When trying to absorb minerals or vitamins, one of the best ways to do that is via the skin. The skin is actually the largest organ in the body, which means that, much like your liver or kidneys, it needs nutrients to stay healthy. Epsom salt is a magical thing that you can give your skin to help it stay healthy.
Famous for adding to baths, Epsom salt is not actually salt at all! It is technically magnesium sulfate, a mixture of magnesium and the sulfate compound. As the story goes, a farmer in Epsom, Surrey, England, discovered the healing properties of Epsom salt in the early 1600s. His cows weren’t drinking the water on his farm because it was bitter. Somehow, he realized that that same water helped to heal scratches and skin ailments like rashes. Word spread and Epsom salt was born from this finding.
A Great Exfoliator
To properly exfoliate, you need something that is slightly abrasive without being too rough on the skin. You can do this by applying a handful of Epsom salt to damp skin and showering off afterwards. You can also relax in an Epsom salt bath (2 cups of salt should be good) for healthy skin.
A Great Stress Reliever
If you have too many things on your mind and need to naturally lower stress levels, take an Epsom salt bath. Magnesium is an essential mineral that works to combat cortisol, the stress hormone. Magnesium is also responsible for reducing inflammation and relaxing sore muscles. So hop in a warm Epsom salt bath and let your stress melt away.
A Great Acne Treatment
Because Epsom salt can help you naturally exfoliate, it helps to deep clean your pores, working to clear your face of oils and bacteria. The antimicrobial content of sulfate helps Epsom salt naturally fight off acne bacteria.
For Arterial Health
Epsom salt may be beneficial for arterial health because it can help improve circulation. It does this by reducing inflammation in arteries. When your arteries are healthy, your risk of blood clots or plaque build-up in your arteries lessen. Three or four Epsom salt baths a week should help to improve cardiovascular health.
Remedy For Toenail Fungus
If you develop athlete’s foot or some kind of toenail fungal infection, Epsom salt can be a great natural remedy. Soak your affected foot in a warm foot bath with ½ cup of Epsom salt. Soak your foot as long as you want to alleviate itching or to promote faster healing.
Constipation Relief
Believe it or not, Epsom salt is commonly used to make a saline laxative. You can make this solution by dissolving 1 teaspoon of Epsom salt in 8 ounces of warm water. Do not drink this more than once a day. This should help to naturally relieve constipation.
Help To Remove Splinters
Splinters aren’t the worst things in the world, but they sure are irritating. Soak the affected splinter area in some warm water with Epsom salt for a couple minutes to naturally soften up the splinter. This makes it much easier to remove.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
