10 Uses for Epsom Salt

Epson Salt

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Epsom salt has been around for more years than I even know. I remember seeing them (the box) in my Grandma’s bathroom closet and wondering…what does she use those for. I then remember seeing her and my Mom dump some in a pan of hot water and soaking their feet after a long day. And once, I remember my Mom putting them in the bathtub. But, it wasn’t until later in life I really knew what they were and not until recently did I know how amazing they are. I got into playing with epsom salts when I was making my own bath and body products and then started to do some research on all the ways you can use epsom salt. So, I thought it was time to share my knowledge with my readers.

I am sure you wonder, like I did, why epsom salts are so good. Well epsom salt is made of the mineral magnesium sulfate, which is a sedative for the nervous system. The magnesium sulfate is absorbed through the skin when used in a bath or body soak and it draws toxins from the body or body parts, sedates the nervous system, relaxes muscles, reduces swelling and is a natural exfoliator and natural emollient.

Epsom Salt Ideas

Fill the tub and relax ~  After a long day, when you need to relax, epsom salt is perfect for that. Fill a tub with warm water and add 2 cups of Epsom salt. To make it even more amazing you can take 2 cups of Epsom salts and your favorite essential oil and mix together and then add to the water. Perfect right before bed if you want to unwind, you can use a lavender oil. Or, in the morning use a blend of orange and peppermint for an energizing bath. Also helps with sore muscles, eliminate toxins and can help ease sunburn pain. May also help relieve a headache. All stuffed up?  Try a mix of Eucalyptus and Peppermint EO for a nice “kick the ick” bath. Possibilities are endless.
Soak Tired Feet ~  Did you have an extra long day on your feet? Or just have feet that need a little extra TLC? Take a large pan or tub of warm water and add 1/2 cup of Epsom Salt. You can even add essential oils of your liking to the Epsom salt before adding it to the water. Something like peppermint to rejuvenate your feet. This will also make your feet soft as it exfoliates the dry skin from your feet. Throw some marbles in the bottom of the tub and rub your feet on the marbles.. it feels amazing. This also helps for athletes foot.
Facial Exfoliate Scrub ~  Sometimes just washing ones face isn’t enough. Once a week you can take a bit of Epsom salt and mix it with your face wash to use a face scrub. It feels great, and is way less expensive than any scrub you will buy in the store. Just be careful of your eyes, as the skin is more sensitive around them. Works great to exfoliate the lips too.  And, for the guy in your life, if they do their face before shaving it helps with a nice smooth shave. If you or someone you know suffers with acne this might also help detox the face.  Just don’t scrub to hard or long if there is acne.
Soften Your Hands and Feet ~   Don’t fret when your hands and feet get all dry and rough. I know winter is hard on mine. I love taking my favorite liquid soap and adding Epsom salt to it, and just rubbing my hands together and then massaging all over my feet and I work it into my hands and feet for a good 5 minutes, then rinse and apply a moisturizing lotion. Ahhh…soft hands and feet. I do this sitting on the edge of my tub, about once a week.
Body Exfoliate ~  Just like you do with your hands and feet, you can use your body wash, coconut oil, avocado oil, or any other oil, add Epsom Salt to it and give your body a good scrub. This is perfect, because it is just the right amount of grain and doesn’t hurt your skin but exfoliates perfectly. Do this once or twice a week. Works great before shaving too.
Bug Bites ~ Take a cloth and soak in a mix of warm water and 1 T Epsom Salt, then hold cloth on the bug bite for a few minutes. You can even add some essential oils. This helps take the sting out and sooth the bite. There have been times I have had so many bug bites I just take a bath and soak the itch away.
Soak out a Sliver (Splinter)  ~  Ouch, you got a sliver. A piece of wood or metal or whatever, stuck in your skin. Man that hurts!  Put a bit of Epsom salt in a bowl with warm water and soak the body part with the sliver. Adding an essential oil into the water can also help, like Melaleuca.
Relieve Constipation ~  I know all to well about potty issues. Dealing with IBS is no fun, and some have issues of going potty to much, well not me. I am the girl who has issues going at all. So, this tip has worked for me before. Take about 6 oz of water and add 1-2 tsp of Epsom salt, mix well (luke warm water), and drink it down. Tastes icky, but works well.
Weight Loss ~ Not that this work for everyone, but I have read that you can put lemon and grapefruit essential oil in 2 cups Epsom salt, in the bath and soak for 20 minutes. It will detox you, so you will want to drink water. But, with the detox might come a bit of weight loss.
Multipurpose Household Cleaner ~  This is one of my favorites and one that I recommend to anyone who is worried about all the store bought cleaners.  Take 4 T. Baking Soda, 2 T. Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda, and 2 T Epsom Salt, mix together and add essential oil of choice, or non at all. You can put it in a jar, and even punch holes in the lid of the jar to make a shaker jar.   I got this idea from Whole Simple Life and love it!!  I have one in my bathroom and one in my kitchen. Great for cleaning anything!! You can even use it on clothing and see dingy clothes get nice and clean.   I actually take a scoop of this, and mix with enough water to make a pourable liquid similar to that of laundry detergent, and use in my washing machine. Better than any store bought detergent.
And a friend just posted today that she takes some Epsom salt and puts it in a mason jar, then puts her empty essential oil bottles into it and puts a lid on. The Epsom salt draws out all the rest of the oil in the empty bottles and then she can use the Epsom salt for whatever she wants. What a fun way to make new blends for Epsom salts.

Conclusion

There are so many uses, it is just unlimited. If you have a favorite way you use epsom salt leave a comment and tell me. I’d love to find more ways one can use it.
Do you use essential oils? Did you know there is a difference in what essential oils you use, and that there are many uses for each oil. My favorite company is Rocky Mountain Oils. Great selection of high quality oils at great prices and perks for being a member.

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If it’s pain relief you are after you can also use the help of essential oils after a nice epsom salt bath. Check out this awesome deal for today, Monday February 18, 2019. Click the image below.

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