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6 Most Splendid Health Benefits Of Epsom Salt (#3 Is Our Favorite!)
Photo credit: bigstockphoto.com
Epsom salt is one of those things that is commonly praised by health and nutrition-minded people, yet many people still remain unaware of what it is. That’s unfortunate, because it offers a wide range of health benefits than can improve almost anyone’s physical wellbeing. Let’s learn more about what Epsom salt is and why it matters.
What is Epsom Salt?
Epsom salt is not the same thing as table salt. In fact, it is not actually salt at all. Rather, it is a compound formed by blending sulfate with magnesium, along with oxygen. For this reason, the scientific name for Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate, or MgSO4.
Epsom salt is used in many industrial and agricultural applications. It also has many medicinal and therapeutic uses and it’s these that we will focus on in this article.
How is Epsom Salt Used?
Epsom salt has the appearance of small white crystals and is highly water soluble meaning that it will dissolve easily into a glass of water. It used either topically (on the skin) or ingested. One of the common ways that Epsom salt can be used, which many people are aware of, is for therapeutic bathing and in flotation tanks which have become popular in recent years.
What are the Health Benefits of Using Epsom Salt?
1. Regulating blood sugar.
High blood sugar levels are associated with an increased risk of diseases like diabetes. Taking Epsom salt can help reduce the risk of health problems like this, due to its ability of assist the body in regulating levels of blood sugar. This can be achieved through contact with skin by means of an Epsom salt bath, or orally by drinking Epsom salt which has been dissolved. Of course, if you are diabetic, you not should consider Epsom salt to be a replacement for any treatments your doctor has prescribed. Diabetes is a serious condition and recommended treatments from doctors should be followed.
2. It’s a natural laxative.
One of the more common uses for Epsom salt is for getting rid of constipation. To do this, add one teaspoon of Epsom salt to a glass of warm water and allow it to dissolve before drinking it. Do not use this method more than once per day. If your constipations symptoms continue after a few days, go see your doctor.
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3. It’s great for your skin.
Epsom salt is a natural exfoliator, which means that it helps to remove dead skin cells, grease, blackheads, and other impurities from your skin. Use on your face to ensure bright and clear skin. For this reason, it is a popular ingredient in many recipes for homemade facial cleansers.
4. It relieves soreness and inflammation.
Adding two scoops of Epsom salt to a warm water bath can help relieve painful swelling that occurs with sprains and other mild injuries. A full Epsom salt bath in the bathtub can help reduce tension, cramping, and pain in muscles and joints.
RELATED: 25 Amazing Uses for Epsom Salt
5. Removes splinters from your skin.
Interestingly, it is these anti-inflammatory properties that also allow Epsom salt to be used to assist in removing splinters from your skin. When you get a splinter, the skin around the object swells up, making it difficult to remove. If you have a splinter in your finger, for instance, you can place the finger in a bowl of warm water with Epsom salt added in for several minutes. Doing this will allow the Epsom salt to reduce the amount of swelling around the splinter, which will make it easier to extract.
6. It’s great for your arteries.
It might sound strange but it’s true. Magnesium deficiency is a growing problem according to the Epsom Salt Council. Luckily, the high magnesium content in found in this simple product can help solve that problem.
Taking an Epsom salt bath can help reduce blood pressure and improve circulation, reducing your chances of developing certain cardiovascular diseases like stroke. Epsom salt baths are also very relaxing, and if your stress levels are going down, your blood pressure goes down with it.
Pick some up today and see what all the fuss is about. It’s cheap, widely available and just a great thing to have on hand in any health-conscious person’s home.
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