Epsom Salts Uses

Scientifically known as heptahydrate epsomite (MgSO4·7H2O), Epsom salt is named after a town in England, by the name 'Epsom'. It was here where the compound was first distilled from water. The salt is mostly used in home remedies formulated for cosmetic healing.

Application of Epsom Salt

For a Relaxing Bath
Perhaps, one of the most popular use of Epsom salt is associated with bathing, commonly known as epsom salt bath. Adding a mere 2 cups of salt to warm bathing water and soaking for 10 minutes at least weekly once, relieves body aches, sprains, swelling, and softens rough skin.

For Lustrous Hair
The salt is also used for natural hair conditioning. Mix equal parts of the salts and conditioner and warm the mixture for about 15 minutes. Let it cool down a bit and then apply the mix through the scalp to the end. Give it a wait of 15 minutes before rinsing it with warm water. This method gives a natural luster to your hair. Also, you can get rid of oil from your hair by using a mixture of Epsom salt (8 tbsp.) and shampoo (½ cup).

For Smooth Healthy Skin
Epsom salt can be used as a natural skin exfoliant, produce appreciable results. Sprinkle some essential oil on the salt and apply to your skin. Alternatively, you may also rub the salts directly to your skin and rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. The skin would be smooth and silky to touch. Also, before bed time, you can make a mix of the salt (½ tsp.) with your regular cleansing cream and massage the skin. Do not forget to rinse with water after you are done. A mix of the salt and iodine (3 drops) when added to boiling water, makes for a great remedy for black heads. Even cuts and wounds can be treated by soaking the affected area in the Epsom salt solution.

For Feet and Nails
Treat nail fungus by adding 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt in warm water and soak your foot until the water becomes cold. Add some more warm water and soak again. The salts would eliminate the fungi and relieve the discomfort in your foot. This salt is also an effective home remedy for the problem of nail fungus. Soaking the feet in warm water that contains some salt speeds up the recovery. Apart from treating the fungus, the salt would also get rid of foot odor.

For Constipation Relief
Mix two to three teaspoon of Epsom salt in a cup of water, and drink to relieve constipation. This salt work as a laxative through the process of hyperosmosis, whereby excretion is made easy. The salt can also be used for cleansing the colon.

For Plant and Lawn Care
Not only is the Epsom salt beneficial to the human body, it does good to plants as well. It can be used as a fertilizer for plants, vegetables and flowers. By adding this salt to your lawn, you are adding more magnesium and iron. Add only 2 tbsp. of the salt to about 1 gallon of water and spread it over the lawn. Thereafter, spray plain water. The result? Greener grass!

For Pest Control
Sprinkle some Epsom salt in slug infested places and prevent their entry. If you are troubled by raccoons, then sprinkle a generous amount of the same around the garbage cans.

For Cleansing
A mix of the salt and liquid dish detergent helps in cleaning dirty spots on bathroom tiles. And that's not it, Epsom salt can be used as a handwash as well. Mix the salt with baby oil and place besides the sink.

It is quite amazing to learn that something as simple as the Epsom salt can come in handy for so many uses. So next time you go grocery shopping, ensure that this product tops your list. Keep well!