Unexpected Uses for Epsom Salt
By Sara Butler
You’ve probably got a carton of Epsom salts somewhere in your house, just waiting to be used. Epsom salts are arguably some of the most cost-effective and natural multi-taskers on the market today. Here are a few uses of Epsom salts you may be unaware of so you can dust off that carton and put them to good use.
What is Epsom Salt?
You may think that Epsom salts are just a coarser version of the stuff you’ve got in your kitchen, but it’s not at all. It’s a mineral compound made up of sulfate and magnesium – it actually has no sodium in it. And you definitely shouldn’t eat it unless you want to encourage things to get moving in a very serious way; you'll want to make sure a toilet is handy.
There are many things you can do with Epsom salts around your home. Just make sure you have plain salt, not scented.
It Makes a Great Cleaner
Epsom salts are very coarse and due to this make an excellent scrub for hard to reach surfaces just like grout and tile. You can apply Epsom salt to your grout or tile with a little liquid soap, let it sit for a bit, and then scrub it and rinse away. You may want to do a small spot test to make sure it won’t damage your tiles – just to be safe.
You can also use it to scrub skillets and pans. Just make sure you don’t use it on non-stick pans since it can damage the non-stick finish, which can be dangerous for your health. Use it on cast iron and other pans mixed with soap. It’s a great way to remove stubborn stuck on bits.
It’s a Great Exfoliator
You’ve probably seen recipes for skin scrub made from coffee grounds or sugar, but Epsom salts can be used too! They’re great for removing dead skin from your feet and other parts of your body to keep your skin smooth and healthy. You can combine it with coconut oil to make a hydrating scrub for your feet.
It’s an Excellent Pain Reliever
Now, as mentioned, you shouldn’t actually ingest Epsom salts because they can cause stomach upset with some rather explosive results. But, it makes a great soak for tired and achy muscles. The magnesium in Epsom salt has anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe the achiness, so throw two cups in your next bath to help soothe the day away.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.