How to Use Epsom Salt for Health and Beauty

Gone are the days when Epsom salt was only an athlete’s antidote to treat sore muscles. This magical salt has crept into every household to solve multiple conundrums. You can use Epsom salt for health and beauty just as well as for cleaning and gardening.

Composed of magnesium sulfate, Epsom salt absorbs easily through the skin and can heal your body inside and out. Magnesium is responsible for more than 300 enzymatic functions in your body.

It can help remove toxins, cure constipation, reduce inflammation, counter stress, stabilize heart rhythm, and stimulate nerve and muscle functions. Sulfate, on the other hand, helps in the oxidation of food and maintains insulin functions.

Surprisingly, a majority of the United States’ population suffers from a magnesium deficiency.

According to a 2005 study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, around 68 percent of adults in the U.S. consumed less than the recommended daily allowance of magnesium.

Using Epsom salt can help correct a magnesium deficiency and provide a number of other health and beauty benefits.

Read on to learn some of the ways you can use Epsom salt for health and beauty and incorporate it into your daily life.

Health Benefits of Epsom Salt

Method 1: Body Detox

Using Epsom salt in your bath can open your body’s pathway of detoxification. Magnesium sulfate sets off a process of reverse osmosis in your body that helps pull out unwanted salts and toxins from your system.

Magnesium also helps relieve stress and relax your muscles. Adding essential oils to the bath improves your blood circulation as well as reinvigorating your mind and body.

Things you’ll need:

• Sea salt (replenishing minerals) – ¼ cup
• Epsom salt (draws out toxins) – ¼ cup
• Baking soda (exfoliates skin) – ¼ cup
• Apple cider vinegar (balances the body’s pH level and softens skin) – ⅓ cup
• Peppermint essential oil (improves blood circulation) – 10 to 12 drops
• Glass container

Step 1. Mix the salts

• Put ¼ cup of Epsom salt in a bowl.
• Mix in ¼ cup of sea salt.

Step 2. Add other ingredients

• Add ¼ cup of baking soda and 10 to 12 drops of peppermint essential oil to the mix.
• Now, pour ⅓ cup of apple cider vinegar into the bowl.
• Mix all the ingredients well to get a smooth paste.

Step 3. Prepare and enjoy your detox bath

• Fill your bathtub with warm water and pour the mixture into the bath.
• Soak in the bath for 30 to 45 minutes, then pat dry your skin.
• Moisturize your skin with coconut oil or body butter after the bath to prevent dryness.
• Use the detox bath twice a week.

Method 2: Muscle Relaxer

Lack of magnesium in your body often gives rise to sore muscles and muscle cramps. Because magnesium absorbs easily through your skin, soaking your muscle in an Epsom salt bath replenishes the mineral you are likely lacking.

The anti-inflammatory properties of Epsom salt also help reduce swelling and pain as well as relax your muscles.

 Things you’ll need:

• Epsom salt (anti-inflammatory) – 1 tablespoon
• Lavender essential oil (improves circulation) – 10 to 12 drops
• Boiled water – 1 cup

 Step 1. Mix all the ingredients

 

• Put 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt in a bowl.
• Pour 1 cup of hot water over the salt and add 10 to 12 drops of lavender oil to the mix.
• Stir all ingredients until the salt dissolves completely in the water.

 Step 2. Soak your aching muscle in the solution

 

• Soak the affected muscle in the solution for 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can soak a piece of cloth in the solution and wrap it around the sore muscle for 30 minutes.
• Use the soak whenever you suffer from a sore muscle.

Method 3: Sunburn Remedy

Mild sunburns are inevitable in the summer. But sometimes it can lead to inflammation, causing redness and irritation of the exposed skin. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, using Epsom salt in the form of a spray helps soothe the skin.

 Step 1. Mix Epsom salt and water

 

• Pour 1 cup of boiled distilled water in the measuring cup.
• Add 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt to the water while it is still hot.
• Stir well until the salt dissolves in the water.

Step 2. Transfer the solution into a spray bottle and use

• Transfer the solution into a spray bottle.
• Store it in a dark place away from sunlight.
• Spray the solution on the affected skin as needed.

Method 4: Salt Bath for Corns and Calluses

Soaking your feet in Epsom salt helps soften the hard skin formed into a callus or corn. Scrubbing your feet with a pumice stone after the soak will help scrub off the softened and dead skin.

Epsom salt is also effective in treating foot infections and foot odor by drawing toxins out of the skin.

Things you’ll need:

 

• Epsom salt (softens skin and neutralizes foot odor) – 3 to 4 tablespoons
• Pumice stone (porous and abrasive)
• Lukewarm water – 1 quart

Step 1. Add Epsom salt and water to the tub

• Pour 1 quart of lukewarm water into the tub.
• Add 3 to 4 tablespoons of Epsom salt to the water and let it dissolve completely.

Step 2. Soak your feet for 30 minutes

• Soak the affected foot (or both feet) in the water for 30 minutes.
• You can add more warm water to the bath if it starts to lose heat.

Step 3. Rub the corn or callus with the pumice stone

• Remove your feet from the soak and pat dry.
• Use a pumice stone to gently rub off the softened skin of the corn or callus.

Step 4. Rinse your feet

• Rinse your feet with the water and wipe them off with a clean towel.
• Remember to apply some moisturizer after the soak to keep your skin hydrated.
• Repeat 2 or 3 times per week.

Method 5: Relieve Constipation

An estimated 2 percent of the U.S. population suffers from constipation. It causes infrequent bowel movements and hard stools.

Though laxatives provide relief, they can have side effects. Consuming Epsom salt with fresh fruit juice will effectively help soften the stools, making them easier to pass.

Things you’ll need:

• Epsom salt (laxative) – 2 teaspoons
• Apple juice (hydrates the body) – 8 ounces (or 1 cup)

Step 1. Mix apple juice and Epsom salt

 

• Pour 8 ounces of apple juice in a cup.
• Add 2 teaspoons of Epsom salt to the juice.

Step 2. Stir and drink immediately

 

• Stir the ingredients until the salt dissolves completely.
• Drink the concoction immediately.
• Drink it twice daily. However, do not continue this remedy for longer than 1 week.

Beauty Benefits of Epsom Salt

Method 1: Add Volume to Your Hair

Apart from its many health benefits, Epsom salt can also work wonders for dull and thin mane. Adding Epsom salt to your conditioner or using a DIY conditioning spray can help remove oil and gunk from your scalp and add volume to your hair.

Things you’ll need:

• Hot water (spray base) – 1 cup
• Epsom salt (detoxes hair) – 1 tablespoon
• Sea salt (remineralizes the scalp) – 1 teaspoon
• Aloe vera gel (adds shine and moisture) – 1 teaspoon
• Hair conditioner (optional, if you have dry and frizzy hair) – 1 teaspoon
• Lavender essential oil (adds fragrance and improves circulation in the scalp) – a few drops

Step 1. Mix all ingredients in a measuring cup

• Pour 1 cup of hot water into a measuring cup and add 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt to it.
• Now, add 1 teaspoon of sea salt and 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel to the solution.
• Optionally, add 1 teaspoon of hair conditioner, especially if you have dry and frizzy hair.

You can use black tea instead of water if you wish to darken your hair.

You can add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and vodka if you wish to lighten your hair. Remember to store the spray in the refrigerator if using lemon.

Step 2. Add essential oil

• Add a few drops of lavender essential oil.
• Mix all the ingredients with a hand blender.

Step 3. Store and use as needed

• Transfer the solution to a spray bottle and store it at room temperature.
• Use it on damp hair and crumple with a towel to create waves in your hair.
• You can also use it on dry hair to boost volume without waves.

Method 2: Body Scrub for Dry Skin

Epsom salt works great as an exfoliant, especially if you suffer from dry skin patches. It is gentle on your skin and absorbs easily, giving you a magnesium boost.

Adding coconut oil to the salt helps rehydrate your skin, and a few glorious drops of essential oils can make you smell like a dream.

Things you’ll need:

• Coconut oil (moisturizes skin) – 1 tablespoon
• Lavender essential oil (improves circulation) – 3 or 4 drops
• Epsom salt (exfoliates and softens skin) – 2 tablespoons

Step 1. Mix all the ingredients

• Pour 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt in a container.
• Add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and a few drops of lavender oil.
• Mix all the ingredients thoroughly.

Step 2. Store the scrub in a container and use as needed

• Transfer the scrub into a container and store it at room temperature.
• Use this Epsom salt scrub on your dry skin patches to exfoliate the skin.

Method 3: Facial Mask for Exfoliation

It goes without saying that regular exfoliation keeps your skin healthy and radiant. A number of skin issues like acne, dry skin, blackheads, and dark spots can be controlled and treated at home.

All you need is some Epsom salt and your regular cleansing cream and voila! You have your go-to facial mask for baby-soft skin.

Things you’ll need:

• Epsom salt (exfoliates skin) – ½ teaspoon
• Cleansing cream (moisturizes skin) – 1 tablespoon

Step 1. Mix Epsom salt and cream

• Add ½ teaspoon of Epsom salt to 1 tablespoon of cleansing cream and mix them well.

Step 2. Store the mask in a container and use twice a week

• Transfer it to a container and store it at room temperature.
• Apply the mask on your face and leave it on for 10 minutes.
• Exfoliate in circular motions and rinse it off with water.
• Apply a moisturizer after using the mask.
• Use this Epsom salt exfoliating facial mask twice a week.

Method 4: Foot Care Soak

If you’re like most people, your feet are one of the most neglected parts of your body. But not taking proper care of your feet can lead to a number of problems like corns and calluses, dry skin, stinky feet or toenail fungus.

Soaking your feet in Epsom salt can heal the skin tissue, and using Listerine along with Epsom salt can ward off skin infections. It can help eliminate foot odor as well.

Things you’ll need:

• Epsom salt – ½ cup (softens skin)
• Listerine mouthwash – ½ cup (antiseptic)

Step 1. Combine Epsom salt and Listerine in a container

• Put ½ cup of Epsom salt in a container.
• Add ½ cup of Listerine mouthwash to the Epsom salt.

Step 2. Mix the ingredients, store in a jar and use

• Mix the ingredients well.
• Transfer the crystals into an airtight jar.
• Use it a few times a week as a scrub to exfoliate your feet.
• Alternatively, prepare a foot soak by adding it to warm water. Soak your feet for 30 minutes and pat dry.

Method 5: Bath Soak

A nice warm bath after a tiring day can take away the stress and refresh your mood. Using Epsom salt in your bath not only moisturizes your skin but also helps relax your nerves.

It can also relieve sore muscles and promote sound sleep. It can also help reduce inflammation.

Things you’ll need:

• Epsom salt (exfoliates skin) – 1 tablespoon
• Sea salt (replenishes minerals) – 1 tablespoon
• Lavender essential oil (improves circulation) – 3 or 4 drops

Step 1. Combine all the ingredients

• Put 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt in a container and add 1 tablespoon of sea salt to it.
• Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to the salts.

Step 2. Mix, store the crystals in a jar and use

• Mix all the ingredients well and transfer it to a container for storing.
• Add the Epsom salt bath soak crystals to warm bathwater whenever you take a bath.

Additional Tips

• Soaking your feet in Epsom salt and water can also cure bunions, as magnesium sulfate decalcifies the joint. Add Epsom salt to a small tub of hot water and soak your feet for 20 minutes. Repeat twice daily.
• Applying a mix of Epsom salt and water can also treat poison ivy and bug bites.
• A mix of Epsom salt and petroleum jelly can be used to exfoliate chapped lips.
• A concentrated Epsom salt solution can help you reduce swelling and inflammation to help pull out a splinter.

Summary of How to Use Epsom Salt for Health and Beauty

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