Epsom Salt or Magnesium Sulfate has been used for many years for naturally treating skin problems, relax the nervous system, and draw toxins from the body.

Before all the fancy products, new medicines, treatments, sprays, rubs and soaks came along; the old-fashioned product did the trick for numerous people. Many of these main ingredients have been present for a long time and they are mostly forgotten because of their plain form. Some people are aware of the benefits of Epsom Salt when it comes to relaxing tight muscles because they’re found in several bath products but Epsom Salts actually have dozens of other health benefits.

Epsom salt has been present for hundreds of years now and is well-known for its wonders. Do not mistake Epsom salt for regular table salt. Table salt is sodium chloride and is an entirely different substance as the Epsom, which is made of two components – magnesium and sulfate. Apart from that fact, Epsom salt is bitter and regular table salt is, well, salty. Interestingly, Epsom salt has many beneficial properties that can soothe your body, mind and soul. 

Below are some of the wellness wonders of Epsom salt:

Relieves body of stress and relaxes the body
Basically, stress drains the body of magnesium and when Epsom salt is dissolved in warm water, Magnesium Sulfate is absorbed through the skin and replenishes the level of magnesium in the body. The salt helps in drawing out the toxins from the body, sedates the nervous system and it reduces swelling and relaxes muscles. Magnesium aids in producing a hormone called Serotonin, a mood-elevating hormone within the brain which is responsible for creating a calm and relaxed feeling. Magnesium also boosts energy and stamina by encouraging the production of energy packets in the cells called ATP (Adrenosine Triphospate). Experts also believe that bathing with Epsom Salt at least 3 times a week helps you look better, feel better and more energized. Magnesium ions also relax and reduce irritability by lowering the effects of adrenaline. It lowers blood pressure, creates a relaxed feeling, improves sleep, concentration, and helps muscles and nerves to function properly.

Exfoliate dead skin cells
Massaging Epsom salt mixed with a tablespoon of your favorite massage oil or bath oil can make your skin smoother and softer than ever. This could prove to be the best quick-fix beauty tip you’ve ever known.

Helps muscles and nerves function properly
Based on studies, magnesium is an electrolyte and helps in the proper functioning of the muscles, nerve and enzyme.

Prevents hardening of arteries and blood clots
Experts believe that Epsom salt can prevent heart disease and stroke by lowering blood pressure, protect the elasticity of arteries, prevent the blood clots and reduce risks of sudden heart attack deaths.

Makes insulin more effective
These salts help in lowering the risk or severity of diabetes by increasing the effectiveness of insulin.

Relieves constipation
Various studies proved that Epsom salt can be used to treat constipation by acting as a laxative. For occasional constipation or irregularity, adults can mix 2 to 4 teaspoons into water until dissolved and drink. Kids 6 to 12 take half of that. This can be used twice a day by taking the first treatment, waiting 4 hours and taking the second dosage if necessary. However, it is strictly warned that Epsom Salt should not be used to relieve constipation without the consultation of a physician as it may prove to be harmful in some cases. 

Absorbs oil from the hair and adds fullness to thin hair
Add 8 tablespoons of Epsom salts to a half a cup of shampoo that’s formulated for oily hair. Put a tablespoon of the shampoo mixture on dry hair and work it in and around the scalp area, rinsing it out with cold water. To rinse it well, and further treat oily hair, pour a cup of apple cider vinegar over the hair, leave on for 5 minutes, and then rinse with cool water.

To add fullness to thin hair, combine equal parts of Epsom salts and hair conditioner. Warm the mixture in a pan then work it into hair. Leave on for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water.
 

To sum it all up, just by bathing with Epsom salt regularly, you get these wonderful benefits**:

• Improved heart and circulatory health, reducing irregular heartbeats, preventing hardening of the arteries, reducing blood clots and lowering blood pressure.

• Improved ability for the body to use insulin, reducing the incidence or severity of diabetes.

• Flushed toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances.

• Improved nerve function by electrolyte regulation. Also, calcium is the main conductor for electrical current in the body, and magnesium is necessary to maintain proper calcium levels in the blood.

• Relieve stress. Excess adrenaline and stress are believed to drain magnesium, a natural stress reliever, from the body. Magnesium is necessary for the body to bind adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of well being and relaxation.

• Reduced inflammation to relieve pain and muscle cramps.

• Improved oxygen use.

• Improved absorption of nutrients.

• Improved formation of joint proteins, brain tissue and mucin proteins.

• Prevention or easing of migraine headaches.

**If you are pregnant or have any health concerns, check with your doctor before using Epsom salts.

Next time you’re shopping for bath essentials, beauty or health products, let go of the fancier stuff for a moment and go for the old-fashioned, effective Epsom salt to improve your wellness!

Click here to check out SPA Ingredients Epsom Salt Scrub variants!