18 Reasons to Keep Epsom Salt in Your Medicine Cabinet
Epsom Salt is the little-known mineral that
can fix just about anything. Named after the spring in Surrey, England
in which it was found, this mineral can be ingested or applied
topically. Its chemical name is magnesium sulfate, and this natural
remedy offers many health benefits.
Aches and Pains
1. Physical stress: Soak in a warm tub and
add Epsom salts. When the salt is dissolved in the water, it is readily
absorbed through the skin. The magnesium ions can help with stress, as
they promote serotonin production and lessen adrenaline impact.
Magnesium also helps with the energy cell production, reducing
restlessness and anxiety.
2. Pain and cramping: A long soak can also offer relief for pained
muscles and inflamed joints. The therapeutic salt bath also works at
soothing abdominal cramps, tension headaches, and tired feet.
3. Constipation: When ingested, Epsom salts also moonlight as saline
laxatives. You can drink a cup of warm water with two tablespoons of
salt dissolved in it to sooth constipation. However, it is not
recommended that you use this remedy more than once per day and it's
best to consult your doctor if symptoms persist.
Medical Purposes
4. Clean arteries: Epsom salts boosts the
health of your arteries by decreasing inflammation and protecting your
arteries' elasticity. This can help improve your circulation and ward
off cardiovascular illness, with less risk of clots, plaque buildup, and
arterial wall damage. To reap the benefits, soak in a bath of Epsom
salts three to four times a week.
5. Blood sugar regulator: Both the magnesium and sulfate in Epsom salts
help the body produce and use insulin better. With regular oral or
transdermal Epsom salt intake, your blood sugar can be better regulated,
resulting in improved daily energy levels and a lowered risk for
diabetes.
6. Nerve function: Epsom salts facilitate many enzymatic functions.
Their positive effects on the body include regulating fluid retention in
cells and using calcium to transmit chemical signals in the nervous
system.
First Aid
8. Splinters: Loosen a splinter by soaking
the inflicted body part in warm water with Epsom salts. The mineral acts
as an anti-inflammatory around the wound and will soften the splinter,
allowing for easy removal.
9. Sprains and bruises: Adding two cups of the salt to a warm bath can
help alleviate inflammation and pain caused by sprains and bruises. Soak
in the tub and the pain will soon be lessened.
Beauty Routine
10. Exfoliate the skin: Take a handful of
the salt and rub it gently over damp skin, to remove dead skin cells.
Your skin will be left looking healthier and feeling soft. This method
is suitable for your hands, feet and any other skin areas that need
exfoliating.
11. Face cleanser: Add a teaspoon of Epsom salts to your regular
cleanser or make your own clarifying treatment with this recipe:
1. Chop a ripe tomato finely and mix it with a pureed egg white.
2. Add to this half a teaspoon of vitamin B5 powder, 1 teaspoon aloe
vera gel, 1 teaspoon of Epsom salts and a few drops of thyme essential
oil.
3. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for 15 minutes.
4. Rinse it off with lukewarm water.
12. Loosen blackheads: You can use the salts to remove oil and dead skin
cells from your pores. Exfoliate to remove any dead skin from around
the blackheads. In half a cup of hot water, mix a teaspoon of Epsom
salts with four drops of iodine, stirring until the salts are completely
dissolved. Let the mixture cool down a bit and then massage it onto the
blackheads. Let the treatment dry completely and then wash your face
with warm water, patting dry with a cloth
13. Hair product buildup: Remove any excess hairspray or other styling
products from your hair by mixing 1 cup of Epsom salt and 1 cup lemon
juice into a gallon of water (3.8 liters). Let this solution sit for 24
hours before you start using it. Pour the concoction over your hair.
Leave it in for 20 minutes and then wash and condition your hair after.
Around the house
14. Household handwash: As an alternative
to store-bought hand cleaners, mix Epsom salts with baby oil for soft
and clean hands. Store in bottles and stash them next to the sinks in
your home.
15. Gardening helper: You can use Epsom salts to help your garden grow.
You can use it to fertilize plants and grass, facilitate plants nutrient
absorption, prevent leaf curling, remove insects or stop a slug
infestation.
16. Clean pots and pans: To treat really dirty dishes pour some Epsom
salt into the water as it helps grime come off easier. The salt's
abrasive texture helps loosen the food without leaving your pots and
pans damaged.
17. Tile and grout cleaner: For an effective tile and grout dirt
remover, mix equal parts Epsom salts and liquid dish detergent together.
Scrub dirty or stained surfaces with this, allowing the mix to soak in
for 2 minutes. The grime is loosened effortlessly. Rinse clean after.
18. Remove detergent buildup: Unwanted gunk builds up on the inside of
your washing machine over time. Remove detergent buildup with Epsom
salts to protect your washer and see it running efficiently. Run an
empty cycle with hot water, a quart of white vinegar and a cup of Epsom
salt. After a minute, stop the cycle and let the solution soak for an
hour.