9 unusual uses for Epsom salt
Beyond the classic Epsom salt bath, this inexpensive ingredient can be put to splendid use in a number of other ways as well.
1. Pump up the volume of your hair – Add equal parts Epsom salt to equal parts of your favourite conditioner, work the mixture into your hair, and leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing. The treatment will get rid of excessive oils, which can leave hair looking flat and greasy.
2. Take a bath – A warm bath with Epsom Salt is a terrific way to relax sore muscles. Pour a cup of the salts under the running water and settle in for a soak. Or mix them with your favourite essential oils to make it even more relaxing.
3. Remove splinters – Splinters can be painful but removing them doesn’t have to be! Draw the splinter out by soaking the affected area in warm water with Epsom salts.
4. Sunburn relief – Epsom salts anti-inflammatory properties make it a great tool for alleviating mild sunburn irritation. Take an empty spray bottle, mix two tablespoons of Epsom with one cup of water and spray on the affected area.
5. Swelling, odour and other foot problems – Epsom salt’s ability to reduce swelling and increase circulation makes it an ideal treatment for a number of foot-related issues. Experts say joint pain, swollen feet, foot and toe fungus, and foot odour can all be improved with a 15- to 20-minute warm Epsom salt foot soak.
6. Relieves constipation – One of Epsom salts more popular uses is as a saline laxative. Dissolve one teaspoon of Epsom salts into a cup of warm water and drink. Note, this remedy should not be used more than once per day. If symptoms persist for more than a few days, it is always recommended to consult with a physician.
7. Ease discomfort of gout – Add a couple of tablespoons of Epsom salts to hot water and soak body parts affected by gout. Magnesium sulphate quickly soaks through skin and into the swollen, aching joints to help alleviate pain and inflammation.
8. Create a white Christmas with Epsom salts – You can create the magic of white Christmas in your home in sunny South Africa. Take some Epsom salt, add it to stale beer, and apply the mixture to your windows using a sponge. When it dries, your windows will have a frosty, snowy look.
9. Try it as an eye wash – As it turns out, Epsom salts can really help with eye health too! If you have cataracts or conjunctivitis, stir Epsom salts into warm water. Be sure the salts are completely dissolved. You can use this as an eyewash, or you can apply it to a washcloth and use it as a warm compress. It should have excellent beneficial results.
