13 Epsom Salt Uses That Go Way Beyond A Relaxing Bath

13 Epsom salt uses that go way beyond a relaxing bath

Epsom salt is different from traditional salt, it's actually a mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate, and it is technically known as magnesium sulfate.

It's composed of tiny, colorless crystals that look like table salt, but it's actually a completely different thing, as table salt is made of sodium chloride.

Magnesium sulfate is a mineral that many of us are lacking in, as levels have been decreasing over the last three to four decades around the world.

It's also a natural anti-inflammatory and exfoliant that can be used for treating muscle aches and dry skin. Soak in a warm bath with a cupful of Epsom salt to enjoy its renowned therapeutic and healing properties, inside and out.

This article reveals 13 of the best ways to use your tub of Epsom salt:

1. Soothe sprains and bruises

Anti-inflammatory Epsom salts can be used to alleviate the soreness from sprains and bruises. Just add two cups of salts to your warm bath water and soak away the ache.

2. Relieve constipation

One of Epsom salt's more popular uses is as a saline laxative. Dissolve one teaspoon of Epsom salts into a cup of warm water and drink. Note, this remedy should not be used more than once per day.

3. Regulate blood sugar

Both magnesium and sulfate help to improve the body's ability to produce and use insulin. Regular intake of Epsom salts – either orally or transdermally – may help to regulate blood sugar, lowering the risk of diabetes and improving your overall daily energy levels.

4. Muscle and nerve function

Aside from relieving tension, pain, and cramping, Magnesium sulfate has several other positive effects on the human body. It aids in many enzymatic functions, helps to regulate fluid retention in cells, and facilitates the body's use of calcium to transmit chemical signals throughout the nervous system.

5. Natural face cleanser

At night before bed, mix a teaspoon of Epsom salts with your regular cleanser for an easy daily treatment or use this recipe for an exfoliating face mask. Apply mixture to face for 15 minutes then rinse with lukewarm water for an excellent clarifying skin treatment.

6. Dislodge blackheads

Use Epsom salts to remove dead skin and oil from your pores. First, you'll want to exfoliate to remove any dead skin from around the outsides of the blemishes.

7. Wash pots and pans

Pour a small amount of Epsom salts into those really-dirty dishes before you scrub them. The abrasive texture of the salt crystals will help to remove stuck-on food more easily without hurting your cookware.

8. Relax your body

Epsom salts dissolved in warm water – like those in an Epsom salt bath – are easily absorbed through the skin where they immediately go to work inside our bodies.

The magnesium ions break apart from Epsom salt molecules and begin to relieve stress by promoting the production of serotonin and reducing the effects of adrenaline.

Magnesium also plays a critical role in the production of energy in cells, helping us to feel invigorated without causing feelings of restlessness or anxiety.

9. Keep your feet healthy

It's pretty common knowledge that soaking your feet in Epsom salts is good for soothing away aches and pains.

But did you know that it can also help to treat athlete's foot and toenail fungal infections?

Simply add half a cup of Epsom salts to warm water and soak your feet for as long as you want (or until the water gets cold) to alleviate the itching and burning and help heal feet faster.

10. Ease discomfort of gout

Add a couple of tablespoons of Epsom salts to hot water and soak body parts affected by gout.

Magnesium sulfate quickly soaks through skin and into the swollen, aching joints to help alleviate pain and inflammation.

11. Exfoliate your skin

By rubbing a handful of Epsom salts over damp skin, you can easily remove dead cells, helping your skin to look healthier and feel softer.

Use this treatment on hands, feet, and everything in between.

12. Natural face cleanser

At night before bed, mix a teaspoon of Epsom salts with your regular cleanser for an easy daily treatment or use this recipe for an exfoliating face mask, compliments of preparednessmama.com:

Finely chop a small ripe tomato and mix in one pureed egg white, half a teaspoon of vitamin B5 powder, one teaspoon of aloe-vera gel and Epsom salts, and a couple of drops of Thyme essential oil.

Apply mixture to the face for 15 minutes then rinse with lukewarm water for an excellent clarifying skin treatment.

13. Add volume to hair

To add body to your hair, try mixing equal parts all-natural, sulfate-free deep conditioner and Epsom salts.

Warm the mixture to slightly above body temperature, then work through hair. Leave in for 15 – 20 minutes then rinse.

Feel free to follow up this hair treatment by waving your hair around your face (like the people in those television commercials for chemical hair products) and remember: Laughter is a great natural remedy for all kinds of things!

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