psom salt, named for a bitter saline spring at Epsom in Surrey,
England, is not actually salt but a naturally occurring pure mineral
compound of magnesium and sulfate. Long known as a natural remedy for a
number of ailments, Epsom salt has numerous health benefits as well as
many beauty, household, and gardening-related uses.
Studies have shown that magnesium and sulfate are both readily
absorbed through the skin, making Epsom salt baths an easy and ideal way
to enjoy the associated health benefits1. Magnesium plays a
number of roles in the body including regulating the activity of over
325 enzymes, reducing inflammation, helping muscle and nerve function,
and helping to prevent artery hardening. Sulfates help improve the
absorption of nutrients, flush toxins, and help ease migraine headaches.
What are the health benefits of using Epsom salt?
by SaltWorks, the most trusted brand of high quality, pharmaceutical-grade Epsom salt available.
The wonders of Epsom salt have been well known for hundreds of
years and, unlike other salts, has beneficial properties that can soothe
the body, mind, and soul. Some of the countless health benefits include
relaxing the nervous system, curing skin problems, soothing back pain
and aching limbs, easing muscle strain, healing cuts, treating colds and
congestion, and drawing toxins from the body. One of the simplest ways
to ease stress and stress-related problems is to soak in a tub full of
hot water with a few cups of Ultra Epsom® Salt. Some of the notable
benefits of Epsom salt include:
Eases stress and relaxes the body
Stress drains the body of magnesium and increases levels of
adrenaline. When dissolved in warm water, Epsom salt is absorbed through
the skin and replenishes the level of magnesium in the body. The
magnesium helps to produce serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within
the brain that creates a feeling of calm and relaxation. Research shows
that magnesium also increases energy and stamina by encouraging the
production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy packets made in
the cells. Experts believe that bathing with Epsom salt at least three
times a week helps you to look better, feel better and gain more energy.
Magnesium ions also help you relax and reduce irritability by lowering
the effects of adrenaline. They create a relaxed feeling, improve sleep
and concentration, and help muscles and nerves to function properly.
Relieves pain and muscle cramps
An Epsom salt bath is known to ease pain and relieve
inflammation, making it beneficial in the treatment of sore muscles,
bronchial asthma, and migraine headaches. In addition, it has been known
to heal cuts and reduce soreness from childbirth. Mix a thick paste of
Epsom salt with hot water and apply to get soothing comfort. Try soaking
your aching, tired (and smelly) feet in a tub of water with half a cup
of our Ultra Epsom Salt. Epsom salt softens skin and will even
neutralize foot odor.
Helps muscles and nerves function properly
Studies show that Epsom salt can help regulate electrolytes in
your body, ensuring proper functioning of the muscles, nerves, and
enzymes. Magnesium is also known to be critical in the proper use of
calcium, which serves as a main conductor of the electric impulses in
your body.
Helps prevent hardening of arteries and blood clots
Epsom salt is believed to improve heart health and help prevent
heart disease and strokes by improving blood circulation, protecting the
elasticity of arteries, preventing blood clots, and reducing the risk
of sudden heart attack deaths.
Makes insulin more effective
Proper magnesium and sulfate levels increase the effectiveness
of insulin in the body, and can help to lower the risk or severity of
diabetes.
Relieves constipation
Numerous studies have revealed that Epsom salt can be used to
treat constipation. Taken internally, Epson salt acts as a detoxifying
agent for colon cleansing. The salt acts like a laxative by increasing
water in the intestines and can bring about temporary relief from
constipation. However, it is strictly warned that Epsom salts should not
be used to relieve constipation without the consultation of a
physician.
Eliminates toxins from the body
The sulfates in Epsom salt help flush toxins and heavy metals
from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate
harmful substances. Your skin is a highly porous membrane and adding the
right minerals to your bathwater triggers a process called reverse
osmosis, which actually pulls salt out of your body, and harmful toxins
along with it. For a detoxifying bath, at least once weekly add two cups
of our Ultra Epsom Salt to the water in a bathtub and soak for 10
minutes.
What are some uses of Epsom salt?
Whether you like a relaxing soak or wish to enhance your beauty
effortlessly, making Epsom salt a part of your daily routine can add a
whole lot of goodness to your way of life. To experience the numerous
health benefits of Epsom salt, take relaxing, stress-relieving Epsom
salt baths three times weekly by adding 2 cups of Ultra Epsom Salt to a
warm bath and soaking for at least 12 minutes. For the added benefit of
moisturizing your skin, add 1/2 cup olive oil or baby oil. Do not use
soap as it will interfere with the action of the salts. Try to rest for
about two hours afterward. If you have arthritic joints, move them as
much as possible after an Epsom salt bath to prevent congestion in the
joints.
For a foot bath, pamper weary feet by adding 1/2 cup of Epsom
salt to a basin of warm water. Relax and soak feet for 20 minutes. If
you like, rub away any calluses using a pumice stone. Dry feet, then add
two drops of peppermint essential oil to your favorite natural
moisturizer, like shea or coconut butter, and rub in thoroughly to lock
in the moisture. If you are pregnant or have any health concerns, check
with your doctor before using Epsom salts.
Epsom Salt Uses: HEALTH
Athlete’s foot: Soak feet in an Epsom salt bath to help relieve the symptoms of athlete’s foot.
Remove splinters: Soak affected skin area in an Epsom salt bath to draw out the splinter.
Treat toenail fungus: Soak your affected toes in hot water mixed with a handful of Epsom salt three times a day.
Soothe sprains and bruises: Add 2 cups of Epsom salt to a warm bath and soak to reduce the pain and swelling of sprains and bruises.
Ease discomfort of gout: Ease the discomfort of
gout and reduce inflammation by adding 2–3 teaspoons of Epsom salts
into a basin and immersing the affected foot/joint. The water should be
as hot as it is comfortable. Soak for about 30 minutes.
Epsom Salt Uses: BEAUTY
Exfoliate dead skin: In the shower or bath, mix
a handful of Epsom salt with a tablespoon of bath or olive oil and rub
all over your wet skin to exfoliate and soften. Rinse thoroughly.
Exfoliating face cleanser: To clean your face
and exfoliate skin at the same time, mix a half-teaspoon of Epsom salt
with your regular cleansing cream. Gently massage into skin and rinse
with cold water.
Dislodge blackheads: Add a teaspoon of Epsom
salt and 3 drops of iodine into a half cup of boiling water. Apply this
mixture to the blackheads with a cotton ball.
Remove foot odor: Mix a half cup of Epsom salt
in warm water and soak your feet for 10 minutes to remove bad odor,
sooth achy feet, and soften rough skin.
Remove hairspray: Combine 1 gallon of water, 1
cup of lemon juice, and 1 cup Epsom salt. Cover the mixture and let set
for 24 hours. The next day, pour the mixture into your dry hair and
leave on for 20 minutes before shampooing as normal.
Hair volumizer: Combine equal parts deep
conditioner and Epsom salt and warm in a pan. Work the warm mixture
through your hair and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.
Epsom Salt Uses: HOUSEHOLD
Clean bathroom tiles: Mix equal parts Epsom salt and liquid dish detergent and use as a scrub on bathroom tile.
Prevent slugs: Sprinkle Epsom salt on or near interior entry points to prevent slugs.
As a hand wash: Mix Epsom salt with baby oil and keep by the sink for an effective hand wash.
Clean detergent build-up on washing machines:
Fill the machine tub with hot water, add Epsom salt, and run an
agitate/soak/agitate cycle to dissolve detergent build-up (please
consult your machine's instruction manual for specific instructions).
Epsom Salt Uses: GARDENING
Fertilize your houseplants: Most plants need
nutrients like magnesium and sulfur to stay in good health, and Epsom
salt makes the primary nutrients in most plant foods (nitrogen,
phosphorus, potassium) more effective. Sprinkle Epsom salt once weekly
to help nourish your houseplants, flowers, and vegetables.
Keep your lawn green: Magnesium sulfate
crystals, when added to the soil, provide vital nutrients that help
prevent yellowing leaves and the loss of green color (magnesium is an
essential element in the chlorophyll molecule) in plants. Add 2
tablespoons of Epsom salt to a gallon of water and sprinkle on your lawn
to keep the grass healthy and green.
Insecticide spray: Use Epsom salts on your lawn and in your garden to safely and naturally get rid of plant pests.