Epsom salt might just be one of the best-kept secrets in self-care, and South Africans are catching on to its incredible benefits.
Whether you’re soothing tired muscles after a long day or simply looking to unwind, Epsom salt offer a cost-effective and natural way to treat yourself at home.
But here’s the catch – the salt isn’t just for the bath. There are countless ways to use it around the house, making it a must-have for any household.
Epsom salt was named after a bitter saline spring at Epsom in Surrey, England. Epsom salt is not salt. In fact, it comprises a naturally occurring pure mineral compound made up of magnesium, sulphur and oxygen.
It was most likely named Epsom “salt” because of its chemical structure and appearance, as it looks similar to traditional table salt. Most of its benefits are due to the presence of magnesium, a mineral that many people do not get enough of.
Why all the hype? A lot of it comes down to magnesium, a mineral that many of us don’t get enough of.
When you dissolve Epsom salt in water, it releases magnesium and sulphate ions, which can be absorbed through your skin. That’s why soaking in an Epsom salt bath feels so good – it’s more than just a nice way to relax; it’s a way to nourish your body from the outside in.
From easing stress to detoxifying your body, the benefits of Epsom salt are as varied as they are effective.
What’s so special about magnesium? Well, it takes on several important roles in the body. It helps regulate enzymes, reduces inflammation, supports muscle and nerve function, helps the body flush out toxins and much more.
If you’re like most South Africans, you probably don’t get enough magnesium from your diet.
But don’t worry, there’s an easy (and relaxing) way to boost your magnesium levels without popping a single pill. Enter Epsom salt, the budget-friendly miracle worker that has been quietly making life better for generations.
Tree Hut has highlighted 10 incredible benefits of Epsom salt, and some of them might just surprise you! Ready to discover how the simple household staple can make your life a little easier?
Relieves muscle cramps: An Epsom salt bath is known to help alleviate pain and muscle cramps. It helps ease inflammation and is even known to help heal cuts and wounds faster.
Promotes sleep: Want a peaceful night’s rest? Try taking an Epsom salt bath before bed. It helps the brain produce the neurotransmitters that induce sleep.
Lowers stress and promotes relaxation: When we are stressed, our body is drained of magnesium and we experience increased levels of adrenaline. When absorbed into the body, magnesium helps produce serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical in the brain, which helps create a feeling of calm and relaxation.
Treats constipation: Magnesium is useful in alleviating constipation because it draws water into the colon, which promotes bowel movement.
Eliminates toxins from the body: The sulphate ions in Epsom salt help flush toxins and heavy metals out of the body by means of reverse osmosis. By eliminating the harmful substances from the body, one may experience less pain and fewer headaches.
Eliminates foot odour: Soaking feet in a mixture of warm water and Epsom salts for 10 minutes has been shown to neutralise odour, soften rough skin and even relieve the symptoms of athlete’s foot.
Exfoliates skin: Mix a handful of Epsom salt with some olive oil and gently rub all over the body in circular motions to remove dry and dead skin cells.
Helps remove splinters: Got a splinter or something stuck under your skin? Soak the area in a bowl of Epsom salt water to draw it out.
Cleans tiles and other surfaces: Get your bathroom and kitchen sparkly clean by mixing equal parts Epsom salt and dishwashing detergent and use it as a scrub on tiles and other surfaces with stubborn stains.
Fertilise plants: Plants rely on magnesium and sulphur in the soil to stay in good health and flourish. Sprinkle Epsom salt over the plant soil weekly to nourish flowers, veggies and house plants.