15 Reasons Everyone Should Have Epsom Salts at Home

POPSUGAR Photography | Benjamin Stone
POPSUGAR Photography | Benjamin Stone

Epsom salts are most commonly used for helping ease aches and pains after a long workout session or an illness. But there are far more uses for Epsom salts than you ever imagined. The mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate originates from Epsom in Surrey, and looks like regular table salt, but the two have very different properties and uses. Epsom salts are particularly good for us because many people are lacking in the minerals it contains, meaning it has beneficial healing properties for the body.

Epsom salts have a diverse range of uses, from removing splinters to cleaning washing machines. Keep reading to see how you can incorporate Epsom salts into your daily routine.

Tip: if you find Epsom salts dry your skin out a little but you still feel the other benefits from it try adding coconut oil or essential oils to your bath, or your body. Also ensure you moisturize well afterwards bathing in the salt.

Relaxation

Epsom salts are a great way to relax and soothe aches and pains. Add a cup or two to your bath.

Removing splinters

Those pesky splinters we get from time to time can be tricky to remove. Mixing the salts with water acts as an anti-inflammatory and soaking can help remove the splinter.

Exfoliation

Due to the coarse nature of the salts, they can make a great exfoliator, Just be careful not to scrub too hard, as Epsom salts can be rough on more sensitive skins.

Help remove product build-up

Sometimes all that dry shampoo and hairspray can leave hair dull, and no matter how many times you shampoo, the residue just won't budge. Mix Epsom salts with water and massage into scalp to remove the debris. You can either leave this on for 20-40 minutes or leave on overnight, then shampoo the build-up out.

Soothe sore patches of skin on the scalp

Epsom salts have been used for centuries to help skin conditions such as eczema. The minerals in the salts help kill off any bacteria that may be lingering and help restore the skin's natural barrier. Try adding Epsom salts to shampoo for an easy scalp treatment.

Washing machine cleaner

This versatile salt can be an effective washing machine cleaner when there is a build-up of washing detergent. To clean, run Epsom salts with white vinegar and water through an empty cycle.

Headache relief

Help relieve your headache by taking a hot bath with Epsom salts for relaxation.

Tile cleaner

Epsom salts make a great tile cleaner; mix them with washing up liquid for a powerful cleaning solution.

Bug bites

These salts can work at reducing itching from bug bites. Mix salts with water and put into a spray bottle, spray directly on bug bites as needed to reduce itch.

Improve blood circulation

Epsom salts are said to help improve blood circulation by reducing inflammation. Take regular (three to four times a week) relaxing soaks and see if this makes a difference for you.

Hair mask

DIY hair masks are a great way to care for our hair. Mix Epsom salts with your favorite conditioner, massage through the lengths and leave in hair for 20 minutes to give the hair extra volume.

Hand wash

When mixed with baby oil the salts can make a moisturizing hand wash.

Foot scrub

Due to the coarse nature of the salts, they make an effective foot scrub. Add essential oils like peppermint, lemon, or tea tree for added detoxifying and deodorizing benefits.

Help flush out toxins

Bathing regularly in Epsom salts is supposed to help flush out toxins: perfect after being sick or after a particularly heavy night! Be wary, Epsom salts can also be a little dehydrating so if you're using them to detox after a heavy night out remember to drink even more water than you would be normally.

Help insomnia

If you struggle from insomnia or restless sleep, Epsom salts could give relief. Bathing before bed is often used as an effective relaxing pre-sleep ritual and adding the salts assists with this relaxation helping you get a better night's sleep.