8 Uses for Epsom Salt

Just for clarification, Epsom salt is not a type of salt but actually is a natural mineral compound composed of magnesium and sulfate. In the market, it does look like salt though – but not for cooking.

The health benefits of Epsom salt are innumerable plus this can also be used in many other applications in and out of the house. As a matter of fact, you will find that there are many uses for Epsom salt that you may soon find yourself wondering why you never had it in stock before.

For Soothing the Nerves and De-Stressing

Put Epsom salt in your bath and soak for a few minutes. When you are stressed out, the body loses its supply of magnesium and when this happens, your adrenaline level can increase which causes you to go on overdrive.

Now, when you soak in a bath that contains Epsom salt, the magnesium that you lost due to stress will be replaced by the magnesium that is naturally contained in the salt. As a result of this, your body will be able to once again produce the right level of serotonin – a chemical that helps in calming the mind and body.

Rejuvenation and Mood Improvement

When you are relaxed and de-stressed, you are naturally not as irritable as when you were still stressing out about something. But with the aid of Epsom salt, you are considerably decreasing incidents of becoming irritable as the magnesium ion in this mineral compound helps lower your adrenaline level which will then put you in a more relaxed state. That’s always a good thing, right?

In addition, magnesium has also been known to re-energize and rejuvenate the body as it helps in the body’s production of adenosine triphosphate – molecules in the body that are responsible for its supply of energy.

For Body Aches and Pains

Do you find yourself suffering from migraine headaches every now and then? Do you have constant back pain?

You may finally find relief in Epsom salt. Just as you soak in the tub filled with water and Epsom salt to de-stress and relax your mind and body; you may also do the same to ease your aching joints and muscles.

Soaking in an Epsom salt bath also helps relieve migraine headaches and reduces inflammation. If you have an Athlete’s foot or you know someone who has smelly feet, suggest a good soak in an Epsom salt bath and this will help eliminate odor and also reduce the chances of having smelly feet again.

Starting to see how useful Epsom salt is? Well, there is a lot more…

For Splinter Removal

Splinters, small as they are, can be quite painful and if they are not pulled out immediately; they may even cause infection and inflammation. The problem is, sometimes they are not only hard to pull out but that they are also painful to pull out.

With Epsom salt, you will no longer have this problem. Simply mix a small amount of Epsom salt with water and then soak your splintered finger in the solution for about a minute.

The salt solution will amazingly push out the splinter just a tad which will then make it easier to pull it out.

For Beauty Treatments

Among the most popular uses for Epsom salt, beauty treatments come on top of the list. From exfoliating the skin to making the skin look younger, Epsom salt masks and solutions have been a staple home remedy for a number of beauty skin problems.

Facial Cleanser

Combine about a half teaspoon of Epsom salt with your usual facial cleanser and then apply on your face, gently scrubbing off dirt and then rinse with plain water.

For Rejuvenating the Skin

You can make your own skin mask by combining Epsom salt with different ingredients, based on your type of skin.

For example, if you suffer from oily skin, combine about half a teaspoon of Epsom salt with one tablespoon of cognac, one egg, and about one-fourth cup of milk, non-fat. Rub onto damp skin and let stay for a few minutes before rinsing it off with water.

If you suffer from dry skin, you may combine half a teaspoon of Epsom salt with the juice from one lemon, one and one-half teaspoons of mayonnaise, and about one-fourth cup of grated carrot. Again, your skin should be damp before you apply the mask. Let this stay on your face for a few minutes and then rinse.

Ready-to-Use Exfoliating Agent

With other homemade exfoliating solutions, you will need to combine about two or three different ingredients in order to make the perfect exfoliating product. With Epsom salt, you don’t need to combine it with anything.

This is ready for use as an exfoliating agent straight from the package. During bath time, gently rub your damp skin with Epsom salt; beginning with your feet and going all the way up to your neck and face.

After you have exfoliated your skin, take your bath, as usual, to remove the excess Epsom salt from your face and body.