Epsom salt has been a staple in the world of medicine and healthcare for a long time. It has been an old family recipe used by many to treat several ailments. It has several benefits both health wise and beauty wise and has also been recognized for its excellent healing and cleansing properties. Although not everyone is quite familiar with it. The salt contains two very important minerals; Magnesium and Sulfate, whose composition is said to have a very positive effect on the body. Without exaggerating, this salt is a natural solution to all problems. It is very affordable, easy to use, and harmless when used appropriately.
There are several benefits of this 'magic mineral' but just to mention but a few, below are some you may want to know.
Promotes Sleep and Stress Reduction
Insomnia is quite a big problem facing many of us in the society. The hustle and struggles that comes with our daily activities, are actually affecting us negatively. They make us build unnecessary stress levels which is actually affecting different aspects of our lives including our sleep patterns.
Adequate magnesium levels are very essential for sleep and stress management, of which Epsom salt is quite abundant in. Magnesium helps our brain produce neurotransmitters and hormones Such as serotonin and melatonin; which helps to promote sleep and reduce stress.
Helps prevent hardening of arteries and blood clots
The circulatory system is the most important among the systems in the body. It helps to convey virtually everything the body produces from where they are being made to where they are needed. Without an effective transport no organs can function, not even the brain. Epsom salt is believed to improve heart health and and boost blood circulation around our body. It can help prevent heart disease and strokes by improving blood circulation, protecting the elasticity of arteries, preventing blood clots, and reducing the risk of sudden heart attack deaths.
Makes insulin more effective
Diabetes is on the increase among individuals in the society. This disease does not occur without the involvement of insulin deficiency. Insulin is a hormone produce by the pancreas gland in the body, It helps to regulate the amount of sugar content present in the blood and normalize it. Proper magnesium and sulfate levels increase the effectiveness of insulin, and can help to lower the risk or severity of diabetes.
Relieves constipation
Constipation is conditions that interfere with our bowel movement. It occur due to the lack of water intake into the colon to soften our feces. It has been shown that Epsom salt can be very helpful when dealing with situations like this one. Due to it magnesium content, it helps draw water into the colon which can soften feces and promote bowel movement. Always reach out for it when you are faced with this condition because it can serve as a good laxative.
Epsom salt is one of the most effective home remedies for treating piles. It is far more effective than some over the counter medications. The only thing to do is to add the slat into a bowl of warm water and have a Sitz bath with it. The symptoms of hemorrhoids tend to clear right off within days to few weeks.
Exercise Performance and Recovery
Ever been stressed out in you muscles after exercising? Epsom salt can give you the quick recovery you may desire. Some people claim that adding Epsom salt to water and have bath with it, can reduce muscle soreness and relieve cramps — both important factors for exercise performance and recovery.
Athletes are prone to low magnesium levels, so health professionals often recommend that they take magnesium supplements such as Epsom salt to ensure optimal levels. While magnesium is clearly important for exercise, the use of bath salt to enhance fitness is not well researched. At this point, the supposed benefits are purely not reliable because its based on peoples personal facts rather than a backup scientific research.
Reduced Pain and Swelling
Another common claim is that Epsom salt helps reduce pain and swelling. Many people report that taking Epsom salt baths improves symptoms of fibromyalgia and arthritis.
Again, the magnesium is deemed responsible for these effects, since many people with fibromyalgia and arthritis are deficient in this mineral. One study in 15 women with fibromyalgia concluded that applying magnesium chloride to the skin may be beneficial for improving symptoms. However, this study was based on questionnaires and may not be reliable. Its results should rather be taken with a pinch of salt. However, you can carry out personal research yourself to confirm efficacy.
Epsom Salt Uses: HEALTH
Here are some health regimen of Epsom salt, which can be used for some common disease.
Athlete’s foot: Soak feet in an Epsom salt bath to help relieve the symptoms of athlete’s foot. Remove splinters: Soak affected skin area in an Epsom salt bath to draw out the splinter.
Treat toenail fungus: Soak your affected toes in hot water mixed with a handful of Epsom salt three times a day.
Soothe sprains and bruises: Add 2 cups of Epsom salt to a warm bath and soak to reduce the pain and swelling of sprains and bruises. Ease discomfort of gout: Ease the discomfort of gout and reduce inflammation by adding 2–3 teaspoons of Epsom salts into a basin and immersing the affected foot/joint. The water should be as hot as it is comfortable. Soak for about 30 minutes.
Epsom Salt Uses: BEAUTY
Exfoliate dead skin: In the shower or bath, mix a handful of Epsom salt with a tablespoon of bath or olive oil and rub all over your wet skin to exfoliate and soften. Rinse thoroughly.
Exfoliating face cleanser: To clean your face and exfoliate skin at the same time, mix a half-teaspoon of Epsom salt with your regular cleansing cream. Gently massage into skin and rinse with cold water.
Dislodge blackheads: Add a teaspoon of Epsom salt and 3 drops of iodine into a half cup of boiling water. Apply this mixture to the blackheads with a cotton ball.
Remove foot odor: Mix a half cup of Epsom salt in warm water and soak your feet for 10 minutes to remove bad odor, sooth achy feet, and soften rough skin.
Remove hairspray: Combine 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of lemon juice, and 1 cup Epsom salt. Cover the mixture and let set for 24 hours. The next day, pour the mixture into your dry hair and leave on for 20 minutes before shampooing as normal.
Hair volumizer: Combine equal parts deep conditioner and Epsom salt and warm in a pan. Work the warm mixture through your hair and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.
Epsom Salt Uses: HOUSEHOLD
Cleaning is one good thing Epsom salt is known for, at least for most of us. It can be used for a whole lot of cleaning chores.
Clean bathroom tiles: Mix equal parts Epsom salt and liquid dish detergent and use as a scrub on bathroom tile. Prevent slugs: Sprinkle Epsom salt on or near interior entry points to prevent
slugs. As a hand wash: Mix Epsom salt with baby oil and keep by the sink for an effective hand wash. Clean detergent build-up on washing machines: Fill the machine tub with hot water, add Epsom salt, and run an agitate/soak/agitate cycle to dissolve detergent build-up (please consult your machine's instruction manual for specific instructions).
Epsom Salt Uses: GARDENING
The good works of Epson also transcends into the gardening chores as well. See some below;
Fertilize your houseplants: Most plants need nutrients like magnesium and sulfur to stay in good health, and Epsom salt makes the primary nutrients in most plant foods (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) more effective. Sprinkle Epsom salt once weekly to help nourish your houseplants, flowers, and vegetables.
Keep your lawn green: Magnesium sulfate crystals, when added to the soil, provide vital nutrients that help prevent yellowing leaves and the loss of green color (magnesium is an essential element in the chlorophyll molecule) in plants. Add 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt to a gallon of water and sprinkle on your lawn to keep the grass healthy and green.
Insecticide spray: Use Epsom salts on your lawn and in your garden to safely and naturally get rid of plant pests.
