In the recent period there are more and more people interested in Epsom salts. These salts are made of specific forms and structures of magnesium sulfate and seven molecules of water. The name of Epsom salts comes from a salty and bitter spring located in England where this salt was obtained from spring water in an area rich in clay and chalk.
People have used Epsom salts to small wounds, sore muscles, dry skin and many other ailments for hundreds of years. The official Epsom Salt Council has created a list of the uses and applications of this salt.
These salts are perfectly safe to use and the crystals packed with magnesium are absorbed in the human body through our skin.
It is highly recommended to talk to a doctor before you use Epsom salts especially in case you are dealing with some health condition or you are pregnant.
The following is a list of Epsom salt health and beauty applications that you can try at home:
# Increasing The Volume of Your Hair
There are many people who have a feeling that their hair is heavy and oily once they use a conditioner. If you are one of them, you should know that Epsom salts can help you get a natural volumizer and solve this issue.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A small bowls
- One part Epsom salt
- One part hair conditioner (try to use organic one).
Instructions:
- Take the salt and the conditioner, place them in the bowl and mix them well.
- Apply the mixture like you are applying conditioner.
- Wait for twenty minutes before washing your hair.
- Perform this procedure once a week.
# Relief from Sunburn
It is not unusual for people to experience a sunburn every once in a while. We all know how intense this pain can be. But, with the help of Epsom salts you should be able to lower the intensity because these salts provide anti-inflammatory effects.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- One cup of water
- Two tablespoons of Epsom salt
- One empty and clean spray bottle.
Instructions:
- Take the salt and water and mix them well before putting the mixture in the bottle.
- Spray this mixture on the problematic area.
# Getting Rid of Dry Lips
Are you experiencing problems with dry lips all the time? Thanks to Epsom salt you can bring back the natural look of your lips and eliminate dry and dead skin cells in this area.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Two tablespoons of coconut oil. You can also add some cacao butter too.
- One teaspoon of Epsom salt
- A small bowl.
Instructions:
- Put the oil and butter and the Epsom salt in the small bowl and mix them.
- Next, place the mixture on the lips.
- Rub it a little bit.
# Insect Bite Relief
Due to the fact that Epsom salt provides strong anti-inflammatory effects, we can use this special salt to take care of insect bite infection and irritation.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- One cup of water
- Two tablespoons of Epsom salt
- A medium bowl
- A washcloth.
Instructions:
- Take the Epsom salt and water, place them in the bowl and mix them.
- After that, soak the washcloth in this solution.
- Put the washcloth on the problematic area whenever you need relief.
# Ease Sore Muscles
It is a well-known fact that Epsom salt can soothe sore muscles that come as a result of intense physical activity.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- One cup of hot water
- One teaspoon of Epsom salt
- A medium bowl.
Instructions:
- Take the bowl and put the hot water in it. At the same time put the salt and wait until its dissolved.
- Next, place the solution in the refrigerator for about twenty minutes.
- After that, clean thoroughly and dry the place you want to treat.
- Put the mixture directly to the sore spot.
# Home Pedicure
Epsom salt also provides powerful exfoliating effects that will make the callused and rough skin located on the feet much softer. In addition, you will feel like you have visited an expensive spa without spending much money.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Lukewarm soapy water
- Half a cup of Epsom salt
- Some sort of container to pour the solution into it.
Instructions:
- Put the soapy water and Epsom salt content in the container. The container should have a capacity sufficient to keep your feet covered.
- Soak the feet for about ten minutes.
- Once you remove them from the solution, dry them carefully. Eliminate the presence of nail polish and file or cut the toenails.
- After that, soak the feet for 5 additional minutes.
- Remove them, dry them and enjoy the effects.
# Bee Sting Solution
It is highly recommended to rely on Epsom salt in order to fight small bee stings because this salt provides great anti-inflammatory effects. But, in case you notice rapid swelling and/or breathing difficulties, you should visit the nearest hospital as soon as possible. You can treat minor bee sting problems with Epsom salt.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- One cup of cold water
- Two tablespoons of Epsom salt
- A medium bowl
- A cotton washcloth.
Instructions:
- Take the Epsom salt and water, place them in the bowl and mix them well.
- Let the cotton washcloth absorb the mixture.
- Put the washcloth on the problematic area.
# Rejuvenation Soak
Soaking your body in an Epsom salts bath has helped many people feel and look younger. This is a great way to improve the health of your skin and keep it hydrated.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Two cups of Epsom salt
- A bath loaded with hot water
- Quiet and pleasant atmosphere.
Instructions:
- Pour hot water in the tub and fill it to the maximum.
- Put two cups of this special salt and wait until it is dissolved.
- Get in the bath and soak your body for about 12 minutes.
- Perform this procedure three times every seven days for the best effects.
# Facial
As previously mentioned, Epsom salt comes with strong all-natural exfoliating effects which can provide great facial cleaning results.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Face cleaning cream (Opt for organic creams)
- Half a teaspoon of Epsom salt
- One small bowl.
Instructions:
- Take the Epsom salt and facial cream and mix them well in the bowl.
- Put the mixture on the face and massage it carefully.
- Use cold water to rinse the face.
- Pat dry and analyze the effects.
# Special Bath Crystals
Many people use Epsom salts to create bath crystals. Of course, Epsom salts are much cheaper compared to ordinary bath crystals and much healthier too.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- One cup of pink Himalayan salt
- Two cups of Epsom salt
- A medium bowl
- A small jar
- Between 30 and 40 drops of any essential oil (Lemon, Lavender, Frankincense etc.)
Instructions:
- Take the essential oils and salts and mix them well in the bowl.
- Place the mixture in a small clean jar.
- Place these homemade bath crystals in the bath.
# Splinter Post-removal Treatment
Experts recommend the use of Epsom salt after the removal of small splinter to lower irritation and swelling.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- One cup of cold water
- Two tablespoons of Epsom salt
- A cotton washcloth
- A medium bowl.
Instructions:
- Take the cold water and Epsom salt, pour them in the bowl and mix them.
- Put the washcloth in the mixture to absorb it.
- Put the mixture directly on the problematic area.
- Treating your skin after showering.
# Post-Shower Treatment
There is a possibility to remove dead skin cells with the help of Epsom salts right after shower. This is a very easy procedure and the effects are similar to the ones expected after spa and wellness treatments. Epsom salt has a coarse texture and it comes with nutrients capable of proper exfoliation. In the end, your skin will become smooth and rejuvenated.
Instructions:
- Once you are finished with the showering process, use a handful of this special salt to rub the wet skin.
- Perform this procedure until you finally get rid of dead skin cells.
- Use lukewarm water to rinse these cells off.
# Through Exfoliation
It is also a good idea to use Epsom salt for deep and thorough exfoliation. The solution that we are about to present is especially useful on the very dry and rough areas, but you should avoid using it on irritated and/or broken skin.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A quarter a cup of coconut oil and cacao butter (organic)
- Two cups of Epsom salt
- A medium bowl
- Three drops of lavender oil.
Instructions:
Take the Lavender oil, coconut oil, cacao butter and Epsom salt, place them in the bowl and mix them.
- Massage the dry and rough parts of the skin with this natural solution.
# Ease Swelling and Irritation Caused by Poison Ivy
In case you love to go in parks and nature, there is a great chance that you will get in touch with Poison Ivy. The good news is that Epsom salt eases swelling and irritation caused by this plant.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- One cup of cold water
- Two tablespoons of Epsom salt
- A medium bowl
- A cotton washcloth.
Instructions:
- Take the cold water and Epsom salt, place them in the bowl and mix everything well.
- After that, put the cotton washcloth in the solution and let it absorb the liquid.
- Next, put it on the problematic area.
# Ice Bath
In case you didn’t know, many professional athletes rely on ice baths when they want to ease inflammation. It turns out that Epsom salt comes with anti-inflammatory effects and by adding it to ice baths, people can speed up recovery.
Instructions:
- Pour four cups of Epsom salt to the ice bath.
- Get in, soak your body and feel the effects.
Improve Quality of Sleep
It is also a good idea to use Epsom salt to relax the muscles and ease the skin tension. So, by using Epsom salt, you are enhancing your quality of sleep.
Instructions:
- Put a few handfuls of this special salt directly in the hot bath before you go to bed.
- Enjoy!
# Foot Issues
Epsom salts can be used for treatment of a wide range of foot issues. Swollen feet, joint pain and feet fungus as well as feet bed smell can be eased with the help of Epsom salt-based soak.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- One cup of Epsom salt
- One large container filled with warm water (enough to cover the feet).
Instructions:
- Put the Epsom salt in the container filled with hot water and wait until it is completely dissolved.
- Put your feet in the solution and wait for twenty minutes.
- Perform this procedure once a day until your feet are recovered.
# Skin Protector
When people are getting tanned or burned, dead skin cells accumulate and ordinary sunscreen is not very efficient. This is where Epsom salt in the form of natural exfoliation scrub comes into play.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Two ounces of sea salt
- Two ounces of Epsom salt
- One teaspoon of Eucalyptus oil
- Four ounces of coffee grounds
- A small amount of sesame oil
- One medium bowl.
Instructions:
- Take all the ingredients and mix them well in the bowl.
- Pour the sesame oil. Make sure that you have created a relatively thick paste with the help of this natural mixture.
- Next, rub the mixture directly on the parts of the body that were exposed to sun the most.
- Take a shower to rinse the mixture and enjoy the effects!
Via David Wolfe