Epsom Salts

Everyone has heard of Epsom Salts, maybe even used them as a bath soak for sore muscles –and boy, does that work! – but how many of you knew just how versatile this innocuous white substance is?

Let’s start with the name - Epsom salt, which is a bit of a misnomer as it is not really a salt at all, but a mineral compound comprised of magnesium and sulfate. It is named after the town in England where it was originally discovered, Epsom in Surrey.

These “salts” have been used for centuries as a natural remedy for a number of ailments, some of which we will outline below. It also has many beauty, gardening and household uses. Both magnesium and sulfate are readily absorbed into the skin – the largest organ in the body and also the most easily accessible.

Over 325 enzymes in the body are regulated by magnesium, which also supports muscle and nerve function. Chronically low levels can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoporosis and type 2 diabetes. Sulfates improve the rate at which nutrients are absorbed and help to flush out toxins.

So let’s start with how Epsom salts can help us with our health:

1) The classic Epsom salt bath is a great way to soothe sore muscles, cramps, bruises and joint pain; even menstrual pain can improve with a good soak. Soaking in an Epsom salt bath is also a wonderful way to relax and relieve stress. Add 2 cups of salts to a warm bath. Mix the salt in so it dissolves in the water. Soak for at least 10-15 minutes for best results. This is also a great treatment for sunburn!

2) Use the salts as an exfoliant to keep skin healthy and glowing. Massage onto damp skin and rinse off with warm water. Using in the bath or shower is a great idea. Exfoliation removes the natural buildup of dead skin cells, which if not removed can cause dullness and blemishes. You can even use this in your face wash to exfoliate your face, and in a hand wash to do your hands.

3) Dry, cracked lips can be painful and unsightly. Mix equal parts coconut oil and Epsom salts to create a moisturizing lip scrub.

4) Hand and foot soak – Add ¼ cup of Epsom salts to a large bowl of warm water; soak for at least 15 minutes. While in the soak you can also give them an exfoliating scrub. This will sooth and smooth rough skin, help remove ingrained dirt and soothe aching joints. It also helps reduce odors and foot fungus.

5) Mixing 2 teaspoons of Epsom salts in a glass of water, and drinking it, can help relieve constipation.

6) Epsom salts have a wonderful ability to draw toxins out of our body. Soaking in a bath for 10-15 minutes is a great way to reduce swelling. Mix 1-2 cups of Epsom salts in a warm bath and mix to dissolve in water. Use as a compress to treat mosquito bites, bee stings and poison ivy rashes. Mix 2 tablespoons with 1 cup of warm water; soak a clean cloth in the mixture and hold on the affected area until the pain, burning an itching have gone.

7) You can also use Epsom salts to help remove splinters. Soak in a bowl of very warm water with a few tablespoons of Epsom salts dissolved in it. The salts and heat will help draw out the splinter and keep the area clean.

8) Surprisingly Epsom salts also make a great deep conditioner to add volume and remove grease from your hair. Combine equal parts of organic hair conditioner and Epsom salts and apply liberally to hair. Let sit for 20 minutes, then rinse clean. And for some more surprising uses: email: nyrbhalla@gmail.com I web: us.nyrorganic.com/shop/tracybhalla I www. LogHouseAromatics.com

9) For an all-natural but powerful tile cleaner, mix equal parts liquid dish soap and Epsom salts. Scrub onto tiles with a sponge and rinse clean.

10) If you’re having unwanted insect issues, a natural remedy would be to mix ¼ cup of Epsom salts with 2 cups of water and place in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture around windows, door frames, the exterior perimeter of your house to deter insects safely, without nasty chemicals.

11) Use as a natural fertilizer; for greener grass, mix 1 cup of Epsom salts with a gallon of water and spray over the lawn area. For potted plants, especially tomatoes, simply sprinkle Epsom salts around the base of the plants every week.

12) Mix 4 cups of Epsom salts with 20 drops of your favorite essential oil and add a quarter cup to each load of laundry to help remove detergent build up in the machine. It also helps soften your clothes.

By Rashelle Brown