Epsom salt is a coarse salt that you can purchase by the carton at your local grocery. Many people have no clue of the overwhelming uses for this wonderful, natural magnesium. Usually you would only think of it when it comes to taking a bath for aches and pains, which I always remind my mother of after she works on anything for too long. While it helps fight minor health issues, it is also great for other uses around the home. With the low cost and versatility, you can’t go wrong picking up a carton the next time you head out to the store.
As I stated before, probably the most well known use for Epsom salt is for a warm bath after a long day of hard work. It is very relaxing, and the magnesium does a great job of relieving minor aches and pains. Simply run a warm bath and pour a cup of the salt in before getting in the tub, allowing time for it to dissolve.
For those that have rough calloused, feet, Epsom can help combat that roughness. The magnesium makes a great scrub to soften feet up quickly, just in time for the summer months.
Epsom salt also makes a great detox for the body. It is effective at flushing out the colon so it works to relieve constipation. It is safer than any colon cleanse in the store, which contain many chemicals, and much friendlier on the wallet as well. A few people do have an issue digesting Epsom salt, so always check with your physician before using it to combat constipation or as a detox. Dissolving a teaspoon in a glass of water should be enough to loosen anything up.
Have you dealt with, or are dealing with, gout? The natural magnesium in Epsom salt will help combat inflammation, which will decrease the swelling as well as help relieve the pain. Pour a cup or two into a hot bath and soak the affected joints.
The Epsom Salt Council directly recommends using the salt for an instant boost in your hair. Mix one part conditioner with one part Epsom salt. Use as much as you need to for your hair. Heat it up in a pan, and then work it into your hair starting at the roots. Once your hair is coated, cover it and leave it on for 20 minutes. Follow up with a thorough rinse. It will also form a protective barrier against heat, and combat frizz.
Epsom is also great for exfoliating the skin. Mix one half a teaspoon of Epsom salt into the liquid soap or cream that you use on your face and gently rub into your skin. This works to get rid of dirt and loosen up dead skin. Additionally, your skin will receive a hydrating boost, be rid of blackheads, and have protection from acne breakouts.
Are the tiles in your home starting to look dingy? To see them clean and shiny mix dish soap with Epsom salt in a 1:1 ratio. Scrub away, and you will reveal beautiful clean tiles.
Fertilizers often include magnesium because they boost plant root absorption. Instead of buying an expensive fertilizer that contains many additives, spread Epsom salt on the yard. Magnesium is a building block for chlorophyll, a necessary part of a healthy plant. You will instantly be feeding the lawn essential nutrition it needs to produce chlorophyll. Adding Epsom salt to the lawn once a month will greatly improve lawn color and growth.
If you have smaller roses, one way to produce big, beautiful blooms is to add Epsom salt to the soil. Next time you plant new roses try it. You can add more when you see new growth and when flowers are blooming. This will help increase the amount and size of blossoms.
There are so many great uses of Epsom salt; it is actually quite a task to try to sum them all up. The salt’s power comes mostly from the high concentration of magnesium it contains. If you know of some more great uses for Epsom salts, feel free to email me. I would love to know!
April Sherrill is a staff writer for the Hamilton County Herald. Contact her at april@dailydata.com.
Epsom salt is a coarse salt that you can purchase by the carton at your local grocery. Many people have no clue of the overwhelming uses for this wonderful, natural magnesium. Usually you would only think of it when it comes to taking a bath for aches and pains, which I always remind my mother of after she works on anything for too long. While it helps fight minor health issues, it is also great for other uses around the home. With the low cost and versatility, you can’t go wrong picking up a carton the next time you head out to the store.
As I stated before, probably the most well known use for Epsom salt is for a warm bath after a long day of hard work. It is very relaxing, and the magnesium does a great job of relieving minor aches and pains. Simply run a warm bath and pour a cup of the salt in before getting in the tub, allowing time for it to dissolve.
For those that have rough calloused, feet, Epsom can help combat that roughness. The magnesium makes a great scrub to soften feet up quickly, just in time for the summer months.
Epsom salt also makes a great detox for the body. It is effective at flushing out the colon so it works to relieve constipation. It is safer than any colon cleanse in the store, which contain many chemicals, and much friendlier on the wallet as well. A few people do have an issue digesting Epsom salt, so always check with your physician before using it to combat constipation or as a detox. Dissolving a teaspoon in a glass of water should be enough to loosen anything up.
Have you dealt with, or are dealing with, gout? The natural magnesium in Epsom salt will help combat inflammation, which will decrease the swelling as well as help relieve the pain. Pour a cup or two into a hot bath and soak the affected joints.
The Epsom Salt Council directly recommends using the salt for an instant boost in your hair. Mix one part conditioner with one part Epsom salt. Use as much as you need to for your hair. Heat it up in a pan, and then work it into your hair starting at the roots. Once your hair is coated, cover it and leave it on for 20 minutes. Follow up with a thorough rinse. It will also form a protective barrier against heat, and combat frizz.
Epsom is also great for exfoliating the skin. Mix one half a teaspoon of Epsom salt into the liquid soap or cream that you use on your face and gently rub into your skin. This works to get rid of dirt and loosen up dead skin. Additionally, your skin will receive a hydrating boost, be rid of blackheads, and have protection from acne breakouts.
Are the tiles in your home starting to look dingy? To see them clean and shiny mix dish soap with Epsom salt in a 1:1 ratio. Scrub away, and you will reveal beautiful clean tiles.
Fertilizers often include magnesium because they boost plant root absorption. Instead of buying an expensive fertilizer that contains many additives, spread Epsom salt on the yard. Magnesium is a building block for chlorophyll, a necessary part of a healthy plant. You will instantly be feeding the lawn essential nutrition it needs to produce chlorophyll. Adding Epsom salt to the lawn once a month will greatly improve lawn color and growth.
If you have smaller roses, one way to produce big, beautiful blooms is to add Epsom salt to the soil. Next time you plant new roses try it. You can add more when you see new growth and when flowers are blooming. This will help increase the amount and size of blossoms.
There are so many great uses of Epsom salt; it is actually quite a task to try to sum them all up. The salt’s power comes mostly from the high concentration of magnesium it contains. If you know of some more great uses for Epsom salts, feel free to email me. I would love to know!
April Sherrill is a staff writer for the Hamilton County Herald. Contact her at april@dailydata.com. v