Epsom salt – it’s a totally different thing to table (cooking) salt, so what is it used for exactly?1
It happens to be used for lots of things. Much more than you probably realise….
Save you having to search around for the many different uses, most of which are ailment related (give or take a couple of uses), we’ve listed some of the most common ways of using Epsom salt below:
Epsom salt uses
Did you know they can boost your garden? The examples below provide you with an insight into just how widespread the use of Epsom salt really is.
1. Epsom salt baths
Soaking away in an Epsom salt bath can help soothe tired muscles and, because it contains magnesium, it’s also believed to help relieve dry skin. This is due to the fact that the magnesium is absorbed by our skin as we bathe.
However, it’s worth noting here that there’s widespread speculation relating to the level of absorption and effectiveness.2
How to make an Epsom salt bath: Add two cups of Epsom salt per gallon of warm water.3
2. Epsom salt foot soak
Having an Epsom foot bath can have relaxing effect on your body, Epsom salt foot soaks work by help relaxing your muscles.
Epsom foot soaks can: Help to reduce foot odour, heal fungus and ingrown toenails and soothe dry skin.4
3. Epsom salt face mask
You can use Epsom salt to make a cleansing face mask that’s applied to damp skin for maximum absorption. Mix quarter of a cup of grated carrot with 1.5 teaspoons of mayonnaise with half a teaspoon of Epsom salt. (For more face mask recipes, check out this article, ‘5 DIY face masks for moisturising.’
You can also create an Epsom salt skin exfoliator too: Gently massage Epsom salt over wet skin, starting with your feet and continuing up towards the face.5
4. Epsom salt uses in the garden
Going from using Epsom salt to help soothe and moisturise our skin to using it in the garden may seem a bit of random leap, but it’s totally valid.
According to the Epsom Salt Council, Epsom salt is a key nutrient for plants and vegetables because of its magnesium sulphate make-up.
How to use Epsom salt in your garden: Add two tablespoons per gallon of water to houseplants and feed monthly, add one tablespoon per nine square feet of shrubs and apply to the roots every two to four weeks. For trees, apply two tablespoons over nine square feet three times a year.6
Feeling a bit clearer on how to use Epsom salt now? For more Epsom salt insight, have a read of this – ‘What is Epsom salt?’
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Last updated: 4 August 2020
Sources
1 https://www.procureheals.com/solution/how-is-epsom-salt-different-from-regular-salt/
2 https://www.healthline.com/health/epsom-salt-bath
3 https://www.healthline.com/health/epsom-salt-bath#bath
4 https://www.canyonranch.com/blog/beauty/the-healing-benefits-of-foot-soaks/
5 https://home.howstuffworks.com/green-living/13-ways-to-use-epsom-salt.htm
6 https://www.epsomsaltcouncil.org/gardening/epsom-salt-for-gardening/
