8 Useful Epsom Salt Hacks You Need to Know

Despite its name, Epsom salt is not something you put on your fries. It is called salt because of its chemical structure.

Epsom salt or Magnesium Sulfate, is an inorganic salt containing magnesium, sulfur and oxygen.

The product was named after the spring in Epsom, England where the naturally-occurring mineral was discovered in the water.

Long known as a natural remedy for a number of illnesses, Epsom salt has numerous health benefits as well as many beauty, household, and gardening-related uses.

Talk about a product that does it all! Read on to learn 8 useful ways to get the most out of your Epsom salt and why you should make it a staple product in your home. 

1. Bath Salts

One of Epsom salt's main uses is as a bath salt. In water, the mineral breaks down into magnesium and sulfate.

When soaking in an Epsom salt bath, your body absorbs these compounds through your skin.

When this happens, the magnesium relaxes your muscles, relieves any pain, and loosens stiff joints or inflammation. 

Instructions: 

• Add 2 cups of our Epsom salt to a warm bath. 
• Soak in the bath for at least 12 minutes. 
• Repeat 3 times a week or as desired.

 2. Athletes Foot and Foot Odor

Unfortunately, you don't have to be a sports professional to get athlete's foot: a fungal infection that typically begins between the toes often brought on by sweaty feet confined in tight fitted shoes.

Soaking your feet in an Epsom salt bath helps relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of athlete’s foot as well as foot odor.

Instructions:

• Mix half a cup of Epsom salt in warm water.
• Soak your feet for 10 minutes.
• Pat dry and repeat daily until the condition clears.

 3. Treat Toenail Fungus

Yet another foot ailment that Epsom salt can improve is toenail fungus.

Nail fungus is a common condition that begins as a white or yellow spot beneath your nail.

As the condition progresses, the fungus embeds deeper within the nail. You may notice nail discoloration, thickening or crumbling at the edges.

Instructions: 

• Soak your affected toes in hot water mixed with a handful of Epsom salt three times a day.
• Repeat as needed until the infection clears.

 4. Relieves Constipation

Numerous studies have revealed that Epsom salt can be used as a laxative to treat constipation. When taken internally, Epsom salt acts as a detoxifying agent for colon cleansing.

The salt acts like a laxative by increasing water in the intestines and can bring about temporary relief from constipation by softening your stool and making it easier to pass.

Instructions:

• Adults and children 12 years and older: Dissolve 2 to 4 level teaspoons of Epsom salt in 8 ounces of water and drink immediately.
• Children 6 to 11 years old: Dissolve 1 to 2 teaspoons of Epsom salt in 8 ounces of water and drink immediately.

This remedy should not be taken more than once a day. If symptoms continue, consult a physician.

Note: Our Epsom salt is not food grade and should not be ingested.

 5. Splinter Removal

Splinters are just another unpleasantry of daily life. Although most are minor inconveniences, they can be painful and at times, stubborn!

But Epsom salt can make the splinter easier to remove by reducing swelling around the wound and softening it.

Instructions:

• Soak the affected body part, where the splinter is lodged, into warm water and 1 cup of Epsom salt for 10 minutes.
• Dry the affected area.
• Carefully dislodge the splinter using tweezers.

 6. Beauty

Soft, smooth skin could be yours with the help of Epsom salt. The mineral works great as an exfoliant to slough off dead skin.

Instructions:

• For Body: When in the shower, mix a handful of Epsom salt with a tablespoon of baby oil or olive oil.
• Rub the mixture all over your wet skin to exfoliate and soften.

• For Face: Mix half a teaspoon of Epsom salt with your regular cleansing cream.
• Gently massage both into your skin.
• Rinse with cold water and pat dry.

 7. Gardening

Time to take the Epsom salt outdoors! Magnesium sulfate may be used to fertilize your plants, green up your lawn, remove unwanted insect pests, and prevent slugs among other things.

When adding magnesium sulfate crystals to your soil, they provide vital nutrients that help prevent yellowing in plants.

Because Epsom salt is a source of magnesium, the amount you will apply depends on how much calcium you have in your soil since an excess of one will limit the availability of the other.

Our recommended ratio is 3:1 - 3 parts calcium to 1 part magnesium.

Instructions: 

• Following the recommended ratio above, add 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt directly to your soil for every 3 tablespoons of calcium. 
• Water the product thoroughly into your soil.
• Monitor your plants and either increase or decrease application frequency depending on their appearance.

 8. Household

When you're done getting your hands dirty in the garden, Epsom salt can help you clean up.

You can use the salt to clean your tiles, remove grout or even detergent buildup in your washing machine.

Instructions:

• For Tile and Grout:  Mix equal parts of liquid dish soap and Epsom salt.
• Dip a sponge or bristle brush into the solution and use as a scrub.
• Rinse tile well for a streak free shine.

• For Detergent Buildup: Fill your empty washing machine with hot water.
• Add a quart of clear vinegar and one cup of Epsom salt.
• Let the machine agitate for about an hour.

Make Your Life a Little Easier With Epsom Salt

Of all the products you have in your home cabinets, Epsom salt should definitely be one of them considering all that it can do.

You can shop our Epsom salt below to get started and have an all natural product that multitasks as much as you do! 

Related Posts: 

• How to Get Healthy Skin With Magnesium
• How to Really Boost Your Garden With Epsom Salt 
• Here's How to Know You're Magnesium Deficient
• How to Gain Quality Sleep With Magnesium