Epsom salt, known for its wide range of uses, is a staple that every home should have. From health benefits to household uses, this salt can enhance your life in many ways. Here are 16 reasons why you should keep this multifaceted item in your home.
1. Alleviate Body Aches
Epsom salt is renowned for treating body aches. The magnesium and other compounds are absorbed into your skin, relieving aches and pains caused by tension and inflammation.1 Add 2 cups of salt to your bath and soak for at least 20 minutes.
2. Stress Relief and Sleep Aid
Soaking in an Epsom salt bath can aid in the production of serotonin, which helps reduce stress and improve your mood.2 The high magnesium levels also help improve sleep.
3. Healthy Feet
Epsom salt can relax tired feet and treat athlete’s foot and toenail fungus. Add 1/2 cup to warm water and soak your feet.3
4. Constipation Relief
Epsom salt can be used as a gentle laxative. Dissolve 1 teaspoon in 8 oz. of water and drink. Always consult a physician before taking anything internally.4
Read More: Ingrown Toenails: 6 Surprisingly Effective Home Remedies
5. Anti-Inflammatory
Epsom salt reduces inflammation and increases the elasticity of your arteries. Soak in a salt bath a few times a week to lower inflammation and joint aches.
6. Sunburn Relief
Epsom salt’s anti-inflammatory properties make it a great alternative for sunburn relief. Mix 2 tablespoons of salt with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle and apply to the affected area.
7. Splinter Removal
Soaking in an Epsom salt bath increases osmotic pressure in the skin, helping draw out splinters. Dissolve 2 tablespoons in a cup of warm water and soak the affected area.
8. Exfoliator
Epsom salt is a great natural exfoliant. Add a pinch to your face wash, gently rub in a circular motion, and rinse.
Read More: Health Benefits of Pickled Beets (Recipe Included)
9. Acne Treatment
Epsom salt’s antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties make it seemingly effective for treating acne. Mix a teaspoon of salt with your normal facial cleanser and wash as usual. Results may vary though, as there is no complete scientific backing to support it.5 But considering the additional reasons on this list, might be worth confirming (you know, for science).
10. Garden Grower
The magnesium sulfate found in Epsom salt can be helpful in fertilizing your plants, making your lawn greener, and even preventing unwanted slugs or pests from setting up shop in your yard.
11. Healthy Hair
To remove styling product buildup, mix 1 cup each of Epsom salt and lemon juice into a gallon of water.6 Let sit for 24 hours, then pour over hair and leave for 15-20 minutes before washing. The concoction is meant to mimic the effects of a sea salt spray for your hair.
12. Moisturizing Hand Wash
Mix equal parts Epsom salt and baby oil or olive oil for a moisturizing hand cleanser. Store in bottles by your sink for regular use.
13. Cold and Flu Relief
Soaking in an Epsom salt bath can boost your immune system and aid in restorative sleep. This is caused by the natural muscle relaxing that takes place when you bathe in the salts.7 The salt itself does not cure colds or the flu, but it does give you a leg up on fighting it. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil for easy breathing.
14. Poison Ivy Relief
A cold Epsom salt compress can relieve irritation and swelling from poison ivy. While cortisol creams are still the best choice, the salts help dry everything out, making it easier to itch less frequently.8 Soak a washcloth in a solution of 2 tablespoons salt and 1 cup cold water, then apply to the affected area.
15. Bug Bite Relief
The same rules apply here for itches. To relieve bug bites, mix 1/2 cup of hot water and 1/2 cup of Epsom salt in a spray bottle. Spray onto the affected skin.
16. Pots and Pans Scrubber
The abrasive texture of Epsom salt crystals helps remove stuck-on food without damaging cookware. Pour a small amount of salt onto pots or pans before scrubbing.
Read More: 15 Ways to Use Table Salt That Don’t Involve Cooking
Sources
- “20 Epsom Salt Uses That Go Way Beyond A Relaxing Bath.” Natural Living Ideas
- “20 Surprising Uses For Epsom Salt.” Farmers Almanac. Natalie LaVolpe. January 25, 2024.
- “Epsom Salt Foot Soak.” Healthline. Kiara Anthony. March 31, 2023.
- “Using Epsom Salt to Relieve Constipation.” Healthline. Annette McDermott. March 31, 2023.
- “Can you use Epsom salts for acne?” Medical News Today. Jessica Caporuscio, PharmD. April 30, 2020.
- “Epsom Salt Uses & Benefits.” Sea Salt
- “Detox bath for a cold: Does it help?” Medical News Today. Zawn Villines. September 13, 2023.
- “Poison Ivy and Oak Treatment.” New England. June 22, 2022.