Anyone who reads this blog knows that I love using Epsom Salts in my post-workout bath. I’m also fond of using a handful of epsom salt as a “scrub” during Summer months to cut down on dead skin.
So, I thought I’d share several uses for this magical substance:
1. Exfoliate skin
As our skin turns over naturally, the buildup of dead skin cells clogs pores and can cause blemishes. Exfoliation is necessary to keep skin healthy, glowing and vibrant. The best way to exfoliate with Epsom salts is to massage handfuls all over the body in the shower or bath. Your skin will feel soft and fresh with this homemade treatment. Easy and inexpensive!
2. Make your own hand wash
Mix ½ cup of baby oil (some use other oils) with ½ cup of water, and add ¼ cup of Epsom salts and a few drops of your favorite essential oil (I love lemon, orange or lavendar) . Keep this mixture next to your sink for a nice bathroom hand wash.
3. Treat insect bites and poison ivy
A compress made with Epsom salts is a great way to treat mosquito bites, bee stings and poison ivy. Mix 2 tablespoons of salts with 1 cup of warm water. Soak a clean cloth in the mixture and hold on affected area to remove pain, burning and itching. This is Missy K approved…we used it on the road trip this year!
4. Wash your face
Your face need to be cleaned and exfoliated just like the rest of your body. Put a teaspoon of Epsom salts in your hand and mix with a little warm water. Scrub your face with the mixture then rinse clean. This facial cleaner not only exfoliates and rejuvenates but also helps remove blackheads and prevent acne. Again, cost effective and it really works.
5. Remove splinters
Splinters can be tricky and painful to remove. Skip the needles and soak your splintered skin in an Epsom salt bath. The salts will draw the splinter out and leave the area clean.
6. Lip balm
Dry, flakey, cracking lips not only look awful but are painful. Heal this uncomfortable condition with a homemade Epsom salt lip balm. Mix equal parts organic coconut oil and Epsom salts. Apply to lips generously to exfoliate and moisturize.
7. Tile cleaner
Bathroom and kitchen tile grime can be difficult to clean. Powerful tile cleaners are not only expensive, but also often contain harmful chemicals. Make your own hard-working natural Epsom salt tile scrub. Mix equal parts liquid dish soap with epsom salts. Scrub onto tiles with a sponge and rinse clean with water. I tried this mixture on kitchen counters and it felt super clean.
8. Fertilize your lawn and plants
Epsom salts make a wonderful fertilizer for your lawn and potted plants. For greener grass, mix 1 cup of the salts for every gallon of water and spray over lawn area. To fertilize potted plants, simply sprinkle Epsom salts around the base of the plants once every week. This method of fertilizing also works great for tomatoes and other veggies.
9. Draw out toxins and reduce swelling
An Epsom salt bath is a wonderful way to draw toxins out of your body. Soaking in a bath for 10-15 minutes is also a great way to reduce swelling. Mix 1-2 cups of Epsom salts in a warm bath and mix to dissolve in water. This is my fave. I’ve been using this for years. I use the PLAIN kind……
DO YOU USE EPSOM FOR ANYTHING UNUSUAL? HAVE YOU USED IT IN YOUR BATH TO PREVENT MUSCLE SORENESS?
KEEP SOAKING,
