It seems that our grandmothers knew what they were doing when they added Epsom salt in nearly any recipe. Now, science shows that this simple ingredient possesses powerful medicinal properties, which led to a rapid increase in its popularity.
Epsom salt is made up of magnesium sulfate, a pure mineral compound which has a wide plethora of uses. It is associated with many health benefits as well, including the following:
- Alleviating joint and sprain pain
- Preventing hardening of the arteries
- Preventing the formation of blood clots
- Managing stress and tension
- Reducing inflammation
- Detoxifying the body
- Soothing and relaxing sore muscles
- Lowering the risk of diabetes
- Strengthening the bones
- Promoting better sleep
Apart from being used for medicinal properties, Epsom salt offers many beauty and cleaning uses. Check some of them out!
1. Cough
Colds and flu accompanied with persistent cough are extremely common during the winter period. The good news is that enjoying an Epsom salt bath for twenty minutes helps stop the symptoms due to its mineral content.
2. Muscle Pain
To soothe aching muscles, add two cups of Epsom salt to a bathtub and soak form about ten minutes.
3. Stress
Add two cups of Epsom salt to a bathtub along with a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil and soak for about ten minutes, three times weekly.
4. Constipation
Since it acts as a mild laxative, Epsom salt is effective in treating constipation. Simply add a teaspoon of Epsom salt to a glass of water and its magnesium sulfate content will soften the stool and stop constipation.
5. Acne
Due to its antimicrobial properties, Epsom salt has the ability to kill off bacteria, cleanse the pores, and exfoliates the skin.
6. Splinter Removal
Dissolve two tablespoons of Epsom salt in a glass of water and soak a cotton cloth in the solution. Apply onto the splinter and let it do its trick. Another option is to add a teaspoon of Epson salt to a cup of hot water, leave it cool down, and apply over the splinter.
7. Foot Health
To soften the skin, eliminate bad pain, or even relieve pain, soak the feet in a bowl of warm water with half a cup of Epsom salt. The combination of cup of Epsom salt, olive oil, and lemon castle soap is particularly effective in softening the rough skin.
8. Mild Sunburn
To soothe itchiness and redness associated with mild sunburn can be alleviated by soaking in an Epsom salt bath.
9. Skin Inflammation
Dissolve a tablespoon of Epsom salt in half a glass of warm water, allow it to cool, and apply the solution on the affected area.
Bonus: Gardening
Magnesium and sulfur, the key compounds in Epsom salt, have been shown to stimulate the growth of plants as well as to provide higher yields and more blooms. As a matter of fact, it has been scientifically shown that it also minimizes the need for fertilizers and enhances their effects.
Bonus: Crafts
Last but not least, this salt can be used for countless crafts, such as snowballs, fall décor, greeting cards, holiday jars, and many more.
So, if you`ve been looking for a safe and cheap alternative to over-the-counter remedies and helpful gardening and household ingredient, look no further. Epsom salt has been already approved by doctors, researchers, and gardening experts, all of whom describe its numerous benefits.
Sources:
http://healinglifeisnatural.com/10-common-health-problems-that-can-be-treated-using-Epsom-salt/