14 Benefits & Medicinal Uses of Epsom Salt

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Epsom salts have been used by many different cultures for hundreds of years. Epsom salts are named for a bitter saline spring located at Epsom in Surrey, England. Even though salt is in its name, Epsom salt is actually a pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. Magnesium regulating the activity of over 325 enzymes, reducing inflammation, helping muscle and nerve function and helping to prevent artery hardening. It is important to note however, that all Epsom salt brands are not equal in quality, usability, and versatility.

14 Benefits & Medicinal Uses of Epsom Salt

Remove excess oil from hair

Epsom salt soaks up excess oil from your hair. Add 9 tablespoons of Epsom salt to 1/2 cup of oily hair shampoo. Apply one tablespoon of the liquid to your hair when dry; rinse with cold water. Pour lemon juice or organic apple cider vinegar through the hair, leave on for 5-10 minutes, then rinse.

End constipation

One of the best natural supplements you can take to alleviate constipation is magnesium, which acts as a stool softener. Just a teaspoon dissolved in a glass of water should be enough to loosen things up.

Regulate Blood Sugar

Both magnesium and sulfate help to improve the body’s ability to produce and use insulin. Regular intake of Epsom salts may help to regulate blood sugar, lowering the risk of diabetes and improving your overall daily energy levels.

Relieve Headaches

If your headaches are tension headaches, you may be able to relieve them by soaking in an Epsom bath. The bath will help the muscles in your neck and back and shoulders to relax, and this in turn will reduce the pain you feel in your head.

Reduces pain and inflammation

A warm bath containing Epsom salt can ease pain and relieve inflammation. It can also help heal cuts and reduce the swelling associated with sprains and bruises.

Detoxification

Taking an Epsom salt bath is a great addition to your detox regimen or just as a general detox. The sulfates in Epsom salt help draw the toxins and heavy metals out of your body which can also help improve health and promote a general feeling of wellness.

Mosquito bites

Epsom salt can ease the symptoms of mosquito bites. Make a compress by soaking a washcloth in cold water that has been mixed with Epsom salt (2 tablespoons per cup of water), then gently apply to the bite area.

Relieves Muscle Cramps

Epsom salt can help treat muscle cramps and relieve sore muscles after workouts. Magnesium effectively eases pain and reduces inflammation. This in turn promotes muscle relaxation and healing.

Heart Health

Magnesium has long been known to improve heart health and help in preventing heart disease and strokes. It does so by improving circulation and keeping arteries elastic.

Improves Circulation

Immersion in water is an exercise for the heart, and you don’t have to do much else other than lie there in utter bliss. Water puts pressure on the body and increases the pumping of the heart, which boosts circulation and thus supplies oxygen more efficiently to all of your muscles, tissues, and organs.

Used in Aromatherapy

Epsom salts are a natural emollient and exfoliator and many aromatherapy skin care products incorporate carrier oils, essential oils, and sea salt with Epsom salts. With a little know how, it is easy to experiment and make your own skin scrubs and cleansers.

Removes feet odor

Keep your feet in warm water with Epsom salts to get rid of odor, pain or heavy legs feeling. Do it for 15-20 minutes as it improves blood circulation, reduce inflammation and soften skin.

Treats Sunburn

Epsom salt is very soothing for sunburned skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties alleviate mild sunburn irritation like itchiness and pain. It can even help maintain an even skin tone.

Sources:

http://healthywildandfree.com/20-uses-for-epsom-salt-why-it-should-be-in-your-home-bathroom-garden/

http://www.naturallivingideas.com/20-epsom-salt-uses/

http://www.diyncrafts.com/11481/home/40-life-changing-ways-to-use-epsom-salt-in-your-everyday-life

http://dearcrissy.com/epsom-salt-uses/

Sherice