12 Uses for Epsom Salt
When I hear the words "Epsom salt," I think of those containers I see in the store and how you're supposed to add Epsom salt to a bath when you have aching muscles. So I got curious when I saw our friends on Hometalk discussing a variety of uses for Epsom salt. What exactly is Epsom salt, and how
Posted — UpdatedIf you're thinking "salt," think again. It's actually magnesium sulfate, named for Epsom, England, where it occurs naturally in hot springs as a result of rock formations. Visitors used to flock to Epsom to "take the waters" in an era when people believed that mineral baths conferred health benefits, and ever since then, we've been adding Epsom salts to bath water when we're feeling sore.
However, it can be used for a lot more than easing muscle aches and pains, and with Hometalk as my inspiration, I put together a list of uses for Epsom salt that you might not know about.
Rough skin? Make a paste with Epsom salt and water and use it to gently lift away dead skin and break down calluses. Be patient; you may need to exfoliate over days or weeks to completely smooth your skin, and you don't want to rush it. This technique is especially helpful on your hands, where calluses can built up if you spend time in the garden or on other projects that require getting dirty.
Remember how I told you that Epsom salt removes product buildup in hair? It can also pull up soap scum on tile! Use a paste to scrub bathrooms, sinks, and showers; the Epsom salt will lift up the buildup without scratching the surface beneath.
Some plants like tons of food, especially roses. Work some Epsom salt into the soil around them to keep them happy, especially during blooming season, when you want them producing beautiful, long-lasting flowers. Palm trees and tomatoes are also big fans of Epsom salt!
Agh, splinters are the worst! And sometimes they just won't come out, no matter what. Epsom salt to the rescue: because it increases osmotic pressure (a fancy way of saying that it draws fluid out of cells), it pulls splinters towards the surface of the skin; soak an area with a splinter and it should work right out!
Dissolve Epsom salt in water to make a cool compress or spritzer for irritated skin. You can keep a bottle of Epsom salt and water solution around the house for bug bites, sunburn, and other irritations, so you'll always be ready! (Especially helpful if you have kids.)
Ready to go get your Epsom on?