Epsom salts are best known as a component of bath salts, but beyond that they offer a wide range of uses, such as muscle relaxation, improving health, cleaning your home, caring for your garden, grooming and many other.

They were discovered in the 17th century, when they were first distilled from the water of a bitter salt spring at Epsom, in Surrey, England.

What are Epsom salts?

Epsom salt differs from traditional salt in that it is actually a metal compound of magnesium and sulfate and is technically known as magnesium sulfate .

It consists of tiny, colorless crystals that look like table salt, but are actually a completely different thing, as table salt is made up of sodium chloride.

Magnesium sulfate is a metal that many of us are deficient in, as levels have dropped over the last three to four decades worldwide.

The lack of this important nutrient in our body is due to a combination of issues, such as the overgrowth of agricultural land that releases essential minerals such as magnesium and other trace elements from the soil, excessive use of prescription drugs, consumption of processed foods and more.

Epsom salts are a very important ally for boosting magnesium levels and improving our health.

Epsom Salts: Learn 20 Ways to Use Them

1. Relax your body

Epsom salts dissolved in hot water are easily absorbed through the skin where they go immediately to work in our body.

Magnesium ions are separated from Epsom salt molecules and begin to relieve stress by promoting serotonin production and reducing the effects of adrenaline.

Magnesium also plays an important role in energy production in cells, helping us to feel refreshed, removing feelings of anxiety or stress.

2. Relieve pain and cramps

Epsom salts are absorbed by the skin and help relieve muscle tension, pain and inflammation in the joints.

Immerse yourself in a hot Epsom salt bath to relieve headaches or soothe abdominal cramps. Tired and sore feet will also benefit from the healing warmth of the Epsom salt bath.

 

3. Muscle and nerve function

In addition to relieving tension, pain and cramps, magnesium sulfate has many other positive effects on the human body.

It aids in many enzymatic functions, helps regulate fluid retention in cells and facilitates the use of calcium by the body to transmit chemical signals throughout the nervous system.

4. For arterial health

Epsom salts can help improve circulation and prevent serious cardiovascular disease by reducing inflammation and protecting the elasticity of arteries.

Healthier arteries mean less risk of blood clots, plaque buildup and damage to the arterial walls.

Try soaking in an Epsom salt bath three to four times a week to reduce stress, lower blood pressure and improve your cardiovascular health.

5. Regulate blood sugar

Both magnesium and sulfate help improve the body’s ability to produce and use insulin.

Taking Epsom salts regularly – either orally or transdermally – can help regulate blood sugar, reduce the risk of diabetes and improve your overall daily energy levels.

6. Relieves constipation

One of the most popular uses of Epsom salt is as a laxative. Dissolve a teaspoon of Epsom salts in a cup of warm water and drink.

Keep in mind that this treatment should not be used more than once a day.

If symptoms persist for more than a few days, it is always advisable to consult a doctor.

7. Helps remove debris

To remove a stubborn fragment, simply soak the affected part of the body in warm water and Epsom salts for a few minutes.

Magnesium sulfate will reduce inflammation around the wound and soften the area, making it easier to remove.

Soothe sprains and bruises

Epsom Anti-Inflammatory Salts can be used to relieve pain from sprains and bruises.

Just add two cups of salts to your hot bath water and the pain will be reduced.

9. Keep your feet healthy

It is well known that soaking your feet in Epsom salts is good for relieving pain.

But did you know that it can also help treat fungal infections of the feet and nails?

Just add half a cup of Epsom salts to warm water and soak your feet for as long as you want (or until the water cools down) to relieve itching and burning and help heal your feet faster.

10. Relieve the pain of gout

Add a few tablespoons of Epsom salts to warm water and soothe the parts of the body affected by gout.

Magnesium sulfate is rapidly absorbed by the skin and penetrates swollen and sore joints to relieve pain and inflammation.

11. Exfoliation of the skin

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

Use this treatment on the hands, feet and all over the body.

12. Natural face cleanser

The night before bed, mix a teaspoon of Epsom salts with your regular cleanser for an easy daily treatment or use the following recipe for an exfoliating face mask:

Finely chop a small ripe tomato and mix in a mashed egg white, half a teaspoon of vitamin B5 powder, a teaspoon each of aloe vera gel and Epsom salts, and a few drops of thyme essential oil.

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

13. Removal of black spots

Use Epsom salts to remove dead skin and oil from your pores.

Then mix a teaspoon of Epsom salts and four drops of iodine in half a cup of warm water.

Stir until the salts are completely dissolved and allow the mixture to cool until it is lukewarm but not hot.

Massage the mixture on the skin, let it dry completely and then wash your face with warm water and wipe gently with a towel.

14. Remove the accumulation of Styling products
    

Remove styling product residue from your hair using Epsom salts.

Mix a cup of Epsom salts and the juice of one lemon in half a liter of water.

Cover and leave the preparation for 24 hours before use.

Then just blow dry your hair and leave it on for about 15-20 minutes. Then rinse and apply emollient cream.

15. Add volume to your hair

To add volume to your hair, mix your hair conditioner with an equal amount of Epsom salts.

Heat the mixture just above body temperature and then apply to hair. Leave it on for 15 – 20 minutes and then rinse.

16. Wash the pots and pans

Add a small amount of Epsom salts to very dirty dishes before rubbing them.

The abrasive texture of the salt crystals will help you remove the stuck food more easily without damaging your cookware.

17. Clean your tiles

Mix equal parts Epsom salts and dishwashing detergent to create a highly effective tile cleaner.

Apply this mixture on dirty or stained surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen or even outdoors and leave it on for a minute or two.

Then scrub with a sponge and rinse.

18. Hand Washing

Mix equal parts Epsom salts and base oil such as coconut oil or almond oil to create a moisturizing hand cleanser.

Store this mixture in bottles next to all the sinks around your house and use it regularly to keep your hands soft and clean.

19. Removes the Accumulation of Detergents

Over time, laundry detergents and other contaminants may accumulate in machinery.

Use Epsom salts to remove this unwanted residue and keep your washer more efficient.

Fill the empty washing machine with warm water, add a quarter of pure vinegar and a cup of Epsom salts, turn on the washing machine for about one minute, then stop and let the solution soak for about an hour.

20. In your garden

Magnesium sulfate can be used to fertilize your plants, beautify your lawn, remove unwanted pests and keep slugs away.