Do you remember seeing Epsom salt in your grandparent’s bathroom? Well this is one of those folk remedies that has something going for it.
Epsom salt is known scientifically as hydrated magnesium sulphate. In water it breaks down into magnesium and sulphate which is then absorbed through your skin. This is great news because many of us are low in magnesium but supplements can be poorly absorbed through the digestive tract. However, biochemist Rosemary Waring found that people increased their magnesium and sulphate levels after soaking in a bath enriched with Epsom salt.

What could be easier than soaking for a minimum of 20 minutes in a bath of warm water with a couple of handfuls of Epsom salt or if you lack time (or a bath) just soaking your feet in a bowl of warm water containing the salt will do the trick.
So what are the health benefits and how exactly do you use the salt……..(click here)

Magnesium is the second most abundant element in our cells. It helps the body regulate over 325 enzymes and plays an important part in muscle control, electrical impulses, energy production and the elimination of toxins. Magnesium deficiency can lead to many ailments including heart disease, osteoporosis, joint pain, digestive problems, chronic fatigue and others.

Sulphates play an important part in the formation of brain tissue, joint proteins and the proteins that line the wall of the digestive tract. They stimulate the pancreas to generate digestive enzymes and are thought to help detoxify the body of environmental contaminants.

I think it is easy to see that boosting your magnesium and Sulphate levels could be beneficial.

How to use:

Epsom salt is a popular remedy for easing muscle pain and fading bruises. Add 2 cups(approx 250-500g) of bath salt to warm water in a standard-sized bathtub (increase it if you have a larger bath). Bathe 2-3 times weekly, soaking for at least 15-20 minutes.

For Sore Muscles:

Make compresses by soaking a cotton washcloth in cold water that has been mixed with Epsom salt (2 tablespoons per cup), then apply to the skin.

Create a paste to apply to the skin by adding a teaspoon of Epsom salt to about a cup of hot water until it dissolves, then chill the solution in the fridge for 20 minutes. Note: Clean the skin and pat dry before applying the paste.

Take an Epsom salt bath, by adding 2 cups of Epsom salt to the water in a standard-sized bathtub and soaking for at least 15-20 minutes. The salt dissolves quicker if you pour it under running water.

Foot Bath:

Soothe your aching feet. Put 1 cup (100-250g) of salt into a tub/bowl/foot spa of warm water.

Exfoliation Epsom salt is a popular remedy for easing muscle pain and fading bruises. Add 2 cups(approx 250-500g) of bath salt to warm water in a standard-sized bathtub (increase it if you have a larger bath). Bathe 2-3 times weekly, soaking for at least 15-20 minutes.

For exfoliation, mix 2 cups (250-500g) of Epsom salt with 1/4 cup of petroleum jelly and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Use the mixture to gently scrub away dry skin patches.

Facial:

Mix 1/2 tsp of Epsom salt into cleansing cream for deep-pore cleansing. Massage on skin, rinse with cool water and pat dry.

Warning

Store sealed in a cool, dry place as over time salt can absorb moisture.

Do not use on broken skin. Avoid contact with eyes. Not suitable for use on babies or infants. Do not use when pregnant.