For the uninitiated, Epsom salt is a mineral compound comprised of magnesium sulfate heptahydrate. It’s available in drugstores and supermarkets, and has been used for centuries to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve skin and hair health.
When it comes to Epsom salt health benefits, here are 10 different ways that you can use Epsom salt.
- To ease muscle pain and tension, add two cups of Epsom salt to a warm bath and soak for at least 12 minutes.
- For a foot soak that will soothe tired feet and eliminate odour, add half a cup of Epsom salt to a basin or tub of warm water big enough to fit both feet. Soak for 20 minutes, then scrub your feet with a pumice stone or loofah.
- Use it as a natural laxative by dissolving one or two cups of Epsom salt in eight ounces of water. Drink the mixture before bedtime, followed by eight more ounces of plain water.
- Make an all-natural facial cleanser by mixing one teaspoon each of Epsom salt and raw honey with two tablespoons of jojoba oil or extra-virgin olive oil. Gently massage the mixture onto your face in circular motions for one minute, then rinse with lukewarm water followed by cool water. Splash your face several times with rosewater for best results.
- Get rid of blackheads by combining one teaspoon each of Epsom salt and baking soda, then stirring in just enough water to form a paste. Apply the paste to damp skin and massage gently for 30 seconds before rinsing thoroughly with cold water. Pat dry with a clean towel.
- To boost healthy hair growth, mix one tablespoon each of Epsom salt and apple cider vinegar in eight ounces of warm water until the salt is dissolved completely. After shampooing and conditioning your hair as usual, pour the mixture over your head and let it sit for three to five minutes before rinsing out thoroughly with cool water.
- Soothe a sunburn by adding one cup of Epsom salt to your bathtub filled with lukewarm water and soaking for at least 12 minutes.
- Make an invigorating body scrub by combining equal parts Epsom salt and brown sugar, then stirring in just enough olive oil or jojoba oil to form a thick paste. Rub the scrub onto damp skin in circular motions before rinsing off with lukewarm water followed by cool water.
- Eliminate smelly feet by sprinkling some Epsom salt into your shoes or socks before putting them on in the morning, then shaking out any excess before wearing them as usual throughout the day.
- To treat athlete’s foot or other fungal infections, mix two tablespoons each of dried thyme leaves and Epsom salt in warm water big enough to fit both feet comfortably kneeling over the tub. Soak feet for 30 minutes then dry thoroughly afterwards.
The salt of many applications!
Epsom salt has dozens upon dozens of uses beyond being a simple additive for baths and foot baths! The next time you’re at the pharmacy looking for something to ease muscle pain or help you get over a cold, consider picking up a box (or two) of this versatile product!
