cold and Flu Relief

Soaking in an Epsom bath will boost your immune system, raising white blood cells to help fight off infection. Epsom salt baths can also ease muscles and joints, which aids in restorative sleep and help combat infection. Add a few drops essential oil of eucalyptus to the bath to help you breathe easier.

14. Poison Ivy Relief

An icy Epsom salt compress could provide some relief to those suffering from poison ivy by relieving inflammation and swelling. Soak a washcloth in an Epsom salt and water solution (2 teaspoons Epsom salt, and one cup of cold water) and then squeeze it dry, and apply to the affected area.

15. Bug Bite Relief

To ease the itchiness that bug bites cause, combine half a cup of hot water and 1/2 a cup of Epsom salt in a spray bottle. Spray the affected area with the spray. The spray is also effective for any other cause of itchy skin.

16. Pots and Pans Scrubber

The rough textures of the salt crystals assist in getting rid of stuck-on foodwithout damaging the cookware. Simply pour a small amount of Epsom salts in the pans or pots you cook in before you scrub them.

17. Grout Cleaner

Mix equal parts Epsom salts and liquid dish soap to create a potent tile and grout cleaner. Apply the mixture to stains in your bathroom or kitchen. It will soak for a few minutes, scrub away grime, and wash clean.

18. Washing Machine Cleaner

Your washing machine can get extremely gritty. With use, laundry detergent as well as other harmful substances build up inside machines. Epsom salt helps keep the washing machine in good working order by getting rid of gunk. Fill the wash tub to the top with boiling water. Add 1 quart of white vinegar and one cup Epsom salt. Allow the machine to agitate for about a minute, then stop the process and let the solution sit in the machine for about one hour before continuing until the end of the cycle. Perform a rinse before adding the clothes.

19. Helper in Garden and Yard Yard and Garden

The advantages of Epsom salt do not stop within the home. Go to the garden and find magnesium sulfate excellent for adding green to the yard and fertilizing plants. It also helps to eliminate unwanted pests and slugs. Simply sprinkle a line around your garden to keep them away.

According to research, Studies show that magnesium and sulfur both naturally occurring minerals that are major components of Epsom salt, may help plants to grow more green, with greater yields and more blooms. Magnesium creates an environment conducive to growth . It helps seeds to germinateand increase the production of chlorophyll and improving nitrogen and phosphorus uptake. Sulfur is a crucial element in plant growth, helping produce vitamins.

Incorporating Epsom salt to your soil prior planting your vegetables will give it an extra dose of magnesium (test soil first for deficiency). You can also sprinkle Epsom salt around your plants to ensure healthier leaves. Around 1 tablespoon for 12 inches of height (once a month). Tomato plants can also benefit from Epsom salt treatments–just give your plants 1 teaspoon of Epsom salt, dissolved in one gallon of water every two weeks. Hydrangea, which is an acid-loving plant as well as 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 magnesium deficiencies. Epsom salt to the rescue! Add a teaspoon of Epsom salt to a gallon of water and continue to drink as usual as well as spraying the leaves with the solution, so that they grow more beautiful and vibrant.

Take note: Epsom salt is not an all-purpose fertilizer. It can create healthier, more green, and larger houseplants , but only if the plants are lacking in magnesium or sulfur.