The first time I used Epsom Salts was when my mother gave me a tub of the shiny hard crystals so I could soak a dodgy swollen foot of one of our hens. I had no idea what the salts would do, but the hen was happily pecking in the garden the next day.
Since then, I’ve kept a tub of Epsom Salts to hand, but this common household item does much more than curing a chicken’s blistered foot!
What Are Epsom Salts?
Epsom salt is a mineral compound also known as magnesium sulfate. It is made up of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen and gets its name from the town of Epsom in Surrey, England, where it was originally discovered, dating as far back as the 17th century. It is incredibly versatile with many uses, from cleaning to curing ailments and is relatively inexpensive, making it a must-have item to store.
10 Uses For Epsom Salts
1: For Stress – Magnesium is a mineral that can lower our serotonin levels which, when we are deficient in magnesium, can make us feel sad, weak, irritable, and be at an increased risk of depression. When we soak in a bath of Epsom salts, our body produces serotonin alleviating these symptoms of stress.
2: For Sleep – The same can be said for sleep, as increasing our serotonin levels improves our mood and helps us sleep better.
3: For Aches And Pains – Treating our aches and pains with an Epsom salt bath is one of the most well-known uses for salts. The compounds in the salts are absorbed into our skin and actively relieve aches and pains as they draw toxins from our body to encourage healing. It also acts as an incredible natural anti-inflammatory.
4: For Sunburn – Sunburn is annoying and rather painful. Many of us reach for the aloe vera when the blistering redness aches, but the next time you forget your factor 50, try a cooling spray of Epsom salt as the inflammatory properties cool the sun-tinged area. Simply mix two tablespoons of Epsom salt with one cup of water.
5: For Bug Bites – Itchy bug bites are the bane of the summer months. For quick and natural relief for any bites this season, mix a half cup of hot water with half a cup of salt in a spray bottle and treat the affected area.
6: For Facials – The coarseness of Epsom Salts makes it work so well as a DIY scrub to smooth away dead skin cells.
7: For Splinters – Have you ever had a hard-to-reach, irritating splinter that simply won’t budge? Try soaking the area in Epsom salt water first. The salts will act as an anti-inflammatory, and the properties will help draw the splinter to the surface.
8: For Slugs – Or rather to deter slugs. A sprinkling of a line of salts will stop any slug from crossing it.
9: For Houseplants – Our plants need magnesium as much as we do. If you find leaves are turning yellow, add a teaspoon of Epsom salt to a gallon of water and spray the leaves.
10: For Cleaning – Epsom salts are miracle workers when it comes to scrubbing pots and pans, cleaning the washing machine, or freshening up that grouting!
