As Salt Awareness Week comes to an end and the weekend begins, what are you doing this weekend to unwind? You’ve probably heard it before, soaking in an Epsom salt bath can help to de-stress your body and mind but how? Did you know there are many other uses for Epsom Salt?
What is Epsom Salt?
You may think it is a salt based on it’s name, but it’s actually a pure mineral compound comprised of sulfate and magnesium. Epsom salt has anti-inflammatory properties that can help heal the body from numerous ailments. Sulfate and Magnesium are both quickly absorb into your skin, which is why soaking in an Epsom salt bath is the most efficient way to reap the benefits of this luxurious salt.
10 Uses for Epsom Salt:
1. Relax Your Body – Having a stressful day? Magnesium is used to calm muscles by producing serotonin (the sleepy hormone). Magnesium also helps to relieve anxiety but helping to promote energy in cells. In order to gain the benefits, add 1.5 – 2 cups of Epsom salt into a warm or hot bath and soak for 25 – 30 minutes. You will begin to sweat out toxins and release the stress from the day. Just remember, it is important to always keep hydrated as you will lose water while soaking. Before, during and after your bath, drink water with fresh lemon juice.
2. Relieve Pain and Cramping – Did you know that the skin is the biggest organ in our body? That makes soaking in Epsom salt easily absorbed through the skin to help relieve muscle tension, pain and inflammation in joints. The magnesium also helps to soothe abdominal pain associated with menstrual cramps. Tired and sore feet will also benefit from the therapeutic warmth of an Epsom salt soak.
3. Muscle and Nerve Function – Aside from relieving tension, pain, and cramping, Magnesium sulfate has several other positive effects on the human body. It aids in many enzymatic functions, helps to regulate fluid retention in cells, and facilitates the body’s use of calcium to transmit chemical signals throughout the nervous system.
4. Exfoliate Your Skin – Epsom salt is an amazing exfoliate for the skin as it’s course. You can easily remove dead cells by rubbing a handful of the salts over your body. This will help your skin to feel softer and look younger! It’s especially helpful in the dry Winter months.
5. Soothe Bruises and Sprains – Epsom salts have anti-inflammatory properties that can be used to heal the soreness from sprains and bruises. Add 2 cups of salt into a hot bath and soak for minimum 20 minutes.
6. Regulate Blood Sugar – Regular intake of Epsom salt through the skin provides a boost of Magnesium and Sulfate that help the body to produce and utilize insulin thus, regulating blood sugar, improving your energy and reducing the risk of diabetes.
7. Helps Remove Splinters – As we mentioned below, Epsom salt has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to remove a splinter by reducing the inflammation around the wound and softening the skin, making it much easier to remove. Soak the infected area for at least 5-10 minutes and then remove splinter.
8. Wash Pots and Pans – Epsom salt has an abrasive texture that is great for those stubborn stains on pots and pans without hurting your cookware! Pour a small amount into the dirty dish and scrub away!
9. In The Garden – Magnesium sulfate may be used to fertilize your plants, green up your lawn, remove unwanted insect pests, and prevent slugs among other things.
10. Houseplants – Plants need Magnesium and Sulfate to thrive and the soil in our backyards just isn’t cutting it. Use Epsom salt to help your plants, flowers or vegetables grow! Sprinkle Epsom salt once a week into the soil and watch what happens!
There you have it, 10 ways to use Epsom salt to improve your overall health and vitality. Make sure to look out for my next few blog posts all about self-care! How are you going to start implementing Epsom salt into your daily routine? I think I’ll start with a warm, relaxing bath.
