13 Wonderful Ways to Use Epsom Salts

Oh, Epsom salt—who knew that such an uninspiring ingredient could inspire such devotion? Epsom salts have amazing health benefits–here are 13 ways to use Epsom salts, including a relaxing bath, a face scrub and a hair volumizer. It’s also a miracle cure-all, helping to remove splinters and reduce swelling of sprains and bruises. One ingredient really does fit all!

I always knew that soaking in a tub full of hot water with a few cups of Epsom salts was good for relaxing muscles and drawing toxins from the body, but I could never figure out why. And it wasn’t until I spent some time at the Epsom Salt Industry Council web site that I learned that epsom salts—made of the mineral magnesium sulfate—are also a sedative for the nervous system.

When magnesium sulfate is absorbed through the skin, such as in a bath, it draws toxins from the body, sedates the nervous system, reduces swelling, relaxes muscles, is a natural emollient, exfoliator, and much more.

Relaxing and sedative bath: Soak in warm water and 2 cups of Epsom salt. Read more about the Amazing Health Benefits of Epsom Salt Baths

Foot soak: Soothe aches, remove odors and soften rough skin with a foot soak. Add 1/2 cup of Epsom salt to a large pan of warm water. Soak feet for as long as it feels right. Rinse and dry. Or try an Epsom Salt Peppermint Foot Scrub.

Soak sprains and bruises: Epsom salt will reduce the swelling of sprains and bruises. Add 2 cups epsom salt to a warm bath, and soak. To tame tendonitis, try these tips.

Splinter remover: Soak in epsom salt, it will draw out the splinter.

Face cleaner: To clean your face at night, mix a half-teaspoon of epsom salt with your regular cleansing cream. Just massage into skin and rinse with cold water.

Homemade skin mask: Apply the mask to damp skin. For normal to oily skin, mix 1 tablespoon of cognac, 1 egg, 1/4 cup of non-fat dry milk, the juice of 1 lemon, and a half-teaspoon of epsom salt. For normal to dry skin, mix 1/4 cup of grated carrot, 1 1/2 teaspoons of mayonnaise and a half-teaspoon of epsom salt. This simple honey face mask works wonders as well.

Skin exfoliator: Massage handfuls of epsom salt over your wet skin, starting with your feet and continuing up towards the face. Have a bath to rinse, read 16 foods for Beautiful Skin.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Nikolas K.

10:53PM PST on Feb 6, 2012

Yes its nice to see Epsom salts being promoted. I have enjoyed my epsom salt baths for many years and now I have made it a weekly routine. I also have a weekly bath with a cup food grade 35% hydrogen peroxide as well.

send a green star

Teresa C.

3:46AM PST on Feb 6, 2012

I knew Epsom Salts were good, but I never knew HOW good--thanks for the article.

Lara K.

4:39AM PST on Feb 1, 2012

I have read of a liver cleanse on the net that involves apples, epsom salts, grapefruit, etc... does anyone know if it is safe to consume epsom salts? I assume yes, but want to ask you guys. Thanks. I do know that most people are deficient in magnesium and if you are nervous magnesium can really help... :)

Raven S.

12:22PM PST on Jan 28, 2012

Where do you get epsom salts?

Sheri L.

4:11AM PST on Jan 7, 2012

awesome thanks

Judith C.

11:05PM PST on Jan 4, 2012

Thanks for d info!

Fadia C.

10:59AM PST on Dec 11, 2011

thanks

Past Member .

1:13AM PST on Nov 30, 2011

great post

and

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with regards
health

Michele W.

10:25AM PST on Nov 29, 2011

Thank you

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