Epsom salts for health & home has been used for centuries. It's uses range from gardening to body detoxification. Epsom salts is a compound that is a combination of Magnesium and Sulphate.
It derived it's name from the saline spring at Epsom in Surrey, England.
Magnesium regulates more than 300 enzymes in the body and is essential for overall health. Magnesium deficiency results in hypertension, hyperactivity, heart problems and other health conditions. Sulphates are essential for many biological processes, including flushing toxins out of the body and creating certain proteins.
In this article we describe 20 uses of Epsom salts for your overall health.
1. Regulates blood sugar
Researchers have confirmed that increased magnesium levels protect the heart by improving circulation and decreasing blood pressure.
Magnesium increases the body’s ability to use insulin.
2. Magnesium helps in sustaining calcium levels in blood.
Sulphates cannot be easily obtained through food, but with Epsom Salts, these can be absorbed through the skin.
Sulphates stimulate the pancreas and aid in the detoxification process. Epsom salt flushes toxins and heavy metals out of the cells, relieves muscle pain and stimulates the body to eliminate dangerous substances.
3. Detoxification
Epsom salt assists in the elimination of toxins from the body. It also assists in the elimination of environmental contaminants that affect health. Pamper yourself with a nice detox bath. Stir 1-2 cups of Epsom salt in your bathtub and soak in for 10-15 minutes. Do this 2-3 times a week.
4. Epsom salt delivers Sulphates
Sulphates cannot be obtained through food but the body can absorb them though the skin. Researchers believe that sulphates are necessary for the formation of brain tissue, joint protein and mucin protein that line the walls of your digestive tract. Sulphates stimulate the generation of digestive enzymes and aids in the removal of medicine residues and environmental contaminants.
5. Fades bruises
Soak a washcloth in a combination of cold water and Epsom salt to lessen the appearance of bruises. Use 2 tablespoons per cup and apply the compress to the skin.
5. Treats sunburn
Epsom salt soothes sunburned skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties help in treating mild sunburn irritation including itching and pain. Epsom salt also maintains an even skin tone.
For sunburned hands and legs, combine 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt and a cup of water in a spray bottle. Shake well. Spray the combination on the affected area and leave it on for 10 minutes. Take a shower. Repeat the treatment several times a week for optimal results.
You can also fill your bathtub with lukewarm water and stir in a cup of Epsom salt. Make sure the crystals dissolve completely. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil and soak in for 20 minutes.
7. Relieves muscle pain
Epsom salt baths contribute to a more efficient detoxification through the skin and this is a traditional soaking agent that relieves muscle pain and stiffness.
8. Stimulates digestion
Epsom salt aids in the elimination of toxins and waste material from the body and the digestive system. It can be used as a laxative to soften stool, which will make it easier to pass. Add 1-2 teaspoons of Epsom salt to a cup of warm water and drink it on an empty stomach. Do this once a day. Sometimes Epsom salt can cause side effects like gastrointestinal irritation, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. Always consult your doctor before using Epsom salts internally. Do not use it longer than a week. Soaking in Epsom salt reduces water retention and bloating.
9. Body scrub
After taking a shower, rub some Epsom salt on your skin in a cIrcular motion to remove dead skin cells and soften the skin.
10. Sleep better
Epsom salt relaxes your body, assisting a better sleep. Enjoying a hot bath with some Epsom salt added in the evening, an hour before you go to bed will help you sleep better. Add 2 cupful's to a full bath.
11. Removes splinters
Epsom salt increases the osmotic pressure on the skin, and this helps drawing any foreign bodies towards the surface. Add a cup of Epsom salt to your bathtub and soak the affected area.
12. Improves nerve function
Regulate electrolytes. Calcium is the main conductor for the electrical current in your body. Magnesium maintains proper calcium levels in blood.
13. Gets rid of foot odour
Soak your feet with warm water and add some Epsom salt. This will eliminate unpleasant odour, pain and heavy legs feeling. Soak the feet in for 15-20 minutes to improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation and soften your skin.
14. Treats cold and flu
Enjoying a Hot bath with some Epsom salt added helps in treating colds and fighting infections. In this way you will recover much faster.
15. Soothes bug bites
Dissolve 1/4 cup of Epsom salts in a cup of warm water. Let it cool in the fridge. Apply the mixture to the bite using a cotton pad to soothe pain and itching.
16. Fertilizer
Put some Epsom salt in the soil around the roses during the blooming season for more beautiful, long-lasting flowers. Palm trees, tomatoes, and peppers love Epsom salt.
17. Pest control
Epsom salt is an excellent solution for lawn pests including slugs and snails. Spraying a solution on the lawn controls the insects without damaging the grass. It is toxin-free.
18. Keeps your houseplants healthy
Add 1-2 tablespoons of Epsom salt per gallon of water and nourish your houseplants.
19. Grow your flowers, fruits and vegetables better
If you are growing tomatoes, just sprinkle a few tablespoons of Epsom salt at the base of the plant. This will keep it healthy and maximize the yield.
20. Remove burnt food from your pots and pans
Have you overcooked your oatmeal? Just scrub your pots and pans with a few tablespoons of Epsom salt, some soap and hot water. This will help you remove burnt food easily.
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? GET SOAKING! ADD YOUR FAVOURITE ESSENTIAL OIL AND ZEN OUT.