Epsom Salts Exposed

About a month ago I was visiting Boston and they were experiencing a cold, rainy spell. The day I left Vegas for this trip was a balmy 110. So, this was a very welcomed change. I loved every raindrop. Every rumble of thunder. Every chilly breeze through my open windows.
I loved it so much, in fact, that I borrowed a dog a went for a walk. No big deal, right??

Wrong!

I somehow morphed into Forrest Gump and literally kept walking. 7 miles later I had some seriously nasty blisters going on. A few days later I went for a massage and the therapist had suggested Epsom salts for soaking my feet. Why am I never capable of thinking of these super simple cures on my own?!?!

 I did buy some Epsom salt and I did soak nightly for the next few days, and I did feel like it helps.

One of the intended uses for this product is to relieve constipation. And, if this is your goal you should follow the instructions on the package you buy, which on mine were to add 1 teaspoon to 8 oz of water and drink.

More recently I came across even more off the beaten path uses for this inexpensive little gem. And in doing my own research discovered there is an Epsom Salt Council. Per their website 68% of adults in the U.S. have a magnesium deficiency.

Epsom salt is made up of magnesium and sulfate, which can help improve health in numerous ways. A lack of magnesium—which helps regulate the activity of more than 300 enzymes in the body—can contribute to high blood pressure, hyperactivity, heart problems and other health issues, doctors warn. Sulfate is essential for many biological processes, helping to flush toxins and helping form proteins in joints, brain tissue and mucin proteins.

Soaking in a bath of Epsom salt can correct these deficiencies since both are absorbed through the skin safely & easily. In a normal size bathtub, just add 2 cups of salt to warm bath water and soak for 12 minutes 3 times a week. In addition to alleviating any deficiencies this soak is also great for muscle aches and alleviating bruises.
As a foot soak, using Epsom salt will help treat athlete's foot and nail fungus, relieve symptoms of gout, alleviate foot odor, and draw out splinters. (And, help crazy people who give themselves intense blister action!)

For mosquito bites, bee stings, mild sunburn and poison ivy, make compresses by soaking a cotton washcloth in cold water that has been mixed with 2 tablespoons of salt per cup of water, then apply to the skin.

Epsom salt also makes a great exfoliator to treat dry skin! Just mix 1/4 cup of Vaseline with 2 cups of salt (and a few drops of your favorite essential oils if desired) and massage all over. For an exfoliating facial cleanser mix half a teaspoon with 1/4 cup of Noxema and massage over the face and rinse with cool water.

To add volume to hair mix equal parts salt with your favorite conditioner and leave in hair for 20 minutes before rinsing.

There are also numerous uses for Epsom salt in your garden.

All in all, Espom salt is one of those product that are great to keep on hand. It is cheap, extremely versatile, and available in most pharmacies and grocery stores.