10 Surprising Ways to Use Epsom Salts for Health and Beauty

Magnesium sulphate, a naturally occurring mineral compound, is the main ingredient in Epsom salts. They have the name of Epsom, a town in the English county of Surrey, where the combination was initially found in the 17th century. Due to their therapeutic characteristics, Epsom salts are crystalline and frequently utilised for various health and cosmetic needs. They can be dissolved in warm water and applied topically to treat various ailments, as well as in baths and foot soaks. As a result, most drugstores, health food stores, and online vendors carry Epsom salts readily. Below, you will find valuable information on the Epsom salt uses, Benefits, and precautions to keep in mind. Kindly scroll down to read more.

What is Epsom Salt?

Epsom salt, also known as magnesium sulphate, is a mineral compound that contains magnesium, sulphur, and oxygen. It is named after the town of Epsom in Surrey, England, where the compound was first discovered in the natural springs.

Epsom salt is a natural remedy for various ailments, including sore muscles, joint pain, and constipation. When dissolved in water, Epsom salt releases magnesium and sulphate ions, which are absorbed through the skin or taken up by plants. Magnesium is essential for many bodily functions, including muscle and nerve, while sulphur is important for forming proteins and connective tissue.

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How are Epsom salts used?

There are many methods to use Epsom salts for both health and beauty. Here are a few typical applications for Epsom salts:

• Bath: Add two cups or two handfuls of Epsom salt to a warm bath to relax muscles and soothe the skin. Soak for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Foot soak: To reduce discomfort and swelling, add 12 cups of Epsom salt to a basin of warm water. Soak your feet in the tub for 12 to 15 minutes.
• Topical treatment: To relieve swelling and pain, dissolve Epsom salt in warm water and apply it to the affected area with a towel or cotton ball for 15-20 minutes.
• Scrubbing agent: To exfoliate your skin, use a tablespoon of Epsom salt with your preferred body wash or oil.
• Hair treatment: Include Epsom salt with your shampoo to remove product buildup and encourage healthy hair development.
• Use Epsom salt as a plant fertiliser.
• Epsom salts also include the removal of skin cells and softening of the skin.

If you have Epsom salt, many Epsom salts uses and benefits. Epsom salt can be used as a plant fertilizer by mixing a tablespoon into the soil. Epsom salts should only be used externally and should not be consumed except under the guidance of a medical practitioner.

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10 Epsom Salt Uses for Beauty and Health

Magnesium sulphate, or Epsom salt, is a mineral substance with many favorable effects on health and appearance. The following list of 10 unusual uses for Epsom salts for health and beauty: Add two cups of Epsom salt or two handfuls of salt to a warm bath to ease painful muscles and joint discomfort, and soak for 20 to 30 minutes.

1. Body Detoxification

Epsom salt uses in the removal of impurities from the body. To cleanse your body, add a cup of Epsom salt to a warm water bath and soak for 25 to 30 minutes.

2. Exfoliate Your Skin

By combining a tablespoon of Epsom salt with your preferred body wash or oil and using it as a scrub.

3. Epsom Salt Can Aid

This aids in the reduction of edema and inflammation. Epsom salt and warm water are combined, and a towel is soaked. To minimise swelling, apply the towel to the affected area.

4. Sunburn Relief

To relieve burnt skin, add a cup of Epsom salt and a handful of salts to a warm water bath and soak for 20 to 30 minutes.

5. Use a Teaspoon of Epsom Salt

Epsom salt in your face wash or another cleanser to help treat acne. That can reduce inflammation and aid in the treatment of acne.

6. Enhance Sleep

Epsom salt can enhance sleep by easing tension and encouraging relaxation. Before bed, add two cups of Epsom salt or handfuls of salt to a warm bath and soak for 20 to 30 minutes.

7. Constipation Relief

Epsom salt is a laxative and might aid with constipation relief. Before bed, prepare a warm glass of water with two teaspoons of Epsom salt.

8. Reduce Stress

By encouraging relaxation and lowering inflammation, Epsom salt can help to reduce stress. Add two cups of Epsom salt or a handful of salts to a warm bath to decrease stress, and soak for 20 to 30 minutes.

9. Enhance Hair Health

By eliminating buildup and encouraging healthy hair development, Epsom salt can help enhance hair health. Use your shampoo and a spoonful of Epsom salt to wash your hair.

10. Relaxation

Sitting in a water bath of Epsom salt can help provide relaxation and comfort to the body. So, you can choose Epsom salt for internal use as well.

Also Read: How to get rid of dead skin on your feet?

What adverse effects might excessive Epsom salt use cause?

Although using Epsom salts is generally harmless, doing so excessively can have adverse effects. An excess of Epsom salt may have the following adverse effects:

• Skin sensitivity: Epsom salt use in excess can result in skin rashes, skin itching, and redness.
• Dehydration: Epsom salt baths can dehydrate you, particularly if you soak for an extended period. Water consumption is essential both before and after an Epsom salt bath.
• Large doses of Epsom salt: can make you sick with diarrhoea, give you stomach pains, and dehydrate you.
• Magnesium overdose: Using too much Epsom salt can result in a magnesium overdose, which can induce signs and symptoms, including confusion, muscle weakness, and irregular heartbeats.
• An allergic reaction, such as hives, a rash, or breathing difficulties, may occur in some persons sensitive to Epsom salt. If you want to prevent these adverse effects when using Epsom salts, adhering to the dosage and usage guidelines is critical. Stop taking Epsom salts immediately, and speak with your doctor if you have any adverse reactions.

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What precautions can one take while using Epsom salt?

While Epsom salts are widely utilised as a natural cure for various diseases, there are specific considerations to remember when using them. Epsom salts should not be used in the following situations:

1. Do not consume Epsom salts: Epsom salts are not meant for human consumption and, if ingested, can cause serious injury. They should not be used as a laxative or for internal use.
2. Do not use Epsom salts in place of prescribed medicine: Epsom salts are not a substitute for medical therapy and should not be used in place of prescribed medication without first speaking with a medical practitioner.
3. Epsom salts should not be applied to damaged or irritated skin: because they might aggravate open wounds or inflammatory skin. Likewise, avoiding using them on injured or sensitive skin is critical.
4. Do not exceed suggested dosages: While Epsom salts are generally safe, adhering to and not exceeding authorised quantities is critical. Excessive use of Epsom salts might result in side effects such as diarrhoea or dehydration.

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Conclusion

Be aware that there is not much scientific data to back up these assertions. For example, the effectiveness of Epsom salt for exfoliation and toxin elimination has not been shown, even though it has been demonstrated to have some advantages for the skin, such as lowering inflammation. Also, One of the most versatile Epsom salts is its ability to alleviate muscle pain and inflammation when added to a warm bath, making it a popular choice for athletes and those with physical jobs.

Overall, Epsom salt uses for beauty is a matter of personal preference, and the results may vary based on a person's complexion and hair type.  Therefore, conducting a patch test is crucial before using Epsom salt, as with any other beauty product. If you have any questions, you should also speak with a dermatologist or healthcare provider.

Also Read: Why is too much salt bad for me?