Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) has a lot going for it with benefits for pain relief, inflammation to addressing beauty needs, crafts to simplifying chores around the home. Epsom salt is also fairly inexpensive and works for a variety of other uses you may not be aware of. In this post, I will share some other wonderful and clever hacks for this common household ingredient that may amaze you.
Benefits and Other Uses of Epsom Salt for Health
Foot Soak: This can help relieve foot pain, reducing swelling and soften rough skin on the feet. In fact, try my DIY foot soak, which alleviates the pain in my feet when they hurt. However, if you’re a diabetic or have circulation problems, then you don’t want to use an Epsom salt soak or take a long shower or bath for that matter. The reason is the magnesium sulfate could open wounds, add risking more nerve damage to nerve damage to worse circulation.
Sore Muscle Relief: According to an interesting article on USA Today, an ER doctor advised using two scoops of Epsom salt in a warm bath soaking 20 minutes, followed by a cold shower for patients with lower back pain, muscle strains and aches to stress as a better alternative to over-the-counter pain relievers or risking interference with other prescription medications. This is a safer option. The reason is because Epsom salt does not need metabolization or detoxification by the liver or kidney from the way pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen do.
Removing Splinters: Soak the affected area in warm water mixed with Epsom salt to help in drawing
out splinters and reducing inflammation, making them easier to remove.
Treating Sunburn: Dissolve Epsom salt in water and spray or apply it directly to sunburned skin to soothe irritation and assist in healing.
Improving Sleep: Taking a warm bath with Epsom salt before bedtime can also serve to relax the body and promote better sleep by relieving stress and tension.
Beauty Benefits of Epsom Salt
Hair Volumizer: Try using equal amounts of Epsom salt and your favorite conditioner (about three tablespoons of each) and create a volumizing hair treatment. Depending on your hair length, you may need more or less. Why magnesium sulfate can potentially accomplish this feat is because it removes the oil from the hair follicles that weighed them down to boost volume and texture.
Oily Hair Shampoo: If you suffer from oily hair, you may find it beneficial to try using equal amounts of Epsom salt to your favorite shampoo as well. The reason this could help a greasy hair problem is due to how absorbent Epsom salt is for ridding the scalp of excess oil. Shampoo it in while vigorously rubbing the scalp and hair roots before rinsing. You can give it a second shampooing with the combo again for severe oily hair, but the important thing to remember is using this treatment only every other day. Otherwise, you risk damage from the salt, overly drying the hair to make it breakable.
Garden Benefits of Epsom Salt
Removing Tree Stumps: Using Epsom salt to help remove tree stumps takes some patience, but it can save you money from hiring professionals. Furthermore, its decomposing matter makes wonderful organic material for your garden.
To Remove Tree Stumps
- Use a power drill and a wide drill bit and drill several holes in the top of the stump, spaced a few inches apart.
- Cover the top of the stump with Epsom salt.
- Water the Epsom salt-filled holes thoroughly to help dissolve the salt and carry it into the wood.
- Cover the stump with a tarp to prevent the rain from washing away the salt and slow down the decomposition process. You also make a makeshift tarp by cutting up a trash bag and wrapping to secure it snugly over the stump if you don’t have one.
- Repeat this process every two to three weeks. You’ll see your stump fully decayed in six to 12 months’ time.
- Once the stump has dried out enough, attempt to remove it with a stump grinder, axe or other suitable tools.
Fertilizer: Epsom salt can be used as a fertilizer for plants, particularly those that require magnesium, such as tomatoes, peppers, and roses. It can help improve plant growth and enhance the absorption of nutrients.
Epsom Salt Benefits for the Home
Household Cleaning: Epsom salt also has benefits that can be used as a natural cleaner for household surfaces. Mix it with liquid dish soap to create a scrub for cleaning sinks, tubs, and tiles.
Prevents Slugs: Sprinkle some Epsom salt near interior doorways can help keep those pests at bay. for Crafts and DIY Projects
Magnesium Sulfate for Crafts and DIY Projects
Crafts and DIY Projects: Epsom salt can be used in various craft projects, such as making homemade bath bombs, scented salts, or decorative candle holders.
To sum it up, Epsom salt has a lot of potential other uses and benefits that could better and simplify your life.
