Epsom Salt Uses and Remedies

Epsom salt derived its name from the place it was discovered in the town of Epsom in Surrey, England. It is a common household and gardening product. It is used as a cleaning agent, fertilizer, pest control and as home treatment for weak battery.

It is scientifically known as magnesium sulfate because it contains magnesium and sulphate and also oxygen. Each of this chemical substance has its own benefits and uses and the combination of MgSO4 makes Epsom salt a powerful natural healing compound.

Magnesium is involved in regulating the activity of more than 300 enzymes and it is very crucial in the structure and function of the body. Among the benefits of magnesium include lowering high blood pressure, converting blood sugar into energy and reducing the risk of diabetes, supporting heart function and the formation of bones which reduces the risk of osteoporosis.

Magnesium is also helpful in maintaining mental health and will lead to better focus, concentration and sleep. It will also make you feel more relaxed. A deficiency of magnesium in the body can cause muscle soreness, spasms and muscle cramps.

Some of the benefits of sulphate include improving absorption of nutrients and flushing toxins. The sulphate or salt that is combined with magnesium and oxygen is able to absorb into the body through the skin. This is why Epsom salt therapy makes use of Epsom salt bath and Epsom salt soak.

Epsom salt uses No. 1 - Natural laxative

You might already know that Epsom salt is a natural laxative and the claim has already been approved by the US RDA. Taking it orally helps treat constipation as both the combination of magnesium and sulphate help loosen stool and induce bowel movements. To make Epsom salt laxative dilute ½ teaspoon of the salt in a glass of water.

But like many other oral laxatives, you shouldn't abuse the use of laxative even if it is a natural substance because it will cause loss of lots of fluid from your body. This can lead to dehydration and if and when your brain receives the message that you are lacking fluid, it would trigger your body to retain water and it can then lead to edema.

Epsom salt uses No. 2 - Soothe muscle aches and pains

There are several remedies to soothe muscle aches and pains. Taking an Epsom salt bath or dipping your feet in an Epsom salt foot soak is one of them. As mentioned earlier, the chemical compounds will penetrate into your body through the skin to heal and treat your aches and pain. A salt bath is a good way to unwind and relax your body and mind and especially if you feel stressed, anxious or experiencing a headache.

There are many Epsom salt bath products combined with different types of essential oils sold in the market as remedies for various ailments. To make your own Epsom salt bath, simply pour 2 cups of magnesium sulphate into your bath tub of warm water and soak in it for about 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse your body. You can add any essential oil of your liking for additional health benefits.

Epsom salt uses No. 3 - Treat skin problems

One of Epsom salt uses includes treating skin disorders such as psoriasis. An Epsom salt bath or soak can provide relief from the symptoms of psoriasis such as itching. The salt bath will also help remove dead and dry skin.

Another way of using Epsom salt in treating psoriasis or other skin problems such eczema, sciatica, rash and keratosis pilaris is to dip a piece of clean wash cloth or towel in the salt solution and use it as a compress.

You can also make use of Epsom salt to wash your face and exfoliate and treat acne, blemishes, blackheads and pimples.

In her book the cure for all diseases, Dr. Hulda Clark recommends the use of 4 tablespoons of Epsom salt combined with olive oil, pink grapefruit juice, ornithine and black walnut tincture for liver and gallbladder flush or liver cleanse. The additional benefits of using her ingredients include expulsion of intrahepatic stones and the elimination of shoulder, upper and upper back pain.

Another of Epsom salt uses is in preventing the outbreak of genital herpes. Taking a warm Epsom salt bath several times a day may help improve circulation, inactivate the sores and speed up healing. It is better to do it if you can sense an outbreak approaching.

To treat cold sore, place an Epsom salt crystal on the sore to numb the pain.

If you are pregnant or suffer from a chronic health problem such as diabetes or heart problem, please seek your doctor's opinion first before trying the remedies on this page.

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