Epsom salt, named for a bitter saline spring at Epsom in Surrey, England, is not actually salt but a naturally occurring pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. Long known as a natural remedy for a number of ailments, Epsom salt has numerous health benefits.
Studies have shown that magnesium and sulfate are both readily absorbed through the skin, making Epsom salt baths an easy and ideal way to enjoy the amazing health benefits. Magnesium plays a number of roles in the body including regulating the activity of over 325 enzymes, reducing inflammation, helping muscle and nerve function and helping to prevent artery hardening. Sulfates help improve the absorption of nutrients, flush toxins and help ease migraine headaches.
What are the health benefits?
- Eases stress and relaxes the body
- Relieves pain and muscle cramps
- Helps muscles and nerves function properly
- Helps prevent hardening of arteries and blood clots
- Makes insulin more effective
- Relieves constipation
- Eliminates toxins from the body
What are the uses of Epsom salt?
- As a relaxing Magnesium Bath Soak – Add at least 1 cup of epsom salt to a warm bath and soak for 20 minutes.
- Magnesium Foot Scrub – Make a homemade magnesium scrub for a boost of magnesium and super soft skin.
- Facial Wash – Add a pinch of epsom salt to your usual face for a skin exfoliating magnesium boost.
- Body Aches – Add 2 cups of epsom salt to a warm bath and soak for at least 20 minutes to help relieve muscle sprains and for a transdermal magnesium boost.
- Volumeizing Hair Mask – Combine equal parts of conditioner and epsom salt and leave on hair for 20 minutes. Rinse well and let air dry for thicker hair.
- Foot Soak – For a concentrated magnesium boost, add 1 cup of epsom salt to a hot foot soak and soak for 20 minutes.
- Making Magnesium Lotion – Using magnesium flakes is a better option, but in a pinch, you can use epsom salt to make homemade magnesium oil. (½ cup Magnesium Chloride Flakes, ½ cup distilled water)
- Laxative – For occasional constipation, a teaspoon of epsom salt dissolved in water can help. Check with a doctor first.
- Headache relief – There is evidence that soaking in a soothing epsom salt bath may help relieve headache.
- Smooth skin – Mix 1/2 cup epsom salt with 1/4 cup olive oil and scrub skin in the shower for healthy and smooth skin.
- Itchy Skin or Bug Bites – Dissolve a tablespoon of epsom salt in to 1/2 cup of water and cool. Spritz on itchy skin or apply a wet compress to help relieve itching.
Help Kids Sleep Better – Add a cup to kids’ bath water before bed to help them sleep peacefully.