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13 Wonderful Ways to Use Epsom Salts

a Care2 favorite by Annie B. Bond

By Annie B. Bond

Oh, epsom salt—who knew that such an uninspiring ingredient could inspire such devotion? Read on for 13 ways to use epsom salts, including a relaxing bath, a face scrub and a hair volumizer. It’s also a miracle cure, helping to get rid of splinters and reduce swelling of sprains and bruises. One ingredient fits 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.

Adapted from the Epsom Salt Industry Council (Note: Check with a doctor before using if you have any health concerns.)

13 Wonderful Ways to Use Epsom Salts

Relaxing and sedative bath: Soak in warm water and 2 cups of epsom salt.

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.

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.

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

Next, Ways to Use Epsom Salts for Your Face

 

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Kellie T.

The reason she may have lost the weight is the fact that Epsom salt is used as a laxative when mixed with a glass of water. There would also be a valid concern of what that much salt could do to your stomach, and blood pressure. Frankly, I would be wary of doing that. Ask a doctor or pharmacist.

Sally R.

A friend told me that she read somewhere, if you take a tsp on epsom salts after your meal you could lose weight. This lady did this and lost 180 lbs in 18 mos. Does anyone know if this is safe? and does it really work?

Kellie T.

Ana, I'm not a doctor, so you many need to consult one. Have you tried any creams you may get at the drugstore, or just ask your pharmacist about the epsom salt and blood pressure issue? Sometimes I think they know more than some doctors. Maybe just a small amount on a localized area.

Ana Augustino

Can somebody please tell me as to why one cannot take an epsom salt bath or any other salt bath when one has high blood pressure? I have severe ezcema and thought it might relieve the inflammation and agonising itchiness. Thankyou.

Kellie T.

My mother told me epsom salt soaking was an old home remedy in the old days to cure blood poisoning if it was caught early and used right away! Wow! Good stuff! Sounds like that could still be useful today!

Simonne M.

But "don't take hot baths or salt baths, including epsom salt baths, if you have heart or blood pressure problems or are diabetic... "

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/detox-baths.html

Carol Highhouse

Wow I never knew epsom salts could be used for so much. I used to soak my feet but I will try as an exfoliator or just soaking muscles!!!

Val P.
  • Val P. says
  • Aug 16, 2009 3:09 PM

as ken said it tastes bitter.

i recently used epsom salts to do a gall bladder/liver flush and it worked. it was really awful tasting though.

it's amazing the uses of epsom salts.

Ken T.
  • Ken T. says
  • Aug 16, 2009 10:08 AM

As a kid I remember my mother giving us kids epsom salts every school holiday like summer and Christmas time. we would take it in chocolate milk before bed and it was supposed to cleanse you all next day. I also remember it being bitter. But it worked. we also took some thing called Senna leaves which was made into a tea but it gave us kids stomach cramps.

Rebecca Delage

My grandmother always used it in her bath,but i have never, but maybe i should...my daughter is always coming home from school with cuts and bruises...

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Disclaimer: Care2.com does not warrant and shall have no liability for information provided in this newsletter or on Care2.com. Each individual person, fabric, or material may react differently to a particular suggested use. It is recommended that before you begin to use any formula, you read the directions carefully and test it first. Should you have any health care-related questions or concerns, please call or see your physician or other health care provider.

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