Eight unexpected ways you could be using epsom salts

Epsom salts – chemically known as magnesium sulfate – are named after the spring in Surrey, England where the naturally-occurring mineral was discovered in the water. Most people use it as a foot soak or for a relaxing bath, but there’s many more ways to use it!

1. Relieve constipation.

Dissolve two tablespoons of Epsom salts into a cup of warm water and drink. This remedy should not be used more than once per day. If you’re constipated for several days, it’s best to see a doctor.

2. Remove splinters.

If you’ve gotten a splinter, if can be difficult and painful to get out. But it’s easy to dislodge but soaking the affected body part in warm water and Epsom salts for a few minutes. The magnesium sulfate will reduce the inflammation around the wound and soften up the splinter, making it much easier to remove.

3. Soothe sprains and bruises. 

Epsom salts can be used to alleviate the soreness from sprains and bruises. Just add two cups of salts to your warm bath water and soak away the ache. Use some warmed up crystals to apply directly to your bruises and rinse away.

4. Soothe a bee sting.

Battle minor swelling from bee stings by using an anti-inflammatory Epsom salt compress. Mix two tablespoons of Epsom salt with a cup of cold water and soak a face washer in the solution. Apply to affected area and leave on to soothe.

5. Clean tiles.

Mix Epsom salts with equal parts liquid dishwashing liquid, then dab it onto the mouldy/dirty areas, allow it to soak for a minute or two, and start scrubbing. Epsom salts work with the detergent to scrub and dissolve the grime.

6. Remove excess oil from hair.

Don’t wash your hair every day! All you need is Epsom salt to soaks up excess oil from your hair so you can wash it less. Add 9 tablespoons of Epsom salt to 1/2 cup of hair shampoo. Apply one tablespoon of the liquid to your hair when dry and rinse with cold water. Pour apple cider vinegar through the hair, leave on for 5-10 minutes, then rinse.

7. Lip scrub.

In winter, your lips can crack much more easily and feel sore – they can even bleed. To smooth them out, mix a few tablespoons of Epsom salt with a teaspoon of petroleum jelly. Wipe off!

8. Make grass greener.

Epsom salt, which adds needed magnesium and iron to your soil, may be the answer to a greener lawn. All you need to do is add two tablespoons to one litre of water. Spread on your lawn with a garden sprayer and make sure it soaks into the grass.

Do you have any alternate ways to use Epsom salts that you’d like to add?