Epsom Salt #BeBetter52
You may have experienced the calming effects of pouring a cup of Epsom salts into a warm bath. The salt makes you feel slightly more buoyant, relaxed, and rejuvenated, but what exactly is Epsom salt? Its scientific name is magnesium sulfate, an inorganic salt containing magnesium, sulfate, and oxygen. In the human body, magnesium is responsible for protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation. Because it's responsible for so much, magnesium deficiency is often called the "Invisible Deficiency."
Although little scientific research has been done on Epsom salt, most doctors and therapists agree that a dash of Epsom salt in warm water relieves sore muscles, lessens joint pain, and heals burned skin. It’s great to soak tired feet in after a long day. Try adding an essential oil such as lavender for a spa-like atmosphere.
Our #bebetter52 challenge this week is to use Epsom salt. The most obvious use of Epsom salts is to put them in a bath. Make sure the water is warm, not hot, and pour the recommended amount of Epsom salt into the running water. Check out our Epsom Salt Bath recipe below.
If you're feeling a little more adventurous, try using Epsom salt as an exfoliant, to remove scum from dirty dishes, or to fertilize your plants. There are a plethora of uses for this mighty magnesium compound, and we want to hear about how you used Epsom salt this week! Post a pic of how you added Epsom salt in your life with the #bebetter52.
Bath: Add at least one cup of Epsom salt to a warm bath and soak for at least 20 minutes. For aches and pains, add at least two cups. (If you have time, soak for 30 to 45 minutes). You'll be amazed at how relaxing it is as all your aches and pains are soothed. Have a good book on hand to read while you soak! Combine with lavender essential oil or flowers for extra relaxation.
Foot soak: for a concentrated magnesium boost, add one cup of Epsom salt to hot water, and soak for 20 minutes.
Oil: Make a homemade magnesium oil when you don't have time for a soak.
Combine a half cup of Epsom salts with a half cup of boiled, distilled water and stir until dissolved. Put into a spray bottle and spray onto arms, legs, and stomach daily (10 to 30 sprays). It may tingle the first few times, and this is normal. If it doesn't go away or is uncomfortable, dilute with more water. This can be left on the skin or washed off in the shower after 20 to 30 minutes. Moisturize about five minutes after application if leaving on.
- Splinter removal: soak in concentrated Epsom salt water before pulling out a splinter.
- Magnesium foot or face scrub: mix with coconut or olive oil for smooth skin.
- In the garden: add a tablespoon of Epsom salt to the soil below a tomato plant to boost growth.
- Tile or grout cleaner: mix equal parts dish soap and Epsom salts. Rinse well for streak-free shine.
- Homemade sea salt spray will add texture and volume to hair.
- Voluminizing hair mask: combine equal parts conditioner and Epsom salt and leave on hair for 20 minutes. Rinse well and let air dry for thicker hair.
- Get rid of slugs.
- Laxative for occasional constipation: take one teaspoon of Epsom salt dissolved in water (check with doctor first).
- Sunburn relief: dissolve one tablespoon of Epsom salt into warm water and let it cool, then spray on burn for relief.
- Rose growth: a tablespoon a week around the soil of your rose bushes can help boost growth.