I’ve always wondered what is the appeal of Epsom salt?  It turns out this substance is somewhat of a multi-use miracle extending far beyond just health and beauty.  Itis frequently used in agriculture, home remedies and even as a valuable part of home craft projects. 

What is Epsom salt?

Epsom salt is composed of naturally occurring minerals of magnesium and sulfate.  The name “Epsom salt” is derived from the time of Shakespeare’s day in Epsom, England.  The word “salt” refers to the specific chemical structure of the compound and not to its similar appearance to the crystalline structure of table salt.

What health benefits does it offer?

Whether the use of Epsom salt for health is pure folklore, there are plenty of people who trust and believe in the power it contains.  Studies have found that the combo of magnesium and sulfate appear to have a wide-range of health benefits.  Here are claims of what Epsom salt can do for your health:

·        Soaking in a bath of Epsom salt allows magnesium and sulfate to absorb into your skin. About 68 percent of Americans consume less than what the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for magnesium.  Magnesium is necessary to help regulate the activity of more than 300 enzymes in the body and a lack of it can lead to high blood pressure, hyperactivity, and heart problems. By soaking in a bath containing Epsom salt, the magnesium and sulfate can be absorbed through the skin and is considered a safe, easy method to increase the body’s amount of magnesium and sulfate.  Add 2 cups of Epsom salt to running water in a bathtub and soak for at least 12 minutes. 

·        If you follow the TV show “Dancing with the Stars,” there’s a good chance some of them are resorting to Epsom salt for soothing sore muscles.  Claims have been made that soaking in a bath of Epsom salt can ease pain and aches in muscles and joints. 

·        Those same soaking baths with Epsom salt may help fight off colds and the flu.  The soaks increase the body’s temperature, causing a person to sweat which helps the body’s immune system fight off germs along with killing bacteria and fungus

·        If you have trouble with sleeping due to muscle tension, soaking in Epsom salt before bedtime can improve blood flow relaxing muscles and the extremities lulling you to a good night’s sleep.

 Beauty benefits of Epsom salt

Your health is not the only thing that benefits from Epsom salt.  There are several ways Epsom salt is known for beauty benefits to your skin and hair. The crystal form of magnesium and sulfate can gently exfoliate skin smoothing rough patches if used regularly.

·        Epsom salt’s natural exfoliating properties giving facial pores a deep cleaning.  Mix and add one-half teaspoon of Epsom salt to any face cleanser using gentle circular motions.  Rinse with cold water and dry.

·        Do your own low-cost at-home pedicure using Epsom salt. Mix a half-cup of Epsom salt with warm water soaking for a few minutes.  Remove any nail polish, cut and file toenails and soak again for five minutes. Any rough and calloused skin will be softened and smoothed with your feet looking and feeling great.

·        If you don’t take baths, you can use Epsom salt right after taking a shower. Gently massage Epsom salt onto wet skin. The coarse texture and rich nutrients help soften and slough off dead skin cells leaving skin silky smooth.

·        If you have extra dry skin, mix 2 cups of Epsom salt with a quarter cup of petroleum jelly.  Apply to extra dry, rough skin avoiding areas of skin that is broken or irritated.