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The many uses for Epsom salts
By Anne Davis
Epsom salts aren’t really salt, but rather a naturally occurring pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. This combination has a multitude of benefits for health, gardening and household uses.
The generally accepted use for Epsom salts is to add it to a bath to ease muscle strain, but did you know that it can also heal cuts and ease pain and inflammation? A thick paste of Epsom salt and water applied to the affected area will provide additional relief.
Soaking your feet in an Epsom salt bath can help relieve the symptoms of Athlete’s Foot, gout and toenail fungus.
If you have a splinter, soak the area in Epsom salts and hot water and the splinter will dislodge on its own.
Epsom salts can also be used as a hair clarifier to remove product buildup. Combine one gallon of water, one cup of lemon juice and one cup of Epsom salts. Cover the mixture and let it sit for at least 24 hours. When it is ready, pour it over dry hair and leave it on for 20 minutes before shampooing.
Epsom salts rubbed over wet skin make a great exfoliator.
Epsom salt mixed with baby oil is an effective hand wash.
Epsom salts + Liquid Dish Detergent in equal parts = bathroom tile cleaner.
Epsom salts sprinkled in a circle around garden plants will prevent slugs from reaching the plants as well as provide the plants with a source of magnesium necessary to help them flourish. Be sure to apply a quarter cup every six weeks around heavy feeders such as roses and if you throw in a couple of banana peels per rose bush for a dose of potassium as well, your roses will thrive!
Epsom salts used on your lawn will safely and naturally get rid of insect pests as well as make your lawn green. Use a ratio of two tbsp to a gallon of water.
Yet another naturally occurring substance that can help you rid your life of chemicals and pesticides!
Anne Davis is a writer, blogger, artist and photography buff. Born in Quebec, she now lives in Kimberley, BC where she is editor of and contributor to the City of Kimberley’s Active Community Guide and webmaster for the City’s websites.
