Epsom salts are the go-to answer for sore muscles, sprained ankles and any other reason you might want to soak in the tub. This naturally occurring mineral, also known as magnesium sulfate, can support your health in a variety of ways, including support for your nervous system. It’s not just some holistic hack or herbal hooey; there is sound scientific evidence behind why Epsom salts are good for us.
Around the world, they're used for a wide range of health-supporting purposes, from easing digestion and elimination to supporting healthy breathing. But did you know there are a lot more ways to use Epsom salts than just tossing them in your bathwater?
From gardening to beauty treatments to general house keeping, Epsom salts have more to offer than you ever knew!
Health & beauty
1. Skin exfoliant: Wet skin and apply 1/2-1 tsp. of Epsom salts to the skin in a circular motion to help remove dead skin and build up. Simple yet effective.
2. Soothe insect bites: Add 2 Tbsp of Epsom salts to 1 cup of warm water. Soak a wash cloth in the solution and apply to the bite to reduce inflammation and irritation. This is good in the summer when you get lazy about sunblock and end up with a sunburn, too.
3. Ease pinkeye: Wash you face and around your eyes (not IN your eye, please) with a solution of warm water and Epsom salts to help clear the infection.
4. Laxative: Add 2 tsp. of Epsom salt to 1 cup of water and let dissolve before drinking (don’t be foolish, consult your doctor before to make sure this is a safe option for you)
5. Acne treatment mask: 1 egg white, 1/2 tsp. B5 powder, 1 tsp. aloe vera gel, 1 tsp Epsom salts, 1-2 drop thyme oil blended together. Smooth onto your face for 15 minutes then rinse and pat dry. Sounds kind of gross, works really well.
Home & garden
6. Clean pots and pans: Remove burnt or crusted food by scrubbing pots and pans by with Epsom salts and warm water. You can also remove rust from that cast iron skillet you’ve neglected for two years this way, as well.
7. Remove soap scum: Shine your bathroom tub, tiles and toilet with equal parts Epsom salts and dish soap. Consider this your “Glo Up” for the day.
8. Drive away slugs and snails: Sure, if you pour it directly on them they die, but a sprinkle around your garden will keep them away without being a complete sadist.
9. Greener grass: Sometimes the grass IS greener on the other side, probably because your neighbor sprayed the lawn with 2 Tbsp. of Epsom salts added to a gallon of water. Now mind your business and stop peeking over the fence.
10. Repel raccoons: Sprinkle Epsom salts in and around your trash cans to keep the raccoons from rummaging around in them under the cloak of night time darkness. They won’t eat it, they won’t get sick, they just think it smells bad.
