13 Incredible Uses for Epsom Salts

Ah, Epsom salt—who could have guessed that something so simple could become so cherished? Epsom salts offer fantastic health benefits—here are 13 ways to incorporate them into your routine, from a calming bath to a face scrub and a hair volumizer. They're also a miracle remedy, helping to remove splinters and reduce swelling from sprains and bruises. One simple ingredient does it all!

I always knew that soaking in a warm bath filled with Epsom salts helped relax muscles and detoxify the body, but I never understood the reason behind it. It wasn't until I explored the Epsom Salt Industry Council website that I discovered that Epsom salts—composed of magnesium sulfate—act as a sedative for the nervous system.

When magnesium sulfate is absorbed through the skin, like in a bath, it helps eliminate toxins from the body, calms the nervous system, reduces swelling, relaxes muscles, and serves as a natural moisturizer, exfoliant, and more.

Foot soak: Alleviate foot pain, eliminate odors, and soften tough skin with a soothing foot soak. Add 1/2 cup of Epsom salt to a large basin of warm water, then soak your feet for as long as you like. Rinse and dry, or try an Epsom Salt Peppermint Foot Scrub for extra freshness.

Soak sprains and bruises: Epsom salt helps reduce swelling in sprains and bruises. Simply add 2 cups of Epsom salt to a warm bath and soak. For treating tendonitis, use these methods.

Splinter remover: Soak in Epsom salt, and it will help draw out the splinter.

Face cleaner: For a night-time cleanse, mix half a teaspoon of Epsom salt with your usual facial cleanser. Massage it into your skin and rinse with cold water for a refreshing effect.

Homemade skin mask: Apply the mask to damp skin. For oily or normal skin, combine 1 tablespoon of cognac, 1 egg, 1/4 cup of non-fat dry milk, the juice of 1 lemon, and half a teaspoon of Epsom salt. For dry or normal skin, mix 1/4 cup of grated carrot, 1 1/2 teaspoons of mayonnaise, and half a teaspoon of Epsom salt. You can also try this simple honey face mask, which is equally effective.

Skin exfoliator: Gently massage handfuls of Epsom salt onto your wet skin, beginning at your feet and working upwards towards your face. Take a bath to rinse off, and explore 16 foods for Beautiful Skin for more skin-enhancing ideas.

Remove excess oil from hair: Epsom salt absorbs excess oil from the hair. Add 9 tablespoons of Epsom salt to 1/2 cup of shampoo designed for oily hair. Apply 1 tablespoon of the mixture to dry hair, then rinse with cold water. Follow up with lemon juice or organic apple cider vinegar, leaving it on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing. For dryness, learn how to Repair Your Hair with Olive Oil.

Remove hairspray: Mix 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of lemon juice, and 1 cup of Epsom salt. Stir well, cover, and let it sit for 24 hours. The next day, apply the mixture to dry hair and leave it on for 20 minutes. Shampoo as usual afterwards.

Hair volumizer: Combine equal parts of deep conditioner and Epsom salt. Warm the mixture in a pan. Apply the warm solution to your hair and leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing.

Adapted from the Epsom Salt Industry Council (Note: Consult a doctor before use if you have any health concerns.)

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