The Wonders of Epsom Salts

The younger generation of readers might only have a general idea of what Epsom salts are. You may remember your aunt or grandmother soaking her feet in warm water and Epsom salts after a long day on her feet, but otherwise may not really understand what it’s for or whether it really works.

Others who are reading this who are a bit more in-tune with home-based treatments and remedies might swear by Epsom salts.

The good news is that the widespread use and anecdotal information on its effectiveness has sparked a small but growing body of research on how Epsom salts can (and can’t) scientifically support your health and well-being.

This article will give you a short introduction on what Epsom salts are, and reasons why they should be a staple in your medicine cabinet.

First of All, What Are Epsom Salts?

Don’t let the name confuse you – it’s not just fancy table salt. It is a “salt” because of its chemical structure. Its chemical name is magnesium sulfate, which sounds much more technical, and less friendly, frankly, than its common name.

It is commonly called Epsom salt because it is naturally found in Epsom natural springs in the United Kingdom. Surprisingly, Epsom salts are commonly found as an ingredient in a range of medicines, including aspirin and laxatives. It has been used for hundreds of years to alleviate sore muscles, and general aches and pains.

They are usually dissolved in warm water to make an Epsom salt bath, and the person affected is meant to lay in the Epsom salt bath, or just soak a specific body part, for several minutes (at least 12, according to WebMD).

What are The Benefits of Epsom Salts?

The Epsom Salt Council has created two categories of benefits: health and beauty.

The health benefits of Epsom Salts include treatment for:

• Sore muscles
• Cold and flu symptoms
• Aching feet
• Bruises
• Splinter removal
• Ingrown toenails

You can use Epsom salts by dissolving it in warm water to make a therapeutic bath, soaking a washcloth in water with Epsom salt to make a compress, or making a paste to apply directly to the skin.

The beauty benefits of Epsom Salts include:

• Hair volumizer, by mixing with conditioner
• Facial cleanser, together with your regular face cleanser, for a deeper clean
• As a skin exfoliator
• As a stress-reducing bath

How NOT to Use Epsom Salt

Because of its pain-relieving effects, some people choose to use Epsom salts to relieve aches and pains on the inside of the body. This may include sore throats or stomach aches, or even supposed “cleansing” diets.

It is VERY important that you do NOT ingest Epsom salts. While the word “salt” may make it seem ingestible, it can cause serious intoxication, and may even lead to death.

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Epsom salts have been used for generations as a treatment for a range of external ailments, aches, and pains. Making Epsom bath soaks, compresses or pastes may not only help to relieve discomforts, they may also be used as part of your beauty regimen. Best of all, several pounds only cost a few dollars!