Summary: In this blog post I write about a salt that might not actually be a “salt”. It is called Epsom salt and I will be discussing its origin and various, amazing benefits.

It is looks like a clear and simple salt but the benefits are amazing!

What exactly Epsom Salt is? Is it a salt at all? 

The short answer to that question is no, Epsom salt or Hydrated Magnesium Sulfate isn’t an actual salt. It is a a naturally occurring high content pure mineral compound of Sulfate and Magnesium. It is named after its origin of a saline spring in Surrey, England. Due to its high magnesium content, a soak in Epsom Salt is an excellent way to replenish Magnesium in our system.  Inadequate amounts of magnesium can take part in having stroke, heart disease, stroke, arthritis, osteoporosis, digestive problems, fatigue and stress-related illnesses. Just to name a few…, this list already helps us to gasp the importance of having a good balance of Magnesium (and Calcium in our system). Of course to avoid these issues, it isn’t enough just to in check our Magnesium and Calcium levels but it is all part of it too.

Sulfate, Magnesium & Calcium

Various studies have shown that both Magnesium and Sulfate gets absorbed through our skin much better than through our intestines, hence recommending the baths instead of oral consumption. Magnesium has a vital task in our body because it regulates over 320 enzymes. It supports healthy muscle coordination, energy production, electrical impulses and elimination of toxins. Magnesium often combined with Calcium and for quite an important reason. Calcium takes a big part in the health of our bones as well as other vial functions. In theory we can cover our daily calcium needs with various food products such as cheese, milk, leafy greens, seafood, legumes, and some fruits.

However, these days milk is heavily processed and watered down, many people can’t actually tolerate lactose or have a poor diet to start with. It is indeed easier and more consistent to replenish our calcium needs other ways, such as with supplements.  Calcium taken on its own actually further reduces both the Calcium AND the Magnesium levels in our body. Calcium functions best when it is taken with Magnesium together. However as I mentioned before, oral consumption is less effective than Magnesium taken through our skin. Another twist on this, that actually Calcium depletes Magnesium levels and for that reason it is important to find the right balance.

The Amazing Benefits of Epsom Salt: (so many!)

  • Relieve muscle tension and pain
  • Reduce inflammation in joints
  • Relieve abdominal cramps
  • Sooth (tension, migraine) headaches
  • Help to relax your body and relieve stress
  • Support your arterial health
  • Refresh tired feet in soak bath
  • Excellent skin exfoliator
  • Natural face cleanser and black head remover
  • Add volume to hair and help to regulate oil production
  • Improved nerve function by electrolyte regulation
  • Improve nerve function by regulating electrolytes
  • Detoxifying by flushing toxins and heavy metals out of the cells
  • Improve heart and circulatory health
  • Lowering blood pressure
  • Reduce the possibility or the severity of diabetes

How to use Epsom Salt at home?

  • Relaxing bath: add two cups to your bath water and soak for at least 15 minutes. Do this 2-3 times per week for the most benefits.
  • Foot soak: Sooth tired feet, eliminates odors and softens dry skin. For your foot soak add 1/2 cup of Epsom salt (an optional to add a few drops of essential oil)  to a pot of warm/hot water. Soak your feet until the water cools down, than rinse and dry your skin.
  • Nourishing face mask:  mix half an avocado, 1 egg, a teaspoon of honey, the juice of 1 lemon,1/2 cup of milk and half a teaspoon of Epsom salt. Wash your face with cool water and apply the mask in a thick layer for about 15-20minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water.
  • Exfoliate dry skin: Mix Epsom salt with a few drops of essential oil such as peppermint or chamomile. Massage your whole body staring at your sole and feet and work your way up to your arms and neck. Repeat twice a week.
  • Face cleanser: Mix a small amount of epsom salt with your cleansing cream and massage it into your skin. Rinse with cold or lukewarm water.
  • Add volume to your hair: Warm up equal parts of your regular conditioner and epsom salt in a pan and cover your hair with the mixture for 15-20 minutes. Wash thoroughly afterwards.

This all is a good amount new information to start with, but if you want to know more about Epsom Salt, here is a link to the Epsom Salt Council 

by Edit Ford