Epsom salt is one of mother nature’s best heal-alls. Named after a town in England where it’s extracted from the spring water, Epsom salt is actually not salt, but rather a form of magnesium sulfate, which contains magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. Epsom salt is often used to treat magnesium deficiency, since your body can absorb magnesium through the skin.
According to Web MD, it’s most often used to treat (1):
- Arthritis pain and swelling
- Bruises and sprains
- Fibromyalgia, a condition that makes your muscles, ligaments, and tendons hurt, and causes tender points throughout your body
- Ingrown toenails
- Insomnia
- Psoriasis, a disease that causes red, itchy, scaly skin
- Soreness from diarrhea during chemotherapy
Here are just a few ways to use Epsom salt in your beauty routine and first aid kit:
1. Gorgeous Hair
As much as conditioner can make your hair silky and smooth, it can also weigh it down and make it flat. Just like sea water, Epsom salt is a great natural voluminous.
Simply mix equal parts organic conditioner and Epsom salt in a small bowl and leave it in for 20 minutes before rinsing. This treatment shouldn’t be used more than once a week.
2. Sunburn Relief
The magnesium in Epsom salt helps relieve sunburn inflammation and speed the healing process (1).
You’ll Need:
- An empty spray bottle
- 2 Tablespoons of Epsom Salt
- 1 Cup of warm water
Instructions:
- Pour the water into the spray bottle and add the Epsom salt.
- Stir until the salt is fully dissolved.
- Spray on affected area as needed.
3. Lip Scrub
Epsom salt is gently enough to exfoliate your lip and nourishing enough to keep them moisturized.
You’ll Need:
- 1 Teaspoon of Epsom salt
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin coconut oil
- A Small bowl
- One small container to keep it in.
Instructions:
- Combine the two ingredients in the bowl.
- Apply the mix to your lips and gently rub it in.
- Store the rest in a closed container away from heat and humidity.
- Apply as needed.
4. Bug Bite Relief
As with sunburns, Epsom salt relieve the irritation, itch and inflammation of bug bites. This recipe works great for mosquito or horse fly stings. To treat bee stings, use 2 tablespoons Epsom salt instead.
You’ll Need:
- 2 Tablespoons of Epsom salt
- 1 Cup of warm water
- A clean washcloth
- A Medium glass or stainless steel bowl.
Instructions:
Mix the water and Epsom salt together in a medium sized bowl.
Dip the washcloth in the solution.
Apply to the affected area as needed.
4. Sore Muscle Relief
Magnesium is known to treat muscle spasms and muscle weakness, so it’s the perfect post-workout remedy (2).
You’ll Need:
- 1 Teaspoon of Epsom salt
- 1 Cup of hot water
- 1 small stainless steel bowl
- A small towel
Instructions:
- Pour the water and salt into the bowl and stir until the salt is fully dissolved.
- Cool the mix in the freezer for 20 minutes or so.
- Clean the area that bothers you and pat it dry.
- Soak your towel in the mixture and twit out the excess water.
- Apply the cold mixture directly to the sore muscles. As it heats up, soak the towel again to keep it cold.
5. Perfect Pedicure Soak
Soak your feet once a week or once a month for soft, smooth feet!
You’ll Need:
- ½ Cup of Epsom salt
- A bucket or tub of warm, soapy water (make sure to use a non-toxic, gentle soap meant for use on your body)
Instructions:
- Pour hot water and soap into your bucket, making sure that it’s warm enough to dissolve the salt but cool enough that it won’t burn your skin. Use a non-toxic, gentle soap meant for use on your body.
- Mix the Epsom salt into the soapy water, stirring to help it dissolve.
- Soak your feet for 10 minutes or so.
- Take out your feet and dry thoroughly. This is a great time to cut your toenails or remove nail polish.
- Soak your feet again for 5 minutes.
- Remove, dry, and moisturize with coconut oil.
7. Health Soak
Magnesium is required by almost every organ in your body (2). To help you feel relaxed, and rejuvenated, take an Epsom salt soak 3 times a week.
You’ll Need:
- Bath Full of Hot Water
- 2 Cups Epsom Salt
- Lavender essential oil (per taste)
Instructions:
- Fill your tub with hot water, making sure that the temperature’s just right .
- Pour in the salt and let it dissolve. You may want to use your hand and stir around the water to speed the process.
- Soak for at least 15 minutes, getting as much of your body in contact with the water as possible.
- For best results, read a book or light some candles, it’ll help you relax and enjoy the process.
If you suffer from muscle pain or injury, you can also make an ice bath and add 3-4 cups of Epsom salt to promote healing.
8. DIY Bath Crystals
If you take regular baths, it’s best that you make your own bath salts, as commercially available products often contain synthetics scents, color and even preservatives.
You’ll Need:
- 2 Cups of Epsom salt
- 1 Cup of pink Himalayan salt
- 30-40 drops of essential oils (per taste)
- a small jar
- a medium glass or stainless steel bowl
Instructions:
- Mix the salts together in the bowl.
- Add the essential oil, a few drops at a time, until your desired scent is achieved.
- Mix for at least 205 minutes to make sure that the salts are fully coated.
- Transfer mixture to a small jar and close it shut.
- Keep the jar in a dry, cool, place.
- You’ll only need about 1/4-1/2 cup per bath.
9. Splinter Treatment
Epsom salt helps to push out splinter by relieving inflammation and softening the skin. After a few treatments, you should be able to grab onto the splinter with tweezers and pull it out with ease.
You’ll Need:
- 2 Tablespoons of Epsom salt
- 1 cup of cold water
- A clean cotton washcloth
- A medium glass bowl
Instructions:
- Mix the Epsom salt and cold water together in the bowl.
- Soak the cotton washcloth in the mixture and twist out any excess water.
- Apply washcloth to the affected area and leave on for 5 minutes at a time.
- Repeat 3-4 times a day.
10. Post-Shower Exfoliation
Epsom salt can clear away dead and dry skin. Just make sure not to use it on open wounds or irritated skin.
You’ll Need:
- 2 cups of Epsom salt
- ¼ cup of coconut oil
- 3 drops of Lavender essential oil
- A medium mixing bowl
Instructions:
- Combine all the ingredients and tore in a glass jar.
- Use right after showering and drying your body, gently applying it in a circular motion. You can also use it on your face or use the salt by itself as you shower.
For a more luxurious exfoliation, try this in-shower recipe.
You’ll Need:
- 2 ounces of Epsom salt
- 2 ounces of sea salt
- 4 ounces of coffee grounds
- 1 teaspoon of Eucalyptus oil
- A drizzle of sesame oil
Instructions:
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Add sesame oil and essential oil and stir until the mixture forms a paste.
- Rub onto your body before taking a shower and rinse it off under hot water.
- Store excess mixture n a glass jar away form heat and humidity.
11. Poison Ivy Relief
Poison ivy can leave your skin feeling itchy and sore. Instead of reaching for calamine lotion, just grab a little Epsom salt.
You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt
- 1 cup of cold water
- A small cotton washcloth
- A medium stainless steel bowl
Instructions:
- Dilute the salt into a bowl of cold water.
- Soak the cotton washcloth into the mixture and twist out any excess water.
- Apply to the affected area as needed.
12. Miracle Foot Cure
Epsom salt can help relieve foot pain, swelling, joint pain, fungal infection and foot odor.
You’ll Need:
- A foot-sized tub of hot water
- 1 cup of Epsom salt
- A few drops of tea tree oil
Instructions:
- Pour the Epsom salt into the water and let it dissolve.
- Soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Dry feet completely with a clean towel
- Repeat daily as needed.
sources:
[1]https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/epsom-salt-bath
[2]https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/magnesium