Epsom Salt or Magnesium Sulfate is an inorganic salt, which has been used to treat various ailments for a long time. In the mid-1970s, the usage of Epsom salt reached 2.3 million tons.
In the past, it was mostly used for agriculture, but with time, people discovered the amazing uses of Epsom salt.
From being used as a beauty product to being used to treat muscle cramps, Epsom salt has proven to be a wonder product.
This article will explore the benefits of Epsom salt and how it can be used.
What Is Epsom Salt?
Epsom salt, aka magnesium sulfate heptahydrate, is a naturally found mineral compound.
In the 17th century, it rose to the surface from an underground spring in an English town named Epsom.
The salt got its name from that town. Although it looks very similar to table salt, it is very different from it. It has a very bitter and pungent taste.
The benefits of Epsom salt were discovered when the wounds of the animals healed more quickly after they soaked in water with Epsom Salt.
Soon, many people traveled to that place in Epsom to treat the painful symptoms of gout.
If you want to know more about Epsom salt, read on to find out 11 amazing uses of Epsom salt:
Provides Magnesium
Most of the health benefits of Epsom salt are linked to magnesium.
Magnesium and sulfate are the two minerals that can be absorbed through our skin. Nowadays, a great number of people have a magnesium deficiency.
Taking Epsom salt baths can help meet these deficiencies because when we soak in water that has Epsom salt, our body absorbs magnesium and sulfate, which provides various health benefits.
Provides Stress Relief
Deficiency in magnesium can lower the serotonin levels in the body, which leads to stress, insomnia, and loss of appetite.
Taking an Epsom salt bath helps relieve stress and also helps body cells to produce energy.
Epsom salt has also shown to benefit people suffering from Lyme disease.
Reduces Constipation
Epsom salt has been used to treat constipation for a very long time. It is taken as a laxative, but it is important to consult a doctor before using it.
To use Epsom salt to treat constipation, mix 1 teaspoon of Epsom salt in a glass of water and drink it.
The solution will have a bitter taste.
Improves Hair Health
Epsom salt can also be used for hair volume and health. It makes the hair soft and increases the volume.
Add hair conditioner and Epsom salt in a cooking pan in equal parts.
Heat the mixture on a low flame until the complete mixture is warm.
Apply the mixture to your hair and rinse after 20 minutes for wonderful results.
Makes Your Plants Greener
Magnesium is one of the important constituents of soil.
Yellowing of leaves in green plants is usually caused by a deficiency of magnesium.
Adding magnesium to the soil makes the plants greener because it helps in producing chlorophyll. It also helps in the blooming of flowers, especially roses.
To make your plants greener, add a tablespoon of salt around the plants you want to treat every month.
Epsom salt can make flowers, trees, shrubs and even grass healthier and greener.
Helps to Remove Splinters
Removing a splinter from a finger or any part of the body can be a painful and annoying experience.
Epsom salt simplifies the process of plucking out a splinter from your skin.
Rather than pinching your skin with tweezers, soak the part of the body in an Epsom salt bath.
Epsom salt increases the osmotic pressure of the skin and brings the splinter to the surface, which can then be taken out easily.
The magnesium in Epsom salt also relieves inflammation around the skin with a splinter.
Exfoliates Skin
Epsom salt is a great exfoliator. It helps remove dead skin, impurities, and blackheads from the skin.
To remove the dead skin, add a pinch of Epsom salt in your daily face wash and rinse your face with the mixture. To remove blackheads, add one teaspoon of Epsom salt and a few drops of iodine to half a cup of water.
Dissolve the ingredients in the water and massage the skin with it.
After the mixture dries, wash your face with warm water.
Treats Flu
Epsom salt is a great home remedy to treat flu and cold.
Soaking in a bath of Epsom salt boosts the immune system and increases white blood cells to help fight the infection.
It also relaxes the muscles and relieves body ache which is a symptom of flu and cold.
Relieves Swelling from Mosquito Bites and Poison Ivy
Epsom salt relieves irritation and swelling caused by poison ivy or mosquito bites.
All you need for this is two tablespoons of Epsom salt and a cup of cold water.
Once you mix the two ingredients together, use a cotton washcloth to treat the affected area.
Improves Cardiovascular Health
Epsom salt is very beneficial for cardiovascular health.
Taking an Epsom salt bath can increase the elasticity of your arteries, which regulates blood circulation.
Taking an Epsom salt bath a few times a week has shown to lower blood pressure, increase circulation and improve cardiovascular health.
Help Treat Your Nail Fungus
Did you know that you can use Epsom salt to help cure toenail fungus? It’s true!
This works because Epsom salt helps to draw out and destroy the fungal infections that cause nail fungus and athletes foot.
Additionally, using a foot soak with Epsom salt can help soften and exfoliate your feet, and also help with things like calluses and dead skin.
In order to use Epsom salt for toenail fungus, fill a basin with warm water and the salt, and soak your feet for twenty minutes twice a day.
Conclusion
The usage of Epsom salt has various amazing benefits, which are not only limited to health.
Epsom salt is used is the cosmetic industry to make beauty products and for gardening to make your plants greener.
Clearly, Epsom salt has many advantages, but more research is needed to support all of its reported benefits. Let us know if you find any other great uses in the comments below!
I am the founder of DestroyNailFungus, and I do my best to provide comprehensive guides on health and wellness.
When I’m not running the site, I enjoy spending time outdoors and drinking coffee.