Epsom Salts

There are many simple items we use in our homes and one of these is Epsom salts. These salts were originally found in Epsom in the United Kingdom, which is also famous for horse racing. Magnesium sulfate or Epsom salts were named for the mineral-rich waters found in Epsom.

The use of these waters in Epsom dates back to at least Shakespeare’s day, but were made popular in the Victorian era when the British would regularly visit the spa town to bathe in and drink the healing waters.

When we bathe in Epsom salts we absorb magnesium sulfate through our skin which helps reduce stress, heal skin conditions and generally remove toxins from our body. This long-time natural and inexpensive remedy is an excellent way to relax our muscles and increase our circulation and can help ease and heal muscle strains, sprains, aching limbs and backs.

When we are stressed our body gets depleted of magnesium and an Epsom salt bath will allow us to absorb magnesium into our system to re-energise us. Magnesium also helps our brain produce sufficient amounts of the mood-elevating chemical serotonin, which creates a feeling of relaxation in our nervous system.

Epsom salts make for excellent exfoliation and is recommended to be used for treating nail fungus, athlete’s foot, foot odour and for softening hard skin on our feet. Simply soak your feet in a bowl of hot water with a handful of Epsom salts for 10 minutes daily.

Keep a jar of Epsom salts mixed with olive oil by your sink. This can be used to cleanse your hands thoroughly after messy kitchen jobs; the additional bonus is you will have nice, soft hands.

Soaking in Epsom salts will also help alleviate the pain caused from insect bites and can be used to loosen and extract a splinter from the skin. To get a natural glow in your hair, mix equal parts of hair condition and Epsom salts for 15 seconds, apply to clean wet hair and leave for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

When treating minor strains, sprains and bruises, a towel soaked in a gallon of hot water and a cup of Epsom salts can be applied directly to the affected area. Alternately, soak in a warm bath with 16 oz of Epsom salts. While in the tub use a wash cloth to rub your skin in order to open the pores for better absorption of the magnesium sulfate. If any area is sore, rub that area for a while longer. Do this bath before going to bed at night.

For athlete’s foot an Epsom salt bath with apple cider vinegar is highly recommended the night prior to competing in an event. This will not only release any current aches and pains but will help to promote a good night’s sleep.

There are other home and garden uses for Epsom salts; mix equal parts of dishwashing liquid with Epsom salts to clean dirty kitchen tiles. Mix two tablespoons of Epsom salts with a gallon of water and use on your lawn to keep it green. Sprinkle Epsom salts around garden plants and vegetables to keep them nourished and fertilised. Epsom salts sprinkled in a slug’s path will stop them from attacking your plants.

Below are two recipes using Epsom salts; these can be tried at home.

Epsom Salt Relaxation Bath

Ingredients

1 cup Epsom salts

1 cup sea salt

3 tbsp baking soda

2 tsp cold pressed olive or coconut oil

10 drops of orange or lavender essential oil – optional

Method of Preparation

Mix all ingredients together and add to bath while it is being filled with water

Soak for 15 – 20 minutes

The use of baking soda will make your skin extra smooth and silky.

Epsom Salt Body and

Face Exfoliation

Ingredients

1/2 cup Epsom salts

2 tsp olive oil or coconut oil – cold pressed

1 tbsp yogurt

Method of Preparation

Mix all ingredients together. Shower first and apply to face without exfoliating. Massage well into your face and body, concentrating on rough areas such as elbows, knees and feet. Gently massage face using a gentle circular motion. Rinse both face and body well.

Spa Elder Tip

Natural healing lies at our fingertips when we take the time to look.

Stella Gray is the Spa Elder at Fern Tree, the Spa at Half Moon, with over 35 years in the spa industry. She can be reached at ferntree@halfmoon.com.