Who would have thought that a simple salt crystal yields many benefits? Epsom salt, a pure mineral compound, was discovered in a spring in Epsom, Surrey, England. It has long been known and used for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties, from soothing sore and tired muscles to healing small wounds and even eliminating harmful toxins from the body. It is also a natural exfoliant which makes it a popular, low-cost, and easy-to-use ingredient for enhancement of beauty and relaxation.
With its varied and numerous uses, the following are some of the most common wonders of Epsom salt:
1. Relaxing Body Soak
Be revitalized and incorporate this in your relaxation regimen. Make an Epsom salt body soak by adding two cups of Epsom salt to a bathtub of hot water. Soak for at least 12 minutes. This will leave you refreshed and your skin hydrated. To achieve maximum effect, do these soaks three times a week.
2. Sleeping Aid
Hit the sack with the help of Epsom salt. Its ability to soothe skin and relax muscles makes Epsom salt contributing factor to that much needed good night’s rest. Doze off by soaking in a warm Epsom salt bath before bed.
3. Instant Facial
Get that radiant and clean look by having an Epsom salt facial. Just add one-half a teaspoon of Epsom salt to any facial cleanser or cream. Then, apply to skin, rinse with cold water, and pat dry. Voila! Epsom salt’s natural exfoliating properties get deep into the facial pores for a thorough clean.
4. Foot Soak and Pedicure
Sore, tired feet? Are you dying to go to the spa for that long overdue pedicure appointment? Indulge in a do-it-yourself, cost-effective, in-home Epsom salt pedicure. Soak your feet with warm soap water, and mix one-half cup Epsom salt. Remove nail polish, cut and file toenails, and then, soak again for five minutes. Because of its natural exfoliating properties, rough and callused skin is softened, leaving your feet smooth and supple.
5. Natural Lip Balm
Ditch your Chapstick and switch to a more nourishing and deeper treatment with Epsom salt. A teaspoon of petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) plus a few tablespoons of salt, apply the solution to the lips, and gently rub it in. This facilitates removal of dead and/or chapped skin and you’ll have a fuller and healthier lip.
6. Hair Volumizer
Add body to your hair by mixing Epsom salt to your conditioner. It helps remove excess oil, which makes hair appear flat. Mix equal parts of Epsom salt and conditioner to have your own volumizer. Apply to hair and leave on for at least 20 minutes before rinsing. Do this as a once a week hair treatment.
7. Bee Sting, Bug Bites & Itching
Alleviate pain and discomfort form common insect bites and bee sting by using an anti-inflammatory Epsom salt compress. Just mix two tablespoons of Epsom salt with one cup of water, dip a cotton washcloth in the solution, and apply to the affected area.
8. Deep Exfoliation
Combine two cups of Epsom salt with a quarter cup of petroleum jelly. This is for a more thorough and deeper treatment for rough and tough patches of dry skin. Don’t use on broken or irritated skin.
9. Splinter Remover & Remedy
Soak in Epsom salt. This will draw out the splinter. After removal, relieve the swelling and irritation with an Epsom salt compress. Combine two tablespoons of Epsom salt with a cup of cold water, soak a cotton washcloth in the solution, and apply to the affected area.
10. Sunburn Care
Sunburned from too much sun enjoyment? Worry no more; Epsom salt can be your best friend. It has anti-inflammatory properties which helps alleviate mild sunburn irritation. Get an empty spray bottle, mix two tablespoons of Epsom with one cup of water and spray on the affected area.
These are just a few of the hundreds of “wonders” this salt has to offer. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a pack and say goodbye to those expensive spa treatments and indulge in your very own relaxing spa experience at home!
