Epsom salt has been around for years and is one of the most versatile household products available. It is a naturally occurring mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. To use, you will need 2-4 cups of salt in a full bath, although scientific results are nowhere conclusive or complete at this time. The lack of proof is not proof against and with the low risk of side effects and the benefits possibly very high, I think it is a great therapy to add to any natural health program. Some interesting facts include:
- Magnesium and sulfate are both readily absorbed through the skin, making Epsom salt baths an easy and ideal way to enjoy the amazing health benefits.
- Magnesium plays a number of roles in the body including regulating the activity of over 325 enzymes, reducing inflammation, helping muscle and nerve function, and helping to prevent artery hardening.
- Sulfates help improve the absorption of nutrients, flush toxins, and help ease migraine headaches.
- Proper magnesium and sulfate levels increase the effectiveness of insulin in the body, helping to lower the risk or severity of diabetes.
The following lists nine benefits of Epsom salts that you may not know.
- Soak for at least 15 to 20 minutes in an Epsom salt bath. For the added benefit of moisturizing your skin, add 1/2 cup olive oil. Do not use soap as it will interfere with the action of the salts. Try to rest for about two hours afterward. If you have arthritic joints, move them as much as possible after an Epsom salt bath to prevent congestion in the joints.
- Making a cold compress with Epsom salts and water can help you to reduce the appearance of bruises. Use two tablespoons and apply the compress to the bruised skin.
- If you have a hard time falling asleep at night, as a rule, you may find that Epsom salts help put you in the right state to fall asleep fast. They can relax your body, which in turn can relax your mind. Enjoy a 20-minute soak before bed and let go of the stresses of the day.
- Are mosquitoes biting you all over? Alleviate the itching by applying an Epsom salt cold compress. You only need around two tablespoons. It works great to reduce the pain of bee stings as well and can be used on sunburn as well as poison ivy for a little bit of instant relief.
- Trying to get out a stubborn splinter? You can make it an easier job by softening up the skin around the splinter a bit using Epsom salt. Sometimes this is enough by itself to draw the splinter out.
- Have excessively oily hair? No one wants a head full of grease! You can use Epsom salts to pull that excess oil right out. Just add a handful to your shampoo when you wash, and rinse it out just like you always do.
- Have food caked onto the bottom of your baking dish? Can’t get your frying pan clean? One of the best ways to get rid of caked-on food, especially burnt food, is with Epsom salts! Just add a quarter tablespoon or so to your warm water, scrub, and rinse. The burnt or caked-on food should come right off.
- Are the raccoons poking around your trash? A little Epsom salt sprinkled in a circle around the trash can should help to drive them away since they don’t like how it smells.
- Before you plant seeds in your garden, add a little Epsom salt to the soil. This will assist with seed germination and will increase the strength of seedling cell walls. Use approximately 1 cup of Epsom salt per 100 square feet of tilled soil. Alternately, you can just add a couple tablespoons to each hole. Your seedlings will be hardy and more likely to survive and grow into strong plants.