The Many Uses of Epsom Salt

By Luella May

Epsom salt is a pure mineral compound composed of magnesium and sulfate which has long been known as a natural remedy for many health conditions. Epsom salt can also relax the nervous system and sooth the body, mind, and soul.

The magnesium content in Epsom salt is particularly valuable. Magnesium helps to regulate the activity of more than 325 enzymes and is essential in orchestrating a number of bodily functions. It aids in calcium absorption and plays a key role in the formation of bones and teeth. It also plays an important role in maintaining cardiovascular health by stabilizing heart rhythm, preventing abnormal blood clotting, and supporting normal blood pressure levels.

Magnesium lowers the risk of heart attacks and strokes and helps in recovery from heart attacks and strokes. Magnesium also maintains proper muscle function. Sadly, most Americans are deficient in this important mineral. Therefore, it is no wonder that the incidence of serious diseases such as heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, arthritis, stress-related illnesses, and chronic fatigue are so prevalent.

Sulfates flush toxins, improve the absorption of nutrients, help form joint proteins, mucin proteins and brain tissue, and help prevent and ease migraine headaches.

Epsom salt also has valuable beauty benefits in that it softens and exfoliates skin, and gives hair extra body, Epsom salt in the bath is a perfect way to ease stress. It replenishes the body’s levels of magnesium as it is absorbed through the body. Studies indicate that the magnesium absorbed during the bathing process may raise the body’s level of serotonin (the chemical in the brain that creates a feeling of wellbeing), and may also offset excess levels of adrenalin caused by every day stress. Studies have also found that soaking in Epsom salt at least three times a week increases energy and stamina. Overall, it makes you feel better and even look better.

Following are some of the ways a person can benefit from the use of Epsom salt:

To relieve stress: Add two cups of Epsom Salt to a bath and soak for at least 12 minutes, For a refreshing scent, you can add a few drops of eucalyptus oil.

To exfoliate: After showering, massage handfuls of Epsom Salt over wet skin.

To pamper weary feet, add ½ cup of Epsom salt to a basin of warm water. Soak for 20 minutes. You can then continue with your pedicure as usual, such as rubbing calluses away with a pumice stone. After drying your feet, you can add two drops of peppermint essential oil to a natural moisturizer and massage into the skin until it is thoroughly rubbed in.

Now that summer is upon us, as we enjoy nature and have fun in the sun, we become more susceptible to skin irritants, such as bug bites, sunburn, and for those of us who like to camp, that dreaded poison ivy, poison oak, and related plants. Epsom salt can help to relieve the discomfort by soothing itching and swelling. In such cases, the following remedies should bring welcome relief:

• Making a compress: Mix cold water and two tablespoons per cup of Epsom Salt. Soak a cotton washcloth in this mixture and apply to the affected area.
• Making a paste: Add a teaspoon of Epsom salt to a cup of hot water, making sure it dissolves. Put in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. Clean the affected area and pat dry. Apply the paste.

Besides its numerous health benefits, it also has household and gardening related uses.

Sources:

http://www.saltworks.us/salt_info/epsom-uses-benefits.asp
http://www.epsomsaltcouncil.org/about_epsom_salt.cfm
http://gomestic.com/homemaking/15-unknown-uses-for-epsom-salt/