Epsom salt, named for an acidic saline water source in Epsom located in Surrey, England, is not really salt, but rather a naturally occurring pure mineral compound that consists of magnesium and Sulfate. Popular as a natural remedy to many ailments, Epsom salt has numerous health benefits and numerous household, beauty, and gardening-related uses.
Research has shown how magnesium and sulfate are easily absorbed by the skin, making Epsom salt baths an easy and ideal way to enjoy the associated health benefits. Magnesium is involved in a variety of roles within the body including regulating the activity of more than 325 enzymes decreasing inflammation, aiding muscles and nerve function and helping to prevent the hardening of arteries. Sulfates improve intake of vitamins and nutrients. They also flush out toxins and ease migraine headaches.
What are the health benefits of taking Epsom salt?
The amazing properties in Epsom salt have been well acknowledged for many years and unlike other salts, is a great source of nutrients that calm the body, mind and soul. The numerous benefits of Epsom salt include relaxing nerves, treating skin issues, easing back pain and aching limbs by easing muscle strain. curing cuts, treating congestion and colds, as well as getting rid of toxins in the body. One of the easiest ways to alleviate tension and stress-related disorders is to sit in a bath full of hot water and a couple of cups of Epsom salt. The benefits that come from Epsom salt baths are known for a long time. Some of the advantages of Epsom salt are:
Helps relieve stress and relax the body
Stress drains the body of magnesium and increases amounts of adrenaline. When dissolved in warm water, Epsom salt is absorbed by the skin and increases the levels of magnesium in the body. The magnesium assists in the production of serotonin which is a chemical that improves mood within the brain which produces an atmosphere of calm and peace. Research has shown that magnesium improves stamina and energy levels through the stimulation of creation of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) that is the energy packs that are produced in the cells. Experts suggest that bathing with an Epsom soaking solution at least 3 times a week can help you look better, feel better and feel more energetic. Magnesium ions also help you calm and ease irritability through lessening the effects caused by adrenaline. They give you a sense of calm enhance sleep and focus, and help muscles and nerves to function in a healthy way.
Relieves pain and muscle cramps
An Epsom salt bath has been proven to ease pain and reduce inflammation, which makes it useful in the treatment of sore muscles, bronchial asthma, as well as migraine headaches. In addition, it has been known to heal cuts and ease soreness after childbirth. Mix a thick paste of Epsom salt along with warm water, and apply it on your feet for comfort. Consider soaking your exhausted (and stinky) feet into a bath using half a cup Epsom salt. Epsom salt softens skin and can even help neutralize foot odor.
Assists in the functioning of nerves and muscles in a proper manner
Studies show that Epsom salt is able to regulate electrolytes in your body, and ensure proper functioning of the muscles, nerves, and enzymes. Magnesium has also been proven to be critical in the proper use of calcium, which serves as a main conductor of electric signals in your body. Anyone suffering from arthritis and other inflammatory conditions can benefit from reduced inflammation and pain relief by taking an Epsom salt bath.
It helps prevent the hardening of arteries and blood clots
Epsom salt can be believed to improve the health of your heart and prevent heart disease and strokes by improving blood circulation, protecting the elasticity of arteries by preventing blood clots and reducing the risk of sudden heart attacks resulting in deaths.
Makes insulin more effective
A healthy level of magnesium and sulfate improve the efficiency of insulin within the body. This can assist to lower the risk or severity of developing diabetes.
Eliminates constipation
Numerous studies have revealed that Epsom salt can be used to treat constipation. Taken internally, Epsom salt acts as an effective detoxifier for colon cleansing. The salt works as laxatives by increasing the amount of the volume of water in the intestines. This can bring about some relief from constipation for a short period of time. But, it must be cautioned that Epsom salts should not be used to ease constipation without consulting with a physician.
Eliminates toxins from your body
The sulfates found in Epsom salt assist in flushing out toxins and heavy metals from the cells, alleviating muscular pain and aiding the body to eliminate harmful substances. Your skin is a porous membrane , and adding the right minerals to your bath water induces reverse osmosis. It pulls salt out of the body, and the harmful toxins along with it. To get rid of toxins every week, add two cups of Epsom salt to the water of a bath and allow it to take a bath for 10 minutes.
What are some possible uses for Epsom salt?
If you love a relaxing bath or want to improve your appearance effortlessly adding Epsom salt as to be a part of your everyday routine can bring in a lot of goodness to your way of life. To get the numerous benefits to health from Epsom salt, you can take a relaxing, stress-relieving Epsom salt baths at least three times per week when you add 2 cups Epsom salt to a warm bath and soaking for at least 12 minutes. To enhance the benefits of making your skin more supple by adding one cup oil from olive or baby. Don’t use soap because it can affect the effects in the action of salts. You should rest for at least 2 hours after your bath. If you have arthritis in your joints be sure to move them as much as possible after an Epsom salt bath in order to avoid inflammation in joints.
To bathe your feet, pamper weary feet by adding 1/2 Cup of Epsom salt in a bowl filled with warm water. Soak feet and relax over 20 minutes. If you want, rub away any calluses using pumice stones. Dry your feet and then add 2 drops of peppermint essential oil to your preferred natural moisturizer, like coconut butter or shea butter and rub in thoroughly to seal in the moisture. If you are pregnant or have health issues be sure to talk to your doctor prior to applying Epsom salts.
Epsom Salt Uses: HEALTH
Athlete’s foot: Soak the feet and feet in an Epsom salt bath in order to reduce the symptoms of athlete’s feet.
Remove splinters: Soak affected area of the skin in an Epsom salted bath in order to draw out the splinter.
To treat fungus of the toenails: Soak the affected toes in warm water with a small amount of Epsom salt three times a every day.
To soothe bruises and sprains: Add 2 cups of Epsom salt to warm water, and then relax to reduce muscle soreness, inflammation and pain caused by bruises and sprains.
Ease discomfort of gout: Reduce the pain of gout and reduce inflammation by adding 2 to 3 teaspoons Epsom salts into a basin and soaking the affected joint. The water is supposed to be as hot as it is comfortable. Soak for approximately 30 minutes.
Epsom Salt Uses: BEAUTY
Cleanse dead skin: In the shower or bath, mix a handful of Epsom salt together with a tablespoon olive oil or bath water and rub all over your skin that is wet to soften and exfoliate. Rinse thoroughly.
Exfoliating face cleanser: To clean your face and exfoliate skin simultaneously Mix a half teaspoon of Epsom salt into your normal cleanser. Apply a gentle massage to your face and wash off with cold water.
Dislodge blackheads: Add one teaspoon of Epsom salt and three drops of iodine to the boiling portion of a half cup water. Apply the mixture on the blackheads with a cotton ball.
Get rid of foot odor by mixing a half cup of Epsom salt with warm water. Then, soak your feet for 10 minutes to remove unpleasant odor, ease aching feet, and soothe rough skin.
Hairspray removal: Mix 1 gallon of water 1, 1 cup lemon juice along with 1 cup Epsom salt. Cover the mix and let it dry over 24 hours. Next day you can pour the mixture over your dry hair and allow it to sit for 20 minutes prior to washing your hair as usual.
Hair volumizer: Combine equal parts deep conditioner and Epsom salt. Warm in a pan. Apply the warm mixture to your hair and leave on at least 20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.
Epsom Salt Uses: HOUSEHOLD
Clean bathroom tiles: Mix equal parts Epsom salt, liquid dish detergent to use as a scrub for bathroom tiles.
To prevent slugs from entering your home: Sprinkle Epsom salt on or near the entry points into your home to prevent slugs.
As a hand wash For a hand wash: Mix Epsom salt and baby oil and keep in the sink for an efficient hand wash.
Clean detergent build-up on washing machines: Fill the the tub up with water that is hot, then add Epsom salt, and then run an agitate/soak/agitate-like cycle to dissolve the build-up of detergent (please check your machine’s instruction manual for specific directions).
Epsom Salt Uses: GARDENING
Fertilize your houseplants. Most plants require minerals like sulfur and magnesium to stay in good health. Epsom salt makes the primary nutrients found in most plant food (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) more effective. Sprinkle Epsom salt every week to help nourish your houseplants, flowers as well as your veggies.
Keep your lawn green Magnesium Sulfate Crystals, when added to soil, are essential nutrients that in preventing yellowing of leaves as well as the loss of green color (magnesium is an important element within the chlorophyll-containing molecule) for plants. Include 2 teaspoons of Epsom salt to one gallon of water, then sprinkle it over your lawn for it healthy and green.
Spray for insecticides: Spray Epsom salts around your property as well as around your garden, to easily and naturally rid yourself of insects that can cause damage to your plants.