Beyond the Bath: 5 Alternative Ways to Use Epsom Salt
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Tossing a little Epsom salt into the bath is a tried and true way to relax the body and ease sore muscles, but this natural compound actually has even more to offer. An underrated “super salt,” Epsom has a variety of topical applications, ranging from skin exfoliation to bug bite relief.
“The benefits of Epsom salt aren’t well advertised, but they should be,” says Rebecca Lee, a registered nurse and the founder of RemediesForMe.com, a health resource for natural remedies. To truly understand the power of Epsom salt, try using the super salt in ways that go far beyond your bath.
1. Natural Exfoliant
Not a salt in the typical way you think of salt, Epsom salt makes a great skin exfoliant. Sprinkle some into your favorite face wash to remove dead skin and clear the canvas for new skin cells. You could also combine Epsom salt with olive oil to create a creamy exfoliant for areas with dry skin, such as the rough patch of skin on the back of your foot or the scaly skin on your elbows. This DIY salt scrub provides “firming and soothing effects for the skin,” says Lee.
2. Natural Hair Volumizer
Does your hair need a little boost? In the shower, mix a pinch of Epsom salt with your favorite hair conditioner to give your hair added volume. Just massage it into your hair, and wash it out like you would any other conditioner. The Epsom salt removes built up oils and restores your hair’s natural volume and luster.
3. Natural Pain Reliever
Do you experience muscle aches? Whether you overdid it at the gym or spent hours rearranging heavy furniture, you can use Epsom salt as an all-natural solution for the pain. Just rub the concentrated gel into your trouble spots to relax your aches away.
4. Natural Sunburn Treatment
When the first tingles of discomfort make you start regretting that extra hour at the beach, turn to Epsom salt to treat your sunburn. Lee suggests filling a small spray bottle with lukewarm water and a few tablespoons of Epsom salt to make a solution. Spray the solution on any sunburned areas for fast, soothing relief. Use this natural remedy as needed throughout the day. For nighttime relief, spray your skin about 10 minutes before sliding under the covers to make sure the mist has a few minutes to dry and get to work.
5. Natural Anti-Itch Relief
Is there anything more annoying than an itchy bug bite or sting? Epsom salt has anti-inflammatory properties that calm the swelling and ease the itch, eliminating your overwhelming desire to scratch. Try dabbing Epsom salt rub on the affected area after cleaning the bite or sting.
Extra: Even More Uses of Epsom Salt
Here are even more reasons why Epsom Salt should be in your home:
- Bee sting remedy: mix 2 tablespoons of Epsom Salt in a cup of cold water. Soak a washcloth in the cup and apply to the stung area.
- Dry lips remedy: Epsom Salt can help remove dead/dry skin on the lips. Mix 2 tablespoons of the Salt with 1 teaspoon of petroleum jelly. Gently rub on your lips to leave them looking smoother and healthier.
- Splinter pain remedy: You can relieve pain and irritation from a splinter removal with Epsom Salt. Mix 2 tablespoons of the Salt in a cup of cold water. Then soak a washcloth in the cup and apply to the affected area.
- Bathroom tile cleaner: Form a cleaning solution by mixing Epsom Salt and dish detergent before scrubbing away.
- Handwash substitute: Mix Epsom Salt with baby oil as an alternative to traditional hand soap.
- Dish soap substitute: This is especially good for pots and pans with tons of dirt build-up. The abrasive nature of the salt crystals helps remove build-up better than a traditional soap would.
- Houseplant fertilizer substitute: The magnesium and sulfur contained in Epsom Salt helps nourish plants. Sprinkle the Salt to houseplants once a week to keep them looking nice and healthy.
- Lawn maintenance: Help your lawn stay green by mixing 2 tablespoons of Epsom Salt to a jug of water, and sprinkle on your lawn. When fed to your soil, the magnesium sulfate crystals provide vital nutrients to prevent grass from yellowing.
Although Epsom salt is typically associated with a calming bath, this powerful compound has some versatile muscles to flex outside the tub. In addition to its soothing benefits, a topical like PROcure Epsom Salt Rub can take your hair and skin to shining new heights and tame the itch of pesky bug bites.