Epsom Salt

Epsom salt has been used for hundreds of years, for a variety of purposes, from relieving constipation to ensuring the healthy growth of plants. It is basically a naturally occurring hydrated form of magnesium sulfate. Having been discovered in a town called Epsom in England, Epsom salt has immense healing properties, and has now found its place in a lot of natural remedies for a variety of health conditions.

Benefits

• Stress Relief: It has been found that an Epsom salt bath is the perfect way to beat all the stress your body is afflicted by. Soaking in a tub of warm water with some Epsom salt crystals in them allows the body to absorb the magnesium sulfate that then works to relax the body, ease muscle tension, and calm the mind. Alternately, simply soaking your feet in warm water with this salt will have a similar benefit. It has also been believed that this salt has the ability to heal bruises and sprains. However, there is no scientific research to back up this claimed benefit.
• Acne Control and Prevention: A scrub made from Epsom salt is perhaps one of the best ways to rid yourself of acne. Apart from this method, soaking a cotton ball in an Epsom salt solution and dabbing it on the acne affected area is also known to benefit the skin.
• Healing Fungal Skin Infection: One of the medical uses of Epsom salt is that it helps cure fungal skin infections caused by conditions such as psoriasis and Athlete's foot. However, it is always a good idea to speak to your dermatologist before using it for infection caused by a skin condition.
• Constipation Relief: Mix one teaspoon of Epsom salt in 7 ounces of water, and you have a wonderful laxative that is bound to provide some great relief to you. Drink this concoction twice a day, and you will start experiencing its benefits soon enough.
• Benefits for Hair: Add Epsom salt to a deep conditioner and apply this mix on your hair. Leave it for about 20 minutes. When you rinse your hair, you will find that it has become lustrous and thick. For those who have oily hair, add one tablespoon Epsom salt to the regular amount of shampoo for oily hair that you use. Apply this solution to your dry hair for about five minutes, and then rinse it off with apple cider vinegar. With regular use you will find that it has benefited your hair.

Apart from these benefits, it has been found that the use of Epsom salt as fertilizer is also known to be beneficial for plants.

Epsom salt is easily available, which means you can avail all the benefits it has to offer without paying a high price for them. Though it is known to be beneficial for several health conditions, it is always advisable to consult a doctor before incorporating this naturally occurring product in your lifestyle. Though natural, it may not benefit some individuals in the same way as others. Do take care while incorporating any new product in your lifestyle, even if it is claimed to be natural and beneficial.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.