History:
Epsom salts were discovered in Epsom, England by a farmer in
1618. He noticed his cows were not drinking the water from a certain mineral
well. He tasted the water and it was bitter, he also noticed it helped the
scratches and rashes on his skin. As the water evaporated Mr. Wicker noticed a
white residue. Then, he realized that the water had a laxative effect. A cure
for constipation had just been discovered and was utilized as such for hundreds
of years. New uses were discovered as time went on and its popularity has
grown. Epsom salts are made from a rock called Dolomite which is found mainly
in the South Tyrollean Alps. These mountains are
located in the northernmost region in Italy bordering Austria and Switzerland.
The Dolomite rock belongs to a large group of substances known as
"salts" creating the name Epsom salts. https://epsomsaltsmorganw.weebly.com/history.html It has been used for centuries as a natural
remedy.
Epsom salt is a completely different compound than table
salt. It is termed a salt due to its
chemical structure. It is a pure mineral compound made of magnesium and
sulfate. It has an appearance similar to table salt and is often dissolved in
baths. While it looks similar to table salt, its taste is distinctly different.
Epsom salt is quite bitter and unpalatable. It is not to be used in cooking or
baking.
HOW DOES IT WORK:
When Epsom salt is dissolved in water, it releases magnesium
and sulfate ions. The idea is that these particles can be absorbed through your
skin, providing you with magnesium and sulfates — which serve important bodily
functions. Despite claims there is no good evidence that magnesium or sulfates
are absorbed into your body through the skin.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28788060/ The most common uses for Epsom salt are in
a bath or footbath, where it is simply dissolved in water. Like me, if you have
included Epsom salt in your health routine, you can attest to the pulling,
soreness relief and overall relief you feel from a soak. How it works I do not
care- I just want the safe and soothing relief!
HEALTH BENEFITS OF USING EPSOM SALT AND HOW TO USE:
1. Epsom
salt is used to treat wounds and infections, drawing out the infection and
softening the skin which helps boost healing.
How to use: For foot or toenail fungal infections soak twice a day for
about twenty minutes.
2. Soothes
sore muscles, cramps, bruises, joint pain, sprains and swelling. You can use
Epsom salts to relax in everyday life, when you are tired after work. When body
feels pain, you can minimize it by using Epsom salt. Health Benefits of Epsom Salt which very
popular and help relieve muscle cramps and relieve inflammation. Many people
swear by Epsom salt who suffer from fibromyalgia and arthritis. USE: Pour a cup of Epsom salts per quart of
water and let it dissolve. Soak in the tub and let magnesium contained in Epsom
salt work to eliminate minor aches and pains, sprains and cramps.
3. Relieve
Stress and helps improve sleep- Stress deplete magnesium in the body and
increase levels of adrenaline. Magnesium in the Epsom salt helps produce
serotonin, a chemical that elevates mood in the brain that cause a sense of
calm and relaxation. Magnesium ions will help to make the body feel more
relaxed and decrease irritation by reducing the effects of adrenaline, creating
a relaxed feeling, improve the quality of sleep and concentration, and helps muscles
and nerves function better.
4. Relieve
Constipation- Numerous studies have revealed that Epsom salts can be used to
treat constipation. The salt acts as a laxative by increasing water in the
intestines and temporary relief from constipation. How? Dissolve
2 cups of Epsom salts in the tub and soak in for 12 minutes. Do it at least 3
times a week to keep your bodily functions working regularly. You can use it
orally, but I have never tied and will refer you to your health care provider
for directions.
5. Treating
a bee sting- Epsom salt can be used in the treatment of bee stings, because the
content is a strong anti-inflammatory. How? Mix 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt and
a cup of cold water. Soak a washcloth / cotton in the solution and apply it on
the affected area.
6. Reduce
headache- Tension headaches come from muscle tension. A bath with Epsom salt
will help the muscles in the neck and back and shoulders to relax, and this in
turn will reduce the pain you feel in your head.
7. Hair
Smoother and volumizer- British beauty doctor said that Epsom salt can help to
smooth your hair so it is become soft and strong. Epsom salt is said to be very
good for the health and beauty of your hair and scalp. How? Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt in a
bottle of hair conditioner. Mix it both until smooth and use as conditioner
after shampooing. When applying, leave at least 20 minutes then rinse with
water as usual. Do this two or once a week and you can get the hair soft and
smooth. For volume-the nutrients in Epsom salt is able to absorb hair oil, add
hair volume, making soft and strong. How? add 1-2 tablespoons of Epsom salt
into bottled shampoo. When shampooing, leave on for about 15 or 20 minutes and
then rinse with water as usual. Do this so that Epsom salt absorbs perfectly
into the hair. Perform this technique at least twice a week in order to get
satisfactory results.
8. Foot
Calluses- Physical activity and being on your feet can cause calluses. To have
your feet feel smooth, take advantage of Epsom salt as a natural treatment.
How? Prepare Epsom salts and warm water in a soak bucket. Take at least a half
to 1 cup of Epsom salt and mix it into warm water that has been put in the
bucket. Stir to dissolve the salt and soak your foot calluses for approximately
10 to 15 minutes. Do this every day for 2 to 3 weeks and you’ll get your feet
soft, smooth and free of calluses. This has been my go-to for my feet and the
athletes in my family for years. After I soak, I use pedicure tools to get the
dead skin removed. It does work!!
9. Exfoliate
your skin- get rid of dry patches to reveal healthier skin glow. How? In a
handful of your favorite body wash, add a handful of Epsom salt. Gently massage
mixture into skin and rinse.
10. Epsom salts
are known to treat insect bites and poison ivy. In order to remove the pain,
burning, and itching of mosquito bites and poison ivy, mix two tablespoons of
salts with one cup of warm water. Soak a clean cloth in the mixture and hold on
the affected area.
11. Rather than
digging at a splinter with a needle, soak the spot in Epsom salt and water.
This will not only draw the splinter out but leave the area clean.
12. Skin
health- Mix equal parts of organic coconut oil and Epsom salts and apply
generously to dry, flaky, cracked lips and hands to exfoliate and moisturize
them.
13. Fertilize
your garden, potted plants as well as your lawn with these salts. For potted
plants sprinkle Epsom salts around the base of the plants once per week. You can pour the water from your foot bath on
the plants. This is what I do. It is amazing the beautiful blooms. Garden
veggies also flourish with this treatment. For greener grass use one cup of the
salts for every gallon of water (liquid recipe).
Here is Craig’s dry recipe for spring lawn care. Spring- fertilizer
(whatever you use) plus epsom salt. Ratio- large bag
fertilizer to 5 lbs epsom
salt. Put in walk behind dry spreader and spread. Helps the lawn deepen roots
and green the grass.
How to choose (and use) the best Epsom bath salts
- Check the label: To get the muscle-calming benefits of the
salt, it’s important that the Epsom salt comes from a reputable source and
lists magnesium as the first ingredient. There are many different types of
magnesium, but two of the most common are magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt)- what
I use and recommend- and magnesium chloride. Magnesium chloride is another type
of salt that is similar to the mineral compound found in seawater, which is
also known to have healing properties. It’s also important to beware of online
retailers that offer great deals but cannot guarantee the quality or purity of
magnesium. Purchase bath salts from trusted places like supermarkets and
certified online retailers and check the ingredients label for the type of
magnesium listed. Today there is an Epsom salt variety for you.
-Store Epsom salts in an air-tight container and keep dry.
- Give it time: It’ll take about 15 minutes of soaking and
about 1-2 cups of salt for you to feel the mental and physical benefits of
Epsom salts, per the Cleveland Clinic.
- Don’t overdo it: While Epsom salts are totally safe for
sensitive skin, there’s no need to soak in them daily. If you’re just doing
regular exercise, stick to adding Epsom salt to your bath or footbath about
three times a week. If you’re active on a higher level- such as collegiate
athlete or daily exerciser, take a warm Epsom salt baths or foot baths daily
followed by an ice bath. This will help ease pain and inflammation.
Now you understand why I mentioned the popularity of this
product. There are a few negative effects if used or taken incorrectly by
mouth. Since it has a laxative effect, too high of dose may cause diarrhea,
bloating, or upset stomach. Dizziness/lightheaded, confusion, Low blood
pressure, muscle weakness, Sleepiness, Skin infection. These are rare if you
are using topically.
Woman who are pregnant, those with high blood pressure or
cardiovascular conditions or serious open sores should not use Epsom Salt. As I
mentioned earlier, you should check with your health care provider if you have
a major health concern or for instruction for oral intake.
In summary:
Epsom salts are a natural compound made up of magnesium and
sulfate. They are commonly dissolved in the bath or applied topically. People
use it to ease health problems, such as muscle soreness and stress. It is also
great for lawn, garden and plants.
It’s affordable, easy
to use, and harmless when used appropriately.
I bet you have a bag in your cabinet so dig it out and have a nice long
soak!