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25 Amazing Uses for Epsom Salt
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Most people are well aware of our body’s need for calcium and iron, but how many of us know that our bodies also need plenty of magnesium? Magnesium is the second most abundant element in the body and plays a part in regulating more than 325 enzymes. Magnesium is responsible for many functions in the body such as muscle control, energy production, and the removal of toxins from the body.
Most Americans are terribly deficient in magnesium. We used to obtain magnesium from our foods, but soils have been depleted to the point where there is little magnesium left for the plants to absorb. This magnesium deficiency has led to America’s high rates of osteoporosis, joint pain, heart disease, stroke, chronic fatigue, and many other health problems. Who knew magnesium did so much?! Find out warning signs of magnesium deficiency.
Another important factor in our decreased levels of magnesium is our focus on calcium. There is so much emphasis on getting enough calcium that we have forgotten that calcium actually depletes magnesium. It’s quite the dilemma, since calcium functions at its best when there are sufficient magnesium levels. This means that when you down that calcium supplement and you don’t have enough magnesium, you deplete a bit of both. Researchers note that most people have a ratio of calcium to magnesium that is 5 to 1. The ideal ratio should be 2 to 1.
Unfortunately, taking an oral magnesium supplement isn’t the answer. Our bodies do not absorb magnesium easily through the digestive tract. Magnesium is best absorbed through the skin.
This brings us to Epsom salt. You might have thought of Epsom salt as something your mother uses to soak her feet after a hard day, but this healing salt is simply loaded with magnesium! Makes sense, since Epsom salt is technically hydrated magnesium sulfate! By soaking in a bath with Epsom salt, your body can absorb all the magnesium is so desperately needs!
But wait, that’s not all! Epsom salt has so many other uses, it’s hard to list them all here, but we are going to show you the top 25 ways you can use Epsom salt. Are you ready to get your magnesium on?!
1. Magnesium Bath Soak
Of course, as we just mentioned, soaking in a tub with one cup (or more) of Epsom salt for a minimum of 20 minutes is a fantastic way to get your magnesium on! Do this a minimum of twice per week so that your body can get all the magnesium it wants.
2. Fantastic Face Cleanser
Add a pinch or two of Epsom salt to your usual cleanser (yes, you can add it to your face cleansing oil) for an extra magnesium boost that will gently exfoliate at the same time.
3. A Wowser for House Plants
Your house plants love magnesium too! Add a couple tablespoons of Epsom salt to your water, mix well, and then water as usual. In a matter of weeks, your plants will have friends and family saying “Wow! What are you feeding them?!”
4. Painless Splinter Removal
Next time you or your kids get a splinter, remove it the painless and easy way by making a concentrated Epsom salt mixture and soaking the splinter in it for a few minutes.
5. Hair Volume
If you love your hair to have that “beach” look, it’s easy to do yourself. Combine a tablespoon of Epsom salt in a cup of hot water and mix well. Spritz on your dry hair until damp and run your fingers through it. Jennifer Aniston will have nothing on you!
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