You wouldn’t think that a common mineral could do so much. Magnesium sulphate, better known as Epsom salts, is popular for adding to bath water – whether to reduce stress, soften skin or relieve aches and pains. Outside the remedy arena, gardeners swear by it because it helps roses to thrive, while potters sometimes add Epsom salts to clay to improve its elasticity.
What’s it good for?
- acne
- calluses and corns
- foot odour
- haemorrhoids
- muscles
- cramps
- ringworm
- shingles
Epsom salts are found anywhere mineral or seawater evaporates. The name comes from a mineral spring in Epsom, Surrey. Not long ago Epsom salts were given as part of the spring round of purgatives to cleanse the body of ‘toxins’ that supposedly built up over the winter. One reason was probably their laxative effect. Until a few decades ago, when proprietary laxatives began to occupy pharmacy shelves, Epsom salts were a popular shortcut to regular bowel movements. The active ingredients in milk of magnesia, Epsom salts are a saline-type laxative; the magnesium draws fluids from the blood into the intestine, making stools softer, while triggering intestinal constructions that stimulate bowel movements.
Same people still take one or two teaspoons of Epsom salts in a glass of water to ease constipation. The problem with this remedy is that it’s often too powerful, causing diarrhea or abdominal cramps. And it can interfere with the body’s absorption of essential nutrients. So it’s best not to use Epsom salts as a laxative unless advised to do so by your doctor.
Soaks and softeners
External uses of Epsom salts, of the other hand, are entirely safe – and incredible useful. Among other things, Epsom salts can be used to:
- Draw out splinters and stings
Epsom salts draws toxins from insect string and brings splinters to the skin’s surface. Add water to Epsom salts to make a paste apply it to the affected area; It will usually begin working in about 10 minutes. You can also soak in an Epsom salts bath to soften the skin and help draw out a splinter. - Deep-clean pores Add a teaspoon Epsom salts to ½ glass of warm water and rub your skin with the solution to dislodge blackheads, cleanse open pores and freshen skin.
- Ease muscle aches An Epsom salts solution draws fluid out of the body and helps to shrink swollen tissues. As it draws fluid through the skin, it also draws out lactic acid, the buildup of which can contribute to aching muscles. Add a cup or two of the salts to a hot bath and enjoy a relaxing soak.
- Sprains and bruises Epsom salts will reduce the swelling of sprains and bruises. Add two cups of Epsom salts to a warm bath, and soak.
- Help haemorrhoids Because it shrinks swollen tissues, Epsom salts makes an excellent soak for haemorrhoids. Just add some to your bath or bidet and immerse the tender area.
- Soften skin Massage handfuls of Epsom salts onto your skin while bathing. The massaging action will exfoliate the skin – in other words remove dead skin cells – leaving your skin looking and feeling smoother and refreshed.
some to your bath or bidet and immerse the tender area.
Fabulous foot soak
This recipe for ‘fabulous feet’ comes from the Epsom salts Industry Council.
Mix the following ingredients in a foot bath or large washing-up bowl:
- 2 cups Epsom salts
- 1 cup Dead Sea salt
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon peppermint oil
- 2 teaspoons oatmeal
- Enough warm-to-hot water to fill the basin
Soak your feet until the water turns cold, then, using a pumice stone, buff all the rough areas of skin. Rinse your feet in cold water and dry thoroughly. Then rub petroleum jelly into your feet and put on a pair of think socks. Don’t try to walk around until you’ve put the socks on: petroleum jelly makes your feet very slippery. Keep the socks on overnight for best results. Repeat as often as you like.