22 Amazing Uses For Epsom Salt For Your Home & Garden

by Eat Local Grown

Epsom salts have been used by many different cultures for hundreds of years. They have a number of different beneficial properties and are used in gardening, household cleaning, and detoxifying the body. These salts are very inexpensive and can be purchased at bulk discounts in garden centers nearly everywhere. Using Epsom salt baths is an advanced detoxification strategy that has remarkable health benefits.

Epsom salt is made up of magnesium and sulfate, which can help improve health in numerous ways. A lack of magnesium—which helps regulate the activity of more than 300 enzymes in the body—can contribute to high blood pressure, hyperactivity, heart problems and other health issues, doctors warn. Sulfate is essential for many biological processes, helping to flush toxins and helping form proteins in joints, brain tissue and mucin proteins.

22 AMAZING USES OF EPSOM SALT
 

1. Regulate Blood Sugar

Research indicates that raising magnesium levels can promote a healthy heart by improving circulation and lowering blood pressure. It also improves the body’s capacity to use insulin. Magnesium is necessary to sustain calcium levels in the blood.

2. Treats Sunburn 

Epsom salt is very soothing for sunburned skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties alleviate mild sunburn irritation like itchiness and pain. It can even help maintain an even skin tone. 

-To treat sunburned hands and legs, mix 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt in 1 cup of water and store it in a spray bottle. Spray it on the affected area. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then take a bath. Do this several times a week to notice improvement. 

-Another option is to fill a bathtub with lukewarm water and mix in 1 cup of Epsom salt, stirring thoroughly so the salt crystals dissolve properly. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil and soak in the water for 20 minutes. 

3. Detoxification 

Epsom salt can assist in eliminating toxins from the body. The magnesium in Epsom salt is required for detoxifying cells. It also helps detox the body of environmental contaminants that can potentially cause ill health. 

To enjoy a relaxing detox bath, stir in 1 to 2 cups of Epson salt in a bathtub filled with warm water and soak in it for 10 to 15 minutes, 2 or 3 times a week. 

4. Fade Bruises 

To lessen the appearance of bruises, make a compress by soaking a washcloth in cold water mixed with Epsom salt – use two tablespoons per cup – then apply to the skin. 

5. Pest control 

If you have lawn pests and you’re looking for natural insect control, consider turning to Epsom salt. A spray solution on the lawn can control insects without damaging the grass, and it’s totally nontoxic. Sprinkle some dry Epsom salt to deter slugs and snails. 

6. Fertilizer 

Some plants like tons of food, especially roses. Work some Epsom salt into the soil around them to keep them happy, especially during blooming season, when you want them producing beautiful, long-lasting flowers. Palm trees, tomatoes, and peppers are big fans of Epsom salt! 

7. Quick bruise treatment 

Use a warm compress with Epsom salt to fade the appearance of bruises. They won’t vanish like magic, but they won’t be as large, or as painful. Use a solution of two tablespoons Epsom salt per cup of water for best effect. 

8. Body scrub 

After you shower, rub your skin with Epsom salts using circular movements. It removes dead skin cells and leaves skin soft. 

9. Soothe Bug Bites 

Dissolve 1/4 cup of Epsom salts in a cup of warm water. Cool the mixture in the refrigerator. Apply with a cotton ball to bug bites to soothe pain and itching. 

10. Remove Splinters 

According to the Epsom Salt Council, Epsom salt increases osmotic pressure on the skin, which draws foreign bodies toward the surface. Dissolve one cup of Epsom salt in a tub of water and soak the affected area. 

11. Keep Houseplants Healthy 

Add 1-2 tablespoons of Epsom salts per gallon of water to nourish your houseplants. 

12. Relief from muscular pain 

An Epsom salts bath can promote detoxification through the skin and they are traditionally used as a soaking agent to bring relief from muscular pain and stiffness. 

13. Improves Digestion 

Epsom salt assists in the elimination of harmful toxins and waste products from the body and the digestive system. It also works as a laxative to soften stools, making them easier to pass, and can be used to treat constipation. Dissolve 1 or 2 teaspoons of Epsom salt in 1 cup of warm water and drink it on an empty stomach once a day. When taken internally, Epsom salt can cause some side effects, including gastrointestinal irritation, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Consult your doctor before taking Epsom salt. Do not take it longer than 1 week. Also, soaking in an Epsom salt bath helps reduce water retention and tummy bloating. 

14. Remedy for colds and flu 

Take a hot bath with Epsom salts when you feel you’re catching a cold as it helps the body to fight infection more easily and recover faster. 

15. It helps you sleep better 

Epsom salts relaxes the body and helps you sleep better. Take hot baths with Epsom salts in the evening, an hour before sleep. It helps to increase the level of magnesium in the body. Lack of magnesium brings fatigue, stress, heart disease and joint pain. So, fill the tub with warm water and mix it with a cup of Epsom salts and a cup of baking soda and just relax. 

16. Removes feet odor 

Keep your feet in warm water with Epsom salts to get rid of odor, pain or heavy legs feeling. Do it for 15-20 minutes as it improves blood circulation, reduce inflammation and soften skin. 

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