Similar to other typical household ingredients, Epsom Salt is one versatile item that can be used for other purposes besides cooking.
What is Epsom Salt and how is it different from Table Salt?
Epsom salt was named after its origin in Epsom, England. The place is known to be abundant in mineral-rich waters.
Despite it being used in the kitchen for cooking purposes, Epsom salt is less suitable as an ingredient compared to table salts because of its bitter taste.
Additionally, Epsom salt is made up of hydrated magnesium sulfate, a compound not present in table salts. Other salts, table salt included, are all at least 97.5% sodium chloride.
Despite Epsom salt’s evident differences compared to our usual salts, it comes with a variety of health benefits and household uses.
Benefits and Uses of Epsom Salt
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Gets Rid of Flat, Greasy Hair
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Due to its unique components, Epsom salt has been regularly used to degrease oily hair. This adds volume and body to what has been limp and flat hair.
How to: Try mixing equal parts all-natural, sulfate-free deep conditioner and Epsom salts. Warm the mixture to slightly above body temperature then work through hair. Leave in for 15 – 20 minutes then rinse. Feel free to follow up this hair treatment by waving your hair around your face (like the people in those television commercials for chemical hair products) and remember: Laughter is a great natural remedy for all kinds of things! (Source: Natural living ideas)
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Flushes Out Gallstones
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The magnesium sulfate in Epsom salts is attributed to the gallbladder contractions, unclenching the muscles in order to release bile into intestines.
Find out how to flush out gallstones using Epsom Salt on My Cultured Palate.
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Cures Constipation
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Ditch your usual pill laxatives, as Epsom salt is a healthier option to cure constipation.
How to: Dissolve one teaspoon of Epsom salts into a cup of warm water and drink. Note, this remedy should not be used more than once per day. If symptoms persist for more than a few days, it is always recommended to consult with a physician. (Source: Natural living ideas)
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Removes Blackheads
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Say goodbye to blackheads, as Epsom salt is known to get rid of any excess dead skin the natural way!
How to: First, you’ll want to exfoliate to remove any dead skin from around the outsides of the blemishes. Then mix one teaspoon of Epsom salts and four drops of iodine into half a cup of hot water. Stir until salts are completely dissolved and let the mixture cool until it is still warm, but not hot. Massage the mixture into skin affected with blackheads, let it dry completely, then wash your face with warm water and pat dry with a clean cloth. (Source: Natural living ideas)
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Detoxifies the Body (Epsom Salt Bath)
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In theory, the magneisum sulfate in Epsom salts breaks down in water, which gives out several components that soothes the skin when soaked in a bath. With this, Epsom salt baths are known to relax muscles, relieve joint pains, cure headaches, regulate blood flow, and even ease abdominal cramps.
How to:
1. The water should be very warm — not hot, but comfortable to the touch.
2. Add the Epsom salt while the water is running to help it dissolve. For a standard-sized tub, use the amount suggested on the package, usually 1 to 2 cups, or the amount recommended by your doctor. Don’t use Epsom salt in a hot tub, whirlpool, or other tub with jets unless the manufacturer says it’s OK.
References
https://www.leaf.tv/articles/what-is-the-difference-between-salt-epsom-salt/
http://www.naturallivingideas.com/20-epsom-salt-uses/
http://myculturedpalate.com/recipes/gallbladder-cleanse-an-alternative-to-surgery/
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/epsom-salt-bath#1
https://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/flushes.html